Owais Crawford
Drinking at JFK airport in New York City can be expensive. In 2019, a single bottle of beer at the airport cost $14.15, a 643% markup from its retail price. In 2024, the average cost of beer at JFK was $11.82, the fourth-highest average beer price of any airport in the US. While there are budget-friendly options at JFK, such as McDonald's and Dunkin', other restaurants and cafes, including Deep Blue Sushi, Bobby Van's Steakhouse, and Le Grand Comptoir, are considered expensive. The high prices of food and drinks at JFK and other New York City airports, such as LaGuardia, have been a source of frustration for travellers, with Port Authority, the governing body that controls these airports, calling the price hikes totally indefensible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of a beer | $11.82 |
| Most expensive beer | $14.15 |
| Average cost of a glass of wine | $17 |
| Average cost of a cheeseburger and fries | $29.50 |
| Average cost of a chicken Caesar wrap | $16 |
| Average cost of a turkey-and-Swiss panini | $16 |
| Cheaper food options | McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, Urban Crave, Soho Bites, CIBO Express |
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What You'll Learn
- Beer prices at JFK airport are above the national average
- Food and drink prices at JFK airport are set to increase
- There are cheaper alternatives at JFK airport, such as McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts
- Some restaurants at JFK airport offer good value for money, like Urban Crave and Soho Bites
- The high cost of drinks at JFK airport is due to a lack of competition
Beer prices at JFK airport are above the national average
JFK Airport is one of three airports servicing New York City that are in the top 10 most expensive airports for beer. The other two airports are LaGuardia Airport, which has the highest average beer price in the country at $13.83, and Newark Liberty International Airport, with an average beer cost of $10.41.
The high cost of beer at JFK Airport is likely due to several factors, including the high passenger volume, as JFK is one of the busiest airports in the country. Additionally, the cost of operating a business at an airport, such as rent and security fees, can also contribute to higher prices for food and drinks.
In response to the high cost of food and drink at JFK Airport, the Port Authority, which controls JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports, has released a report outlining policies to rein in these high costs. The report states that concessionaires must offer lower-priced food and beverage options to provide a wider range of value for customers. As a result, bars and restaurants at JFK Airport will not be able to charge more than 10% higher than what items cost outside of the airport.
While the price of beer at JFK Airport is above the national average, it is still possible to find ways to save money when purchasing drinks at the airport. For example, using credit card rewards points or budgeting in advance can help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses when treating yourself to a pre-flight beer.
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Food and drink prices at JFK airport are set to increase
JFK Airport has long been known for its expensive food and drink options. In 2019, a single bottle of beer at the airport was priced at $14.15, a 643% markup from its retail price of around $1.75. While this price may vary across the airport, with some reporting a $27 beer, it is undeniable that the cost of a drink at JFK is significantly higher than outside the airport.
The Port Authority, which governs JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Airports, has acknowledged the issue of high food and drink prices. In a report, they deemed price hikes "totally indefensible" and took steps to address the issue. They encouraged customers to speak up if they felt they were being unfairly charged and stated their intention to monitor vendor pricing.
Despite these efforts, food and drink prices at JFK remain high and are now set to increase further. This is a common trend among busy airports, with 8 of the 10 airports where beer is most expensive also ranking in the top 15 for passenger volume. While the exact reasons for the price hikes at JFK are unclear, it is likely a result of rising operational costs, including labour, that vendors are looking to offset.
The increase in prices will undoubtedly impact travellers, who will need to budget even more carefully for their airport expenses. While some may choose to skip the pre-flight drink or meal altogether, others may opt for budget-friendly options like McDonald's or Dunkin' Donuts, which offer lower prices but often come with long lines. Travellers seeking a sit-down meal or a drink may need to prepare for higher costs at restaurants and bars within the airport.
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There are cheaper alternatives at JFK airport, such as McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts
Drinking at JFK airport can be expensive. In fact, John F. Kennedy International Airport has the fourth-highest average beer price of any airport at $11.82. However, there are indeed cheaper alternatives at JFK Airport, such as McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts.
