Travelers decry soaring airport food costs after $20 avocado toast goes viral

A recent post on X showing a $19.64 avocado toast bought at a southern airport triggered a wave of traveler outrage over terminal dining costs. Chef Andrew Gruel, after reviewing photos, said the offering appeared to be simple avocado purée on toast, reflecting a broader decline in airport food quality as prices climb. Texas-based travel specialist Leff attributed the surge to factors such as high lease rates, cramped storage, stringent delivery security and rising labor costs, noting that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey permits concessions to charge up to 15% more than comparable street prices.

The article cited other expensive items, like a $34 burger at JFK’s Paris Cafe and a $21.30 Barney Breakfast at LAX’s Barney's Beanery, as well as $5-$6 bottled water. While some lounges provide better meals, both experts warned that lounge fare is often similarly overpriced and exposed to hygiene concerns. They recommended eating before travel or bringing one's own food, and highlighted a few decent but pricey sandwich options such as Frontega Grill in Chicago.