If you think you’re seeing double at the airport, you’re not wrong. New research shows prices for airport snacks, drinks and essentials at Australian airports are almost double what you’ll pay for your faves at the supermarket checkout.
While travellers expect higher prices for airport snacks and essentials after going through security, they might be surprised to find they’re paying twice as much at domestic terminals compared to purchasing the same item at the supermarket.
Compare the Market crunched the costings on 10 common snack and toiletry products and found an almost 100 per cent markup at the airport.
Popular pharmacy items copped the biggest price hike with a 50ml bottle of hand sanitiser at the airport priced at 149.6 per cent of the supermarket cost and a 20-pack of paracetamol tablets at 146 per cent.
Bottled water is more costly than Coke airside with an almost 100 per cent markup on a 750ml Pump, while Coca-Cola 600ml attracted a 48 per cent bump compared to supermarket prices. But you’ve all packed your reusable water bottles, right?
Sweet and salty treats also attract a price hike at the domestic terminal versus the supermarket and will see you shell out between 66.5 and 128.3 per cent more for your airport snacks.
Gum chewers will pay an average of $4.49 for Wrigley’s Extra Spearmint at domestic terminals – an increase of 79.6 per cent on supermarkets’ RRP of $2.50.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager for General Insurance Adrian Taylor said these airport indulgences might cost people more than they thought.
“Every single one of the 10 items we analysed had a significantly inflated price at the airport versus the grocery store,” he said.
“Prices can be high for a number of reasons, but we’re also aware that retailers at airports know customers will pay higher prices due to the sheer convenience.”
Snack hacks from the experts
Taylor said while international travellers are restricted to carrying liquids capped at 100ml, different domestic airport rules mean passengers can take unopened bottles on board.
“However, retailers might bet that this rule is not that well known and as a result, they’ll inflate their prices, knowing that people will pay for it,” he said.
“Baggage limits aside, you could save some serious cash by packing your own pain relief, hand sanitiser and things like lollies, chips and other snacks.
“That price difference is almost enough to cover a single person’s domestic travel insurance policy or extra money to splash on souvenirs, activities and more on your trip.”
Has this story made you hungry for more? Discover the world’s best airports for dining here.
