WHEN getting ready to jet off to sunnier skies the last thing most of us want is to find we’re short of pennies.

But there are several mistakes you might be making at the airport that will cost you money that could have been better spent.

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A former flight attendant has now shared inside information on how to avoid forking out the cash unnecessarily – and it might surprise you.

From not buying bottled water, to last minute upgrades, here are seven common mistakes that can be easily avoided.

Buying bottled water

Although liquids can’t be taken through security, passengers can carry an empty bottle.

Most airports are full of free 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.

Waiting to upgrade

Upgrading from economy to business class is often “drastically” cheaper to do upon arrival at the airport, according to business insider.

Sometimes, if the plane is empty, or you have a loyalty program with the airline, the gate agent can upgrade you to business class at no extra cost.

But even if you have to pay, it’s going to be much cheaper than buying online.

Business insider advises being “extremely nice to the staff” and arriving early so business seats are still available.

Duty free deals

The duty free zone of an airport is a bargain hunter’s heaven.

But, although its known for its incredible discounts, they aren’t all they cracked up to be, and often far better deals can be found online.

Onboard pricing

Even on short flights there is usually an option to buy food onboard – but don’t be fooled.

There isn’t always a full meal available to buy and the snacks are often over priced and small.

Pricy exchanges

Although there’s often a long queue at the airport currency exchange desk its often very expensive to make exchanges this way.

Most banks or shopping malls have currency exchanges with steadier rates before your flight.

And if you forget, just get enough money for a taxi into the city and go to a local bank.

Staying loyal

Frequent flyers will often reap rewards for staying with one airline.

Benefits of this can include collecting miles you can use on a later flight, getting free checked bags, upgrades, and access to lounges with free food and drinks.

Packed lunch

There is a common misconception that food can’t be taken through security at airports.

But, as long as the food is solid there shouldn’t be a problem.

According to the Daily Express, Cakes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and other completely solid foods are fine to take through airport security. 

It comes as we shared three clever tips to increase your chances of booking an empty flight.

Gilbert Orr, creator of the travel blog godsavethepoints.com, told The Telegraph flyers should book a departure time with lower demand, like early in the morning or late at night.

He said: “Between New York and London, for example, the last flight of the day (in both directions) will typically be the most quiet, as business travellers prefer earlier flights.”

Further, booking on days with lower travel demand, like on major holidays such as Christmas, can also increase the chances.

Another tip is to fly on routes between smaller cities with less popular airlines.

Henry Harteveldt, a US-based aviation analyst, told The Telegraph that people could look for flights from smaller cities or less publicised flights.

Finally, ‘tag’ routes, if you know them, could give you something to look out for when searching for flights.

A tag route is where a commercial airline flies between two destinations, but then adds on another stop for whatever reason.

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