Dunkin' Donuts is a popular option, with three locations in Terminal 5 at the check-in, arrivals, and food court, and another location in Terminal 7 at Gate 10. McDonald's offers a familiar and affordable menu, making it a convenient choice for travellers on a budget.
In addition to these well-known chains, JFK Airport also has a variety of other budget-friendly options. For coffee lovers, there is Irving Farm Coffee located in the food court, post-security. If you're craving a sweet treat, head to So Chocolate in the Retail Hall East, post-security, for a selection of chocolates and candies.
For a quick bite, there are grab-and-go options like Apartment 7B Deli near Gate 6, post-security, and Custom Burger in the Food Hall, post-security. If you're looking for a sit-down meal without breaking the bank, Beacon Bar & Kitchen in Terminal 4 offers a full dining experience without the need to trek back towards the duty-free shops. Caribbean Kitchen is another excellent choice, serving rice bowls with beans, peppers, and protein that won't break the bank.
While drinking at JFK Airport can be pricey, these cheaper alternatives ensure that travellers have a range of affordable options to choose from while waiting for their flights.
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Some restaurants at JFK airport offer good value for money, like Urban Crave and Soho Bites
Drinking at JFK airport can be expensive, with beer prices reaching up to $27. However, some restaurants at the airport offer good value for money, such as Urban Crave and Soho Bites.
Urban Crave, located in JFK Terminal 4, offers a variety of food and beverage options. While some reviewers have mentioned that the pricing is fairly high, others have noted that this is typical of airport restaurants. For example, the CBC Club sandwich costs $17, and a Modelo beer is $8.99. Urban Crave also offers vegetarian options and accepts credit card payments.
Soho Bites, located near JFK, has received mixed reviews. One customer mentioned that the prices are high for what you get, paying $17.40 for a sandwich and a bottle of juice. However, another reviewer praised the good breakfast options and service, although they mentioned that the menu is limited.
The Port Authority, which governs JFK Airport, has recognized the issue of high food and drink prices. They have released a report outlining policies to address this issue and require concessionaries to offer lower-priced options to provide a wider range of value for customers. This means that bars and restaurants cannot charge more than 10% higher than the standard prices outside of the airport.
So, while drinking at JFK Airport can be expensive, there are options like Urban Crave and Soho Bites that offer better value for money, and the Port Authority is taking steps to improve the situation.
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The high cost of drinks at JFK airport is due to a lack of competition
Drinking at JFK airport can be expensive, with a single bottle of beer costing up to $14.15. This is significantly higher than the average price of beer across America's 50 busiest airports, which stands at $8.97. The high cost of drinks at JFK airport can be attributed to several factors, and one of the key reasons is the lack of competition among vendors.
Firstly, airports are not typically considered free markets. In the case of JFK, it has been observed that most retail locations are managed by a single business entity, reducing competitive pressure and allowing for higher prices.
Secondly, the high passenger volume at JFK contributes to the issue. As one of the busiest airports in the country, vendors can charge premium prices due to high demand and the captive nature of the customer base.
Additionally, the cost of operating restaurants and bars within an airport is higher than in other locations. Vendors must factor in the rising costs of labor and other operational expenses specific to an airport setting, which are then passed on to customers.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which governs JFK Airport, has acknowledged the issue of high food and drink prices. They have proposed rule changes to address the issue, including requiring concessionaires to offer lower-priced options and capping price increases.
Despite these efforts, drinking at JFK Airport remains costly. Passengers seeking a pre-flight drink are often willing to pay a premium, and vendors take advantage of this, resulting in high drink prices that are not likely to decrease significantly anytime soon.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, JFK airport is known for its expensive drinks. A single bottle of beer costs around $14.15.
Drinks at airports are generally expensive due to high demand and the captive nature of the market. The governing body that controls JFK airport has allowed restaurants and shops to raise their prices to cover the rising costs of labour.
Yes, McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts offer the lowest prices. However, expect long lines. Other budget-friendly options include Urban Crave, Soho Bites, and Re:Vive Bars.
Yes, drinks tend to be more expensive at the busiest airports. LaGuardia Airport in New York City has the most expensive average beer prices, with a regular domestic beer costing $13.83.
You can complain on social media. The governing body that controls JFK airport encourages customers to bring attention to unfair pricing.
