Earlier than or throughout an extended journey day, most individuals search for meals within the airport to remain energized and alert. With so many alternative vacationers passing by means of – from these with allergy symptoms to these with particular dietary preferences – airports are anticipated to supply all kinds of choices.
Nevertheless, a current Reddit dialogue prompt that this isn’t at all times the case. Flyers weighed in on which airports they imagine serve the worst meals, and two main hubs repeatedly got here up: John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and Istanbul Airport in Turkey.
Right here’s what vacationers needed to say about these airports, and why their eating experiences left a lot to be desired.
Redditors Criticized John F. Kennedy Airport In New York For Its Off-Model Meals Choices
In the r/travel subreddit, one consumer requested, “Which airport has the worst meals?” The publish sparked over 500 feedback, with many vacationers pointing to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York. Flyers complained that regardless of the terminal, the meals was disappointing, with one commenter bluntly calling it “dreadful.”
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They wrote: |
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“JFK has just about the ‘worst’ every little thing.” |
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“JFK Terminal 8 was dreadful!” |
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“Shake Shack is my go-to in JFK T4, not a lot else that is respectable.” |
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“JFK as a complete sucks for meals.” |
In another Reddit thread, a consumer questioned why JFK appeared to have so many off-brand, low-quality meals choices. One rationalization was that airports typically work with concession corporations that buy merchandising rights in bulk. At JFK, an organization named OTG oversees eating in Terminals 5 and eight. Whereas a couple of recognizable eating places exist, most choices are generic, rebranded ideas.
“An organization will purchase all of the merchandising rights for an airport. The corporate pays the airport greater than it might get if the airport leased out the person shops. The corporate then units up a bunch of pretend branded eating places (a bar, an American, a Mexican, an Asian, and so forth.) all serving as a lot of the identical base meals as potential, and since there isn’t a worth competitors, they worth every little thing fairly excessive and at related worth factors,” wrote Buck9s.
A TikTok video from @taylordonoghuee echoed the identical frustration. Filming in JFK Terminal 1, she identified the dearth of recognizable chains whereas holding up a sandwich she described as having “frozen heatable” hen strips on it.
On high of the complaints about high quality and selection, vacationers additionally famous that JFK’s meals tends to be overpriced, making the expertise much more irritating.
Vacationers Report Spending Over $20 Per Quick Meals Meal At Istanbul Airport
The second-most mentioned airport within the Reddit thread was Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey. Whereas IST is understood for being a modern, fashionable hub, many vacationers say its meals costs are shockingly excessive. One commenter in another thread even in contrast it to a luxurious shopping center as an alternative of a standard airport.
Earlier this yr, TikTok consumer @low_kei__ shared a video displaying the receipt for 2 Burger King Whopper meals at IST. The whole got here to $55 for 2 small meals, additional highlighting simply how overpriced the eating choices are.
Some Redditors prompt that the one solution to beat the excessive costs is by having access to airport lounges, which generally supply free meals and drinks. However as extra vacationers flip to lounges for reduction, many are questioning if it is actually the answer passengers are on the lookout for.
Vacationers Flip To Airport Lounges For First rate Meals, However They’re Getting Crowded
In 2024, Priority Pass – a membership program that gives entry to airport lounges – reported a 31% increase in visits in comparison with 2023. With perks like comfy seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary meals, it is simple to see why. Earlier this month, the development even took a wierd flip when TSA agents were reportedly caught sneaking into lounges to raid the buffets after exploiting Priority Pass access.
Lounges aren’t an ideal answer, although. Many require a business- or first-class ticket, or entry by means of a bank card membership that comes with steep annual charges. Meaning vacationers need to weigh the prices. For frequent flyers, the perks might justify the value tag, however for individuals who solely journey often, the excessive charges won’t be price it only for a couple of free meals. In these instances, packing meals from house could also be a greater concept.
Finally, planning forward might help ease the stress of discovering meals at airports – not simply at JFK or IST, however anyplace on this planet. Whether or not it’s making ready snacks earlier than leaving house or deciding to go to the airport lounge buffet, figuring out what choices can be found could make the journey expertise a bit extra comfy.
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