The money-wasting mistake millions of passengers make at airports each year – and how to avoid

TAKING a holiday is expensive enough, without falling for common tourist traps.

According to one travel expert, there are some common pitfalls that most travellers make.

Arina Bloom worked as a flight attendant for two years, where she learned a number of tricks for saving money while travelling.

One of the easiest changes is at the airport, where she often saw travellers spending money on pricey bottles of water.

It's an easy mistake to make - frazzled passengers trying to get through airport security simply chuck their bottles of water away after being caught out by the 100ml liquids rule.

But there are plenty of water fountains for refilling bottles once through security.

Ms Bloom told "Plane travel is expensive. You already paid for the ticket, taxi, and luggage, so don't waste your money on overpriced airport water.

"You can't take liquids through security, but no one says you can't take an empty bottle.

"Most airports are full of water fountains, and many have a special pump to refill bottles quickly.

"To keep your bottle full during the flight, just ask your flight attendant for a refill. If you're lucky, they may even put ice in it."

Water isn't the only thing you should avoid buying at the airport.

According to Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with shopping comparison website : “Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time.

"Our research shows that electronics are, on average, 34 percent more expensive at the airport than what they would find online."

She said this could between £10 and £15 for small gadgets, but up to £180 for things like cameras.

Lindsay added: "And that charger? It could be up to 50 percent more at the airport."

Snacks are also often much dearer compared to their high street counterparts.

Comparison website finder.com found the biggest rip off was the Cadbury's Oreo chocolate bar costing £5 at duty free and just £2 at the supermarket.

A 250g bag of peanut M&M's didn't fare much better, costing £3.50 at duty free yet just £1.50 at supermarkets.

So, if you really are craving some snacks, make sure to bring them with you from home, as you can take them through airport security as long as they don't break the liquid rules.