You won't believe what this Aussie diner paid for a simple croissant and juice brekkie!
- Replies 8
These days, it's natural to expect a bit of a markup when dining at an airport or other tourist hotspots. Right before or after a long flight or a tiring journey, we often find ourselves feeling peckish and vulnerable to the higher prices set by airport vendors, even if we grumble about it.
However, one Aussie diner recently shared their dining experience at Brisbane Airport that left them – and many of us here at the Seniors Discount Club – absolutely gobsmacked over the outrageous price they paid.
The story goes that the traveller purchased their brekkie from Sumo Salad at Brisbane Airport - hardly a luxurious dining establishment. The meal? A ham and cheese croissant and an orange juice – hardly a lavish gourmet feast that you’d expect a hefty price tag for!
But wait until you hear the grand total – a whopping $18.69 for the breakfast combo!
'BEHOLD! The $18.69 breakfast at Sumo Salad Brisbane Airport,' wrote the flabbergasted Aussie on Reddit.
Breaking it down, the ham and cheese croissant itself was priced at a jaw-dropping $12.50, while the modest juice cost an additional $6. To add insult to injury, the diner was also charged a 16-cent card surcharge.
The astronomical price sparked a debate among fellow travellers, many of whom were divided over whether or not the airport should be allowed to charge such steep prices, while others joked about re-mortgaging their house just to fund breakfast.
While some users pointed out that higher prices at airports are generally expected due to additional taxes and leasing fees, others argued that no ham and cheese croissant could ever be worth the princely sum of $12.50 and that the vendor was clearly capitalising on the captive audience.
One user sympathised with the plight, saying, 'That's f***ing wild! Lol at the card surcharge like they didn't already just rob you.'
Another shared their own two cents, simply adding, 'I just wouldn't buy it, f*** that. I'd rather have ice and air.'
One witty Reddit user even suggested a new name for the establishment: 'It's now known as Su-No salad. Nope, never again.'
But before we grab the pitchforks, it’s worth noting that there may be other factors at play than pure greed. According to CaptainFI, the elevated prices of food in airports are due to various factors, including high rent prices, delivery costs, security checks, and airport commissions. It is not just a case of profiteering from passengers being trapped in a limited environment with limited options.
Rent for airport food franchisees is significantly higher than for equivalent non-airport retail spaces, due to the monopoly of airports and lack of price regulation. This means franchisees are susceptible to increased prices, which are passed onto customers.
Airport food retail outlets can also be hit with a double whammy, as they must pay airport commission on top of rent. This can be up to 18%. In addition, electricity is often more expensive for airport food vendors as it is at a fixed price, with transport and delivery costs also higher due to traffic congestion and additional security checks.
Because airport food outlets have limited space, they have to resort to smaller, more frequent deliveries, and airport food workers need to go through security checks. They are also typically required to pay for parking, requiring them to take a shuttle to the terminal and adding extra time to their commute.
Having said all that - $18.69 for a juice and croissant is something we absolutely can’t condone here at the SDC!
Let this be a reminder to our dear members that next time you're travelling and get a craving for a pre-flight meal, it might be worth packing a few snacks in your bag to be prepared for such price gouging. Safe travels, and happy dining!
However, one Aussie diner recently shared their dining experience at Brisbane Airport that left them – and many of us here at the Seniors Discount Club – absolutely gobsmacked over the outrageous price they paid.
The story goes that the traveller purchased their brekkie from Sumo Salad at Brisbane Airport - hardly a luxurious dining establishment. The meal? A ham and cheese croissant and an orange juice – hardly a lavish gourmet feast that you’d expect a hefty price tag for!
But wait until you hear the grand total – a whopping $18.69 for the breakfast combo!
'BEHOLD! The $18.69 breakfast at Sumo Salad Brisbane Airport,' wrote the flabbergasted Aussie on Reddit.
Ooof - nearly $20 for this... Next time we head to the airport, we're packing our own snacks! Source: Reddit
Breaking it down, the ham and cheese croissant itself was priced at a jaw-dropping $12.50, while the modest juice cost an additional $6. To add insult to injury, the diner was also charged a 16-cent card surcharge.
The astronomical price sparked a debate among fellow travellers, many of whom were divided over whether or not the airport should be allowed to charge such steep prices, while others joked about re-mortgaging their house just to fund breakfast.
While some users pointed out that higher prices at airports are generally expected due to additional taxes and leasing fees, others argued that no ham and cheese croissant could ever be worth the princely sum of $12.50 and that the vendor was clearly capitalising on the captive audience.
One user sympathised with the plight, saying, 'That's f***ing wild! Lol at the card surcharge like they didn't already just rob you.'
Another shared their own two cents, simply adding, 'I just wouldn't buy it, f*** that. I'd rather have ice and air.'
But before we grab the pitchforks, it’s worth noting that there may be other factors at play than pure greed. According to CaptainFI, the elevated prices of food in airports are due to various factors, including high rent prices, delivery costs, security checks, and airport commissions. It is not just a case of profiteering from passengers being trapped in a limited environment with limited options.
Rent for airport food franchisees is significantly higher than for equivalent non-airport retail spaces, due to the monopoly of airports and lack of price regulation. This means franchisees are susceptible to increased prices, which are passed onto customers.
Airport food retail outlets can also be hit with a double whammy, as they must pay airport commission on top of rent. This can be up to 18%. In addition, electricity is often more expensive for airport food vendors as it is at a fixed price, with transport and delivery costs also higher due to traffic congestion and additional security checks.
Because airport food outlets have limited space, they have to resort to smaller, more frequent deliveries, and airport food workers need to go through security checks. They are also typically required to pay for parking, requiring them to take a shuttle to the terminal and adding extra time to their commute.
Having said all that - $18.69 for a juice and croissant is something we absolutely can’t condone here at the SDC!
Let this be a reminder to our dear members that next time you're travelling and get a craving for a pre-flight meal, it might be worth packing a few snacks in your bag to be prepared for such price gouging. Safe travels, and happy dining!
.png){kind=icon}
