Airport spending sprees can soar sky-high fast. Here's why—and how to land savings before takeoff.
You’re Spending a Lot More at the Airport Than You Think—Here’s How Much
Published on Dec. 19, 2024
Who hasn’t found themselves at the airport clutching a boarding pass to an exciting destination in one hand and a not-so-thrilling $8 bottle of water or $7 snack in the other? For me, the airport shop shenanigans don’t stop there. I usually also snag a life-giving but wallet-draining Coke Zero and an antacid to counter my poor choices. And of course, I need the latest bestseller—you know, just in case my well-stocked Kindle decides to crash midflight. By the time I board, I’m usually weighed down with all these last-minute, so-called necessities, while my wallet feels suspiciously light.
As a frequent traveler, I can confirm that the struggle to resist the temptation of overpriced merchandise in the name of airport survival is very real. Airports are notorious for draining funds faster than a tight layover sprint to a gate that’s inevitably located at the opposite end of the terminal. Do we overlook inflated prices because of the excitement of adventure, or are we simply OK with laying out extra cash for convenience?
According to a study by CardRates.com, Americans tend to go on serious personal-spending sprees at the airport. The report reveals the jaw-dropping tally of how much travelers’ money takes flight on impulse purchases and highlights the worst financial traps lying in wait. Ahead, discover these and other eye-opening insights along with tips to avoid breaking the bank before you even say, “Bon voyage!”
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How did the study determine airport spending?
CardRates.com conducted a survey of 1,000 Americans to explore airport spending habits. Participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 78, with an average age of 40, identified as female (49%), male (49%) and nonbinary (2%).
On average, respondents reported taking three airplane trips per year. The survey revealed that 59% of these trips were primarily for vacation, 24% for visiting family, 13% for work and 4% for other purposes. Most travelers (55%) journeyed with family members, while 33% traveled solo, 7% were accompanied by friends and 5% went with colleagues.
“This survey revealed some interesting attitudes about spending at the airport,” says Erica Sandberg, a consumer finance expert for CardRates. Keep reading to find out what the report uncovered.
How much does the average traveler typically spend at the airport?
Forget getting nickel-and-dimed—Americans just aren’t good about pinching pennies at the airport. The study reveals that travelers spend a staggering $135 on average each time they’re in transit. It turns out that all those extra little splurges and just-in-case purchases add up a lot faster than you’d think.
According to CardRates.com, 69% of travelers said hunger forced them to part ways with their hard-earned cash, and 50% cited thirst. Sandberg points out that food and beverages dominated when it came to the most common unplanned buys—84% of those surveyed went for food, spending an average of $38; 75% opted for nonalcoholic drinks, dropping $19; and 22% indulged in alcoholic beverages, spending $38.
“Maybe you didn’t have time to eat before you headed to the airport, or your flight was delayed, so that lunch you expected to have at your destination will now be held at the airport,” Sandberg explains. Parents, in particular, may rely on snacks and drinks to keep kids calm and in good spirits when hunger hits, with 62% opting for grab-and-go options.
Other common budget busters included forgotten personal-care items, which can be especially costly. The study showed 21% of travelers spent an average of $73 replacing those essentials. Mementos also added up, with 35% of respondents admitting they dropped money ($57 on average) for gifts—30% of the participants said purchases were for themselves, and 70% noted the gifts were for others.
Why do travelers spend so much?
“I was particularly fascinated by 66% of the respondents saying that spending at the airport is part of the overall travel experience,” Sandberg says. “People loosen up their wallets when they’re in vacation mode.”
Convenience plays a major role in the freewheeling spending. When it comes to food and drinks, 41% of travelers prioritized convenience over brand loyalty, even though price was a concern for 32% of them. Time is another factor in the equation. For 44% of participants, shopping became a way to pass the time while waiting around for flights, while the overall length of the trip influenced spending for 62% of people.
Stress also throws an expensive wrench into the mix. Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, explains that travelers often dole out the dollars because of limited options and anxiety. “Add in long security lines, delayed flights or skipped meals before heading to the airport, and impulse purchases suddenly feel ‘necessary’ to maintain comfort,” he says.
