If you’ve ever been shocked by paying $20 for a sandwich or $10 for a small cup of fruit at the airport, you’re not alone. However, in recent years, there have been stricter regulations initiated in some airports to curb expensive pricing.
Here’s what you need to know about why airport food can be expensive, what’s being done about it, and how you can save money on your next trip.
Why Is Airport Food Expensive?
Several factors contribute to higher food prices at airports, including:
✔ Higher Operational Costs – Vendors pay premium rent to operate inside airport terminals, which increases the cost of food and beverages.
✔ Limited Competition – Unlike city restaurants, airports restrict the number of vendors, meaning fewer choices and less competitive pricing.
✔ Convenience Premium – Travelers have limited options and time before flights, making them more willing to pay higher prices for food.
✔ Security & Logistics – Airport vendors face stricter regulations, supply chain limitations, and staffing challenges, which add to costs.
How Are Airports Regulating Prices in 2025?
Many airports have adopted “street pricing” policies to prevent vendors from charging passengers too much.
✔ What Is “Street Pricing”?
Street pricing limits how much more an airport vendor can charge compared to a non-airport location. Many airports cap the markup at 10–15% above what you’d pay for the same food outside the airport.
✔ How Airports Enforce Pricing
Airports now monitor vendors more closely and require them to justify price increases. Some have introduced clearer pricing policies.
✔ Have Prices Actually Gone Down?
In some cases, yes. Some airports have lowered pricing, though high costs remain in many locations.
How to Save Money on Food at the Airport
💡 1. Bring Your Own Snacks
✔ You CAN bring solid foods like granola bars, nuts, sandwiches, and fruit through security.
✔ Avoid messy foods or liquids over 3.4 oz, which won’t be allowed past TSA.
💡 2. Carry an Empty Water Bottle
✔ Airport water bottles are overpriced ($5+ in some cases).
✔ Bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it up after security at a water station.
💡 3. Eat Before You Arrive
✔ Airport food is marked up significantly—grabbing a meal before heading to the airport saves money.
✔ If you have a long layover, check if the airport has a food court before security (which often has better pricing).
💡 4. Use Airline or Credit Card Lounges
✔ Many travel credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, where you can get complimentary food and drinks.
✔ Some airline memberships allow you to access lounges even in Economy class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I bring my own food to the airport?
Ans. Yes! TSA allows solid foods like sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (like soup or yogurt) are not allowed.
Q. Are some airports cheaper than others?
Ans. Yes. Some airports strictly enforce street pricing (keeping costs lower), while others allow vendors to set higher prices. Researching airport food costs before traveling can help you plan.
Q. Why is bottled water expensive at airports?
Ans. Bottled water is marked up due to limited competition and supply chain logistics. Bringing an empty reusable bottle and refilling it after security is a great way to save money.
Final Thoughts: Are Airport Food Prices Getting Better?
While some airports have improved pricing transparency, others still have expensive markups. A great way to avoid overpaying? Plan ahead.
✔ Pack your own snacks
✔ Bring a reusable water bottle
✔ Use travel credit cards for lounge access
By being prepared, you can avoid paying $30 for fries and a soda and spend your travel budget where it really matters—on your destination! 🚀
