The Essentials

Airport Price Gouging

It’s not a huge surprise that you pay higher prices for most things purchased at an airport, but sometimes, the markups are nothing short of ridiculous and draconian.

Want a beer at John F. Kennedy International Airport? 

The average cost of a glass of suds is $12. But good luck at Newark Liberty International Airport, where one beer was being charged at $27.82. A Starbucks coffee in Los Angeles averages about $4, but at Los Angeles International Airport, it jumps to $9. But at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, coffee will only run you $3.50.

And, the best bargain for travelers — you can find that at the Salt Lake City airport — beer is $6.50 and coffee is $3.