Sweden has become increasingly expensive over the past few years, in line with the cost of living crisis, inflation and rising food prices affecting much of Europe.
These significant price increases make the high costs at Swedish airports even more noticeable, leaving many travellers, already burdened by inflation, feeling the pinch.
Luckily, there are ways to make your stay at Swedish airports more affordable.
Bring your own food – or buy it before getting to the airport
When travelling through a Swedish airport, according to the official information on the Sweden's Transport Agency's website, you are allowed to bring solid food through security and onto the plane.
However, if the food is considered a liquid, restrictions will apply. Liquids include foods such as jellies, creams, drinks, soups, and dishes with both solid and liquid components (like meat and potatoes with sauce or pickled cucumbers). This rule applies even if the food is frozen.
Use this information to prepare your own meals (sandwiches are a good option for longer flights, while snacks may do the trick for shorter ones) or buy food before you get to the airport.
Both will lead to saving a lot of money compared to airport food prices.
Cutting (transport) costs on your way to the airport
Sweden's major airports have express services that make getting there quick and efficient, but these can be a tad expensive.
Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives.
For example, in Stockholm, you can take the non-express commuter train instead of the Arlanda Express or combine a train plus bus option.
Both options cost less, though they do take longer (the express train trip lasts around 20 minutes, while the cheaper alternatives will take around 40 minutes).
For a detailed guide to your transport options if you want to skip the Arlanda Express (or if it isn't running), check out The Local's guide on the topic here.
Do your research before getting there
All of Sweden's busiest airports are operated by the state-owned company Swedavia, which makes it easier to check out your dining options in advance.
Knowing where to find the cheaper and more expensive eateries can help you plan better.
You can find an overview of available restaurant, bar, and cafe options on a per airport and per terminal basis, as well as their opening hours, on the company's website.
For Arlanda Airport, check here. For Landvetter, here.
Keep in mind that the most affordable options might be before security.
Are lounges worth it?
While suggesting you spend money on a lounge might seem counterintuitive, it can sometimes be a cost-effective option. You'll just need to do some simple maths to determine whether it's worth it.
A meal and a drink at a Swedish airport could easily cost a few hundred kronor.
Lounges, which typically include buffet food and drink options, might offer better value for money, if you're planning to buy food in a restaurant at the airport rather than bringing your own with you. They also often have shower facilities, office spaces including printers, and children's areas, which may make the cost worth it depending on your journey and whether you're travelling with family or not.
For the SAS international lounge at Arlanda, the cost is usually around 350 kronor when purchased in advance online and slightly higher if bought at the lounge reception on the day of your visit.
Note that if you are a frequent flyer or have certain credit cards, you might have access to lounges for free or at a discounted rate, using points to pay for some or all of the fee.
Don't buy the first thing that seems cheap at the airport – a better deal might be waiting outside
Many items found in airport stores and duty-free shops are available outside the airport, and often at better prices.
While duty-free items are tax-free, you might still find better deals by shopping around elsewhere (in fact, this is often the case for both food and drinks).
Resist the temptation to buy stuff that seems cheap at the airport unless you're absolutely sure you're getting a fair price. You can always do a quick Google search before you buy to see if you can get it cheaper somewhere else.
You will likely save more by purchasing it outside the airport.
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