Recently, I’ve spoken to multiple people about how they feel about US airports. One trend that I’ve found, hinted in multiple conversations, was talk of the inflating beverage prices and snacks / meals. Oil, which is currently trading at 113 a barrel, has pressured airlines to cut costs to cope with the high prices. Airlines are now paying double for fuel, than they were a year ago. They’re now adding fees, including beverages and meals, to deal with the large expense of fuel. My question is, how are airports reacting to the newly added fees?
Let me warn you before you draw conclusions; THIS IS SPECULATION. Alright, back to it. The TSA currently enforces laws that prohibit water bottles and other liquids inside aircraft, and will force you to dispose of them if found. Bringing beverages on board is not an option for passengers. The on-board beverage service, for flights of a specific length, are a passenger’s option at getting something to drink during a flight. However, recently carriers have started to charge for beverages, some at ‘baseball game’ amounts. That leaves the beverages for sale in the airport. Are they affordable? Usually one can find that the airport charges less than airlines, unless you fly Southwest Airlines (who has a ad campaign running about how they’re different from the rest).
Conclusion: If you want something to eat or drink, get it legally prior to boarding the aircraft (once again, unless you’re on Southwest or another carrier that serves drinks / snacks free). The airport is the best option for water. If you want something to eat, I believe you’re still able to bring food safely through the TSA screenings. Perhaps Airport sales will boom as airlines add fees, but we’ll have to see.
Image: flickr.com
