New York Times columnist David Brooks went viral for tweeting that his burger, fries and drink cost $78 at Newark Airport. While the restaurant said that his alcoholic beverages are what really spiked the tab, it’s still no secret that dining can cost a pretty penny at any airport.
So why are airport prices so high in the first place? There are a lot of complex factors at play with airports, such as the high commercial-space rent and operating expenses, pricey employee parking and staff turnover, as well as extra delivery fees, which all need to be factored into pricing. And the airport and its vendors still want to make a profit on top of all of that, too.
Pack your own snacks One thing many frequent flyers advise is simply not spending any money in the airport if you can help it. “Not as easy to do when traveling with my three kids. Sometimes I need to take the hit with them,” noted Travelzoo’s Saglie. “But if I’m flying solo, I generally resist the hunger urge for the sake of not paying through the nose for basic food.” He packs snacks like beef jerky and granola bars that are filling, finger-friendly and security-friendly.