Buying Beer In Laguardia: What You Need To Know

New York's LaGuardia Airport has been criticised for its high beer prices, with a Sam Adams Summer Ale costing $27.85. This sparked an audit of airport food and drink prices, with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ordering OTG, the company that runs the restaurants and stores in the area's three airports, to review its pricing. The average cost of a beer at LaGuardia is $12.33, which is roughly $3 more expensive than the second most expensive airport, Detroit Metro Airport.

LaGuardia Airport's high beer prices

LaGuardia Airport in New York City has been criticised for its high beer prices, with the average cost of a beer sitting at $12.33, according to a study by FinanceBuzz. This is roughly $3 more expensive than the runner-up, Detroit Metro Airport, and a whopping 66% higher than the national average.

The high prices were brought to light in 2021 when a Twitter user, Cooper Lund, posted a photo of a digital beer menu from Biergarten at the airport. The prices were indeed steep, with a Michelob Ultra draught costing $13.05 and a Heineken draught $15.75. However, the most expensive beer on the menu was a Sam Adams Summer Ale, priced at a staggering $27.85 for a 23-ounce pour.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which regulates LaGuardia Airport, ordered an audit of the company that runs the restaurants and stores, OTG, after the incident. OTG claimed that the high price was due to a ""clerical error" and quickly corrected it to $18.15. The Port Authority has since tightened its "street pricing" policy, aiming to ensure that concession prices are comparable to those outside the airport.

The issue of high beer prices at LaGuardia Airport has sparked discussions about the cost of food and drinks at airports in general. While it is expected to pay a premium at airport bars and restaurants, some travellers feel that the prices at LaGuardia and other airports are excessive. In response, the Port Authority has stated its commitment to enforcing cost parity policies and ensuring reasonable prices for customers.

Despite the audit and the Port Authority's efforts, a review by THE CITY found that even after OTG corrected its prices, the costs for food and drinks at LaGuardia Airport remain curiously high. This issue is not unique to LaGuardia, as a report by The Street found that Americans pay between $7 and $8 for a beer at airports on average, with the ten most expensive airports charging over $8.30 per pint.

The Port Authority's response

We are committed to ensuring that all terminal operators and concessionaires adhere to cost parity policies throughout our airports. In response to recent complaints about exorbitant beer prices at LaGuardia Airport, we have ordered an audit of the company that runs the restaurants and stores at the area's three airports, including LaGuardia. We have found that the prices of beers at LaGuardia were "totally indefensible" and have taken steps to tighten the "street pricing" policy, ensuring that prices on concessions are comparable to what customers would pay outside of the airport.

We understand that airport prices tend to be higher than street prices, but we want to ensure that our airports are not taking advantage of customers. Our investigation found that 25 patrons were charged between $23 and $27 for a beer at Terminal C, which is unacceptable. We have since ordered refunds for all affected customers. Going forward, we will be routinely monitoring prices at concessions to ensure they are aligned with the regional marketplace. We encourage travelers who come across examples of overpriced food or beverages at area airports to report them on social media and tag the airport.

We want to assure our customers that we are committed to enforcing fair and reasonable prices at our airports. We appreciate the feedback from travelers and will continue to take action to ensure that prices are in line with our policies. We thank customers for their patience and understanding while we work to resolve this issue.

The Port Authority takes its role in overseeing the airports seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that our airports provide a positive and affordable experience for travelers. We encourage travelers to continue providing feedback on their experiences, as it helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure that our airports meet the needs of our customers.

The average cost of beer at airports in the US

Yes, you can buy beer at LaGuardia Airport, but it won't be cheap! In fact, LaGuardia Airport has the most expensive average beer prices of any US airport, with a regular domestic beer costing $12.33. That's a whole 66% higher than the national average, which is $7.42 across America's 50 busiest airports.

If you're looking for a more affordable pre-flight drink, you might want to head to Portland International Airport, where the average beer price is just $4.33. Other airports with relatively inexpensive beers include Salt Lake City International Airport ($5.00), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ($5.32), and Charlotte Douglas International Airport ($5.50).

Of course, beer prices can vary across different bars and restaurants within an airport. At LaGuardia, for example, a viral tweet from 2021 exposed a $27.85 Sam Adams Summer Ale, which was eventually corrected to $18.15. So, while airport beers can be pricey, you may be able to find a bargain if you shop around.

Overall, it's important to remember that beer prices at airports can vary significantly, and travelers should expect to pay a premium for the convenience of an airport bar.

The COVID Recovery Fee

The fee itself caused controversy, as it was not going towards helping the workers affected by the pandemic. This was brought to light by a tweet from Cooper Lund, who shared a picture of a $27.85 Sam Adams Summer Ale, along with other steep prices for various brews. The tweet went viral, bringing the issue to the attention of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who ordered an audit of the concessionaire, OTG, and their pricing practices.

Following the investigation, OTG claimed that the high price of the Sam Adams Summer Ale was a mistake and quickly corrected it. They also offered to pay for Lund's beers the next time he visited. The Port Authority has since tightened its policies on concession prices and will conduct random price checks to protect travellers from being overcharged. They have also ordered OTG to audit its prices and ensure they adhere to cost parity policies.

While the COVID Recovery Fee may no longer be in place, the experience serves as a reminder to travellers to be aware of potential overpricing at airports and to report any issues to the relevant authorities. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that any additional fees or surcharges are justifiable and used for their intended purpose.

The most expensive airports for beer

LaGuardia Airport, New York

LaGuardia Airport in New York has the most expensive average beer prices of any airport in the US. A regular domestic beer will set you back $12.33 on average, which is a staggering 66% higher than the national average. In 2021, a viral tweet exposed a $27.85 Sam Adams Summer Ale being sold at the airport, sparking an audit of food and drink prices.

Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan

Detroit Metro Airport has the second-most expensive beer prices, with an average cost of $9.36 for a pint. This price is still $3 more expensive than the average at the third-placed airport.

Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey

Newark Liberty International Airport has the third-highest average beer prices in the US at $9.31. This is the second of three airports servicing the New York City area that are in the top five most expensive.

Harry Reid International Airport, Nevada

Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport is the fourth-most expensive airport for beer, with an average price of $8.86. Even if you lose big at the casinos, they'll still get you here.

John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

The third airport servicing New York City, John F. Kennedy International Airