Traveler Outrage Erupts Over $19.64 Airport Avocado Toast as Experts Blame Rents, Labor and Security
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 8
Traveler Outrage Erupts Over $19.64 Airport Avocado Toast as Experts Blame Rents, Labor and Security
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 8
Summary
$19.64 avocado toast bought at a Southern airport went viral after travelers said the meal looked far worse than its promised ingredients and price.
Andrew Gruel said the dish looked like prepackaged avocado puree spread with a plastic knife, arguing airport food quality is falling even as prices rise.
Airport operators and vendors face high rents, tight storage, stricter delivery security and elevated labor costs, travel expert Gary Leff said, helping explain restaurant-level menu prices.
Those markups extend well beyond one breakfast: JFK's Paris Cafe lists a $34 burger, LAX's Barney's Beanery charges $21.30 for breakfast, and even bottled water can run $5 to $6.
Leff said some airports market 'street pricing,' though standards can still allow premiums — the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey permits up to 15% above comparable off-airport prices.