Travelers often question why food at airports comes with high price tags. Many reports highlight this issue, particularly after a traveler shared a post on social media about a nearly $20 avocado toast purchased at an airport in the South.
The avocado toast was supposed to include toasted sprout bread, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, bacon, and crushed red pepper. However, many commented that the dish seemed less appealing than expected for the price.
“It’s probably sold as avocado purée. … They took a disposable plastic knife, and they wiped it on a piece of toast,”
said California chef Andrew Gruel after viewing photos of the controversial avocado toast. Gruel feels the declining quality of airport food is happening alongside rising costs. “Nowadays, all you’re getting is just prepackaged, co-packed foods at airports,” he mentioned.
Gruel explains that much airport food isn’t cooked from scratch. He notes that high prices also apply to sit-down restaurant food in airports. Airport vendors face higher rents, stricter security for deliveries, and increased labor costs. These factors collectively contribute to the expense of meals.
Travel expert Gary Leff points out that while airports advertise “street pricing,” definitions can be unclear. Some airports, like those under the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, allow concessionaires to charge up to 15% more than comparable off-airport prices.
Travelers frequently mention high costs for items like water, with reports indicating $5-$6 for a basic bottle. Other menu items, such as a $34 burger at JFK Airport’s Paris Cafe or a $21.30 Barney Breakfast at LAX, exemplify steep pricing.
Andrew Gruel advises caution when considering airport lounge meals, as food there can sometimes be exposed and handled by multiple individuals. Instead, he suggests travelers eat before arriving at the airport or bring something from home. Sandwiches can be a worthwhile purchase if quality is assured, citing Rick Bayless’s Tortas Frontera in Chicago’s O’Hare as a good option, despite its $20-$25 price.