The high prices of food and general products at international airports are due to various complex factors.

A 500ml bottle of water costs about $1 in the U.S. market, and it can be purchased at an even lower price when bought in bulk, but at airport stores, especially near the boarding gates where bringing drinks is not allowed, they charge a whopping $3-5 per bottle.

In simple terms, the costs and strategic factors involved in operating in the unique environment of an international airport are directly reflected in the prices.

High Rent and Management Fees

  • Airports have a high flow of people, and competition for space is fierce.

  • Therefore, store rental fees are much higher than in regular commercial areas.

  • Management fees and various charges imposed by airport authorities are also added.

Increased Logistics Costs Due to Security Regulations

  • Logistics entry into airports is much more complicated and time-consuming than in regular commercial facilities.

  • Security checks, restricted access times, and special customs procedures increase logistics costs.

Limited Sales Opportunities and High Sales Targets

  • Airport stores have a high customer turnover, but the frequency of customer visits is low. (Very few repeat customers)

  • Since they need to maximize profits in a short time, they adopt a pricing strategy that includes a premium.

Limited Choices for Customers

  • Since food cannot be brought into the airport and customers cannot go outside, many end up paying high prices reluctantly. Especially in the boarding area

  • Moreover, the international departure area is a completely isolated space, which further lowers price resistance.

Expectations of Brand Image and Duty-Free Effects

  • Some brands use airport stores as a means to build a premium image and intentionally keep prices high.

  • They also create an atmosphere of "special consumption" linked to the spending psychology of duty-free customers.

In summary, the high maintenance costs, exclusive sales environment, logistics, and security costs in the limited space of an airport are all reflected in the prices.

Knowing this well, we still find ourselves holding a last cup of coffee and a snack before boarding.