Any traveler who frequently visits the airport knows how expensive it can be to eat there. The law of supply and demand kicks in, and when hunger strikes with no other options, one pays whatever it takes to get something hot into the stomach before embarking on a journey. That's why today we offer you 3 tips that will allow you to eat at the airport without breaking the bank.
The most cost-effective way to eat at an airport is to bring your own food, as long as it's solid and doesn't take the shape of a container or package that might raise concerns at security checkpoints. However, if you're flying to a distant destination, be aware that authorities might impose some restrictions for food safety reasons.
In Europe, most vending machines don't offer a large selection-sandwiches, some crudités, sweet and savory snacks, and not much else. However, in Asia, it's a different story. At many airports (some of which are among the most spectacular in the world), you can actually make your own ramen from a vending machine at a fairly affordable price.
Vending Machines: Your Allies at the Airport
The first tip for eating cheaply at an airport is to snack on something from the vending machines found in any terminal. It's true that they don't often offer products at prices comparable to what you'd find in supermarkets or food stores, but even so, it's always the most economical option. If you're on a very tight budget, you can save on water if you already know the trick of bringing an empty bottle and only spend money on a sandwich and something sweet to board without your stomach making its own orchestra.
Fast Food and Low-Cost Options
The second tip isn't the healthiest choice, but it's what you have to do if you don't want to spend a fortune. And yes, as you probably guessed, it's all about choosing fast food restaurant franchises. In most international terminals, you can find burger chains that offer you a complete meal with fries, a drink, and a burger for less than $6.
It's important that travelers don't get carried away with excitement upon seeing a franchise establishment, as some can be quite expensive. We won't name names, but one example could be the coffee brand that charges you cookie prices like it's a chocolate cake. And yes, there are also luxury franchises whose prices are far from budget-friendly.
The last and third tip for saving money if you have to eat at the airport is to be on the lookout for any offers. How? It's very simple. There are establishments that give you discounts or offer a percentage off your bill if you download their app. A well-known donut brand, for example, will give you one of their specialties if you download the app for the first time and show them the code to claim your free treat.
If what you want is a full meal with utensils, it's important to take your time walking around the terminal to see the prices of different establishments. Once you've chosen, it's crucial to look for deals and meal packs. Sometimes it's cheaper to get a full menu (which usually includes a drink and something sweet for dessert) than to order individual dishes. Almost all restaurants offer packs or menus, as they provide a quick way to order regardless of the language used.
In summary, if you want to eat at the airport and won't be bringing your food, you have several options: choose without paying attention to prices and end up with a bill that takes a chunk out of your travel budget or follow these 3 tips for eating cheaply without straining your wallet.