Post by artisans on Sept 18, 2012 21:05:16 GMT 2
A report from TravelSupermarket gives us the following advice about airline food:
It is always worth checking what your airline includes in your flight. Some airlines such as British Airways include free drinks and a small snack on short haul flights. On long haul flights, many airlines do include complimentary food, even if you still have to pay for some drinks. So before buying unnecessary food and drink at the airport, check what is included.
Key stats
Taking a look at the average mark up of each food/drink group below, the results show hot drinks have the highest mark ups on board. Examples of the highest percentage mark up of airline vs. supermarket prices:
It is always worth checking what your airline includes in your flight. Some airlines such as British Airways include free drinks and a small snack on short haul flights. On long haul flights, many airlines do include complimentary food, even if you still have to pay for some drinks. So before buying unnecessary food and drink at the airport, check what is included.
- Take your own food with you from home and save a fortune - spending £30 plus for a family of four for sandwiches, drinks and a chocolate bar is extortionate when you could provide your own/buy at the airport for significantly less (Remember you cannot take liquids over 100ml through security, so do not pack drinks from home or liquid foods such as yoghurt.)
- Take your own fruit and crudites with you - it's cheap and healthy and you will not find fresh fruit salad or veg options on board.
- If you choose to have a meal on the plane, then save money by pre-ordering to ensure you actually get the meal you want.
- Look out for meal deals on board to save money.
- If you are going to eat/drink on the plane, but don't want to take food from home with you, then buy at the airport once you have cleared security, as it is cheaper than buying on the plane.
- Remember, passengers cannot buy alcohol in the airport for consumption on board an aircraft. You may only drink alcohol supplied (free or at a charge) by the cabin crew.
- Finally, you could always be cheeky and take your own cup and tea bags/coffee with you and ask for hot water - although there is no guarantee the airline staff will serve you.
Key stats
Taking a look at the average mark up of each food/drink group below, the results show hot drinks have the highest mark ups on board. Examples of the highest percentage mark up of airline vs. supermarket prices:
- Average mark up on hot drinks is 2,355%
- Average overall mark up excluding hot food and sandwiches is 347% - driven by hot drinks - without hot drinks the average is 257%
- Average mark up on soft drinks is 370%
- Average mark up on alcohol is 311%
- Average mark up on food (excluding hot food and sandwiches) is 181%
- Average mark up on sandwiches is 61.5%