The High Cost of Airport Dining

More travelers question the high prices of airport food compared to the quality offered. A viral post recently highlighted this frustration. A traveler in the South bought nearly $20 avocado toast at an airport. The meal included toasted sprout bread, avocado, olive oil, bacon, and crushed red pepper. Despite its price, it was unappetizing to many.

Challenges for Airports

Chef Andrew Gruel commented on the subpar quality despite rising costs at airports. He noted airports now mainly sell prepackaged, co-packed items. Gruel called most sit-down restaurant food at airports overpriced and rarely cooked from scratch. However, he acknowledged some good options exist.

According to travel experts, such as Gary Leff, airport food issues go beyond a single overpriced meal. He cited higher rents and stricter security requirements, explaining why airport food costs more. Airports sometimes promise street pricing but do not clearly indicate comparable prices.

For instance, New York and New Jersey allow airport eateries to charge up to 15% more than similar off-airport rates. Leff described the general trend as more expensive but not better quality.

Examples of High Prices

A burger at Paris Cafe in JFK Airport costs $34. At Los Angeles International, Barney’s Beanery charges $21.30 for a basic breakfast. Even water bottles reach $5 or $6, leading many travelers to share online frustrations. Some mention paying $36 for a breakfast burrito they felt was overpriced.

Advice for Travelers

Leff and Gruel suggest avoiding airport expenses by eating beforehand or bringing food. They recommend looking for quality sandwiches over other options. Gruel mentioned Tortas Frontera in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport as an example of better quality, albeit still costly.