Expert issues warning on common airport mistake that could cost passengers £200

An expert has warned a common travel mistake could end up costing you £200 if you don't get it sorted before you arrive at the airport.

Our summer holidays are fast approaching and we're keen to have the airport malarkey streamlined as much as possible.

We all know there's nothing worse than getting caught up in catastrophic queues and arguing over baggage, so when it comes to learning nifty tricks of the trade we're all ears.

It was just recently that we learned there's no point checking our bags in early as they just get mixed up on the belt anyway, so it's probably worth relishing those last few moments in bed.

In the age of the internet, there's no shortage of flight attendants, airport staff and generally flight-savvy humans on hand to fill us in on ways to hold on to our well-earned cash.

Jet setters are being warned about how to avoid a common mistake that could set you back £200.

We all know by now that it's worth exchanging your money over for the local currency in a bid to avoid hidden charges and fees when you've reached your destination.

Many of us opt to exchange our cash at a post office or at a designated exchange company - but some among us leave it way too late and find ourself approaching a booth at the airport.

Exchange rates are usually better outside of the airport. (Getty Stock Image)

This way, you can find yourself stung by extortionate exchange rates.

The heroes over at eurochange conducted a study that looked at exchange rate prices on offer in the five busiest airports of the UK.

They found that us Brits are likely to be losing out on more than £200 at London Stansted when we purchase €1,000 due to the exchange rate there.

The cheapest airport was discovered to be Birmingham, yet you could still find yourself losing £155.98.

Here's the breakdown of how much you stand to lose at the top five busiest airports if you purchase €1,000:

• Birmingham: £155.98
• Edinburgh: £157.85
• London Luton: £161.66
• London Heathrow: £163.90
• London Stansted: £208.80

It turns out you should avoid exchanging money on weekends. (Getty Stock Image)

Ultimately, it's a well known fact that it pays off to exchange your money in advance, rather than at the airport where they can take advantage of your lateness.

Head of digital engagement at eurochange, Laura Evans-Fisk, commented: "Changing money at the airport is absolutely the least cost-effective way of picking up your holiday money, as rates can be up to 13 percent higher than they are on the high-street or online.

"This is simply because there is much less competition, and they know customers aren’t shopping around for the best deal, so they can rack up the rates."

She adds that the best days to exchange currency are Monday-Thursday, advising: "These are the least busy days for transfers, so you might see a little less fluctuation in the mid-market rate over these days."

Noted!