NYC’s LaGuardia Airport has come under fire for their high prices on beer, with passengers having to pay an average of $12.41 per cold one, making it the second priciest airport in North America after Cancun International Airport. This news, part of a larger survey of airport costs conducted by Casino.ca, comes at a time when airline ticket prices have increased by 25%, the largest jump since 1989.
Despite the Port Authority investing $8 billion in renovations at LaGuardia Airport, prices remain a sore point for customers. A traveler in 2021 noticed that airport concession operator OTG was charging a shocking $27.85 for a Sam Adams Summer Ale, bringing national attention to the issue. OTG claimed this was a mistake, and the Port Authority requested an audit of their prices at the time.
In 2023, New York Times columnist David Brooks publicly complained about his $78 meal of a burger, fries, and a drink at Newark Airport, also controlled by the Port Authority. Social media erupted with gossip, and the restaurant disclosed that the high cost was mainly due to the drink, a double priced at $28 or $29. Newark Airport was also among the most expensive airports for beer, with an average price of $9.40 per drink, while JFK International Airport had a slightly lower average at $8.88.
LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK International Airport were all ranked among the top ten most expensive airports in the Casino.ca survey, which included costs for parking and nearby hotel rooms. For those seeking economical options, Portland International Airport in Oregon offers the cheapest beers at just $4.41 each, with Salt Lake City International Airport at $5.10 and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina at $5.60 also providing great value.
Passengers eager to avoid sky-high beer prices should steer clear of LaGuardia Airport, which has been criticized for its expensive adult beverages. The airport has the second highest average price per beer in North America, with Cancun International Airport topping the list. Despite significant renovations, prices at LaGuardia continue to be a concern for customers, with an incident in 2021 drawing attention to the high costs.
While the Port Authority has made substantial investments in upgrading LaGuardia Airport, pricing issues persist. A traveler’s experience in 2021 highlighted the steep prices charged by airport concession operator OTG, prompting national scrutiny. In 2023, a public complaint about a $78 meal at Newark Airport further underscored the high costs at New York-area airports, with social media contributing to the conversation.
Overall, LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK International Airport were all deemed among the most expensive airports in the Casino.ca survey, which considered various costs including beer prices, parking, and nearby accommodations. For travelers seeking affordable options, airports like Portland International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport offer cheaper beer options. Despite ongoing concerns about high prices at New York-area airports, there are still airports across the country providing good value for passengers looking to enjoy a cold one before their flight.