The study’s results back this up. Even though 96% of respondents agreed that airport merchandise is overpriced, 55% admitted they shop anyway, with 39% noting they spent more than desired. Unfortunately, those sky-high totals often lead to regret. Of those surveyed, 38% reported feeling airport buyer’s remorse, with 1 in 10 rarely, or not at all, satisfied with their acquisitions.
How do airport prices compare with normal prices?
Airport prices are typically 10% to 15% above “street prices,” according to Vox. The markup varies depending on the airport’s vendor policies and regional variations. Chain bars and restaurants in terminals often follow the pricing model, applying a similar premium for the same items they sell in off-site locations.
Neugarten notes that the steeper price tags come down to a captive audience and the unique challenges and costs of operating in airports. “Airport vendors pay hefty rent, security fees and staffing costs just to be inside terminals,” he says. “Travelers can’t easily leave to find cheaper alternatives, so vendors price goods accordingly, knowing most people will pay the premium for convenience.”
While prices will vary from location to location throughout the country, here are just a few examples of prices at JFK International Airport in New York compared with outside-the-airport prices.
- A Starbucks sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich is $5.45 in Manhattan and $6.25 at the airport.
- A crispy grilled cheese on sourdough bread costs $7.45 in the city and $8.25 at JFK.
- An avocado bacon chicken sandwich at Shake Shack is $10.99 in Brooklyn and runs $12.59 at JFK.
- The flat-top hot dog at Shake Shack rings up at $4.49 outside the airport and $5.19 inside.
- A large fountain soda is typically $4.49, compared with $4.70 inside the airport a few miles away.
- The Palm Restaurant in Manhattan serves a calamari fritto misto appetizer for $23, while the same dish at dinnertime goes for $23 at JFK.
- A chicken parmigiana entree in the city is $40 and $43 at the airport.
- A classic Palm burger and fries is a relative steal at $18 in the Big Apple, but it’s $29 at JFK.
- Kiehl’s Facial Fuel for men will run you $21 at Kiehls.com and $25 at JFK.
How can you save money at the airport?
Protecting your finances doesn’t have to be an impossible mission. With a little planning and a few savvy strategies, you can keep more cash in your pocket to spend at your final destination. Here are some practical tips to help you save before takeoff:
- Skip the bottled water. Sandberg calls H2O bought at the airport a “ridiculously expensive” purchase. Instead, pack an empty water bottle to fill up at a fountain once you’re through security.
- Plan your meals. Eat before arriving at the airport. Or follow the lead of 36% of the survey participants who brought their own food to avoid the temptation of buying overpriced terminal options before flying.
- Plan your entertainment. Download movies, TV shows or books ahead of time to avoid making impulse buys at airport shops. But if you’re eyeing a new read for the plane, go ahead and treat yourself guilt free. “Prices are typically the same as outside the airport” when it comes to books, Sandberg says.
- Prepare for issues. Neugarten recommends travelers pack a few key essentials. “If delays are common for your flight or airport, bring creature comforts, like an extra sweater or travel pillow to avoid pricey impulse buys,” he says.
- Reconsider duty-free shopping. While duty-free might seem like a bargain, Sandberg isn’t a fan. “In some circumstances, prices are lower than what they are outside the airport, but very often, they’re the same,” she explains, “and you may be able to get what you want for even less when the products go on sale.”
- Consider getting lounge access. Co-branded credit cards often include complimentary day passes to airline lounges, or you can purchase a pass for around $30 to $50. Neugarten points out that lounges are great deals, especially for frequent travelers, because they “include unlimited food, drinks and a quiet space to work or relax.”
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece, Aaron Rasmussen tapped his experience as a longtime travel writer and travel guidebook editor to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Erica Sandberg, consumer finance expert and reporter for CardRates; email interview, Dec. 9, 2024
- Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club; email interview, Dec. 10, 2024
- CardRates.com: “Airport Shopping Habits: 70% of Americans Make Impulse Purchases”
- Vox: “The High Price of Absolutely Everything at the Airport”
