19 June 2008
Everyone is frowning, except the vendors in the terminal
Posted by Debo Hobo under: Consumer News .
Because we are limited in what we can bring through airport security we are forced to make in-terminal purchases. Add to that the fact that a trip to the airport is no longer a “just passing through adventure” but a long delay or sometime sleep over slumber party. Vendors simply lay in wait as we stream in and out of their shops shelling out dollar after dollar to procure the amenities needed to make the long airport delays tolerable.
In 1990, only about 30 percent of airport revenue came from retail, parking, concessions and other business partnerships. The majority of revenue came from charges to the airlines: landing charges, passenger and cargo fees, security and hangar charges, and others.
In recent years, however, the portion of revenue coming from non-aeronautical sources has risen to 50 percent, and at larger airports as high as 60 percent. An International Civil Aviation Authority study released in September of 53 North American airports found that in 2005, a year in which the airlines lost $10 billion, the airports earned $2 billion. Only five airports failed to turn a profit.
The top 50 North American airports had $4.6 billion in sales, according to the 2007 edition of Airport Revenue News’ annual Fact Book. The largest airports by sales volume, Atlanta and Chicago, each do nearly $300 million a year.
Is there a way to avoid over spending so much in the airport? Sure here are a few:
- Purchase and bring your own subscription magazine or book with you to the airport and on the plane.
- Bring beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag
- Bring canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, yogurt, fruits & vegetables
What you can bring? Visit the TSA for a complete list.
Don’t miss a minute… Subscribe to Debo Hobo RSS Feed
I am interested in what you have to say Leave a voice comment.
No related posts.
I came recently through LA and Vancouver airports and I was surprised that it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I was processed through very quickly considering I was going on an international flight.
Yea, but 3oz of a beverage is what, one drink?
The O’hare airport is like a mall prison these days! I don’t like shopping but with the horrid delays it’s the only thing to do- and of course if you’re flight is crazy delayed you can’t even go out of the airport to get something to eat and come back in so you are a prisoner to the high prices.
Milwaukee is a great airport to go through no muss no fuss and no lines. DIA in Denver whomps- it’s like being processed through some terrible concentration camp run by aliens who are getting ready to probe your parts.
You have won 2 Awards! See my blog for details.
Thanks so much for the awards
WOW, thanks for sharing. It’s definitely an eye opener on amount of money folks spend at airports. Tips were GREAT too on saving money instead of spending money at the airports.
-Teresa
I wounder if you can bring several 3oz of a beverages with you. Wouldn’t that be funny?
Your Welcome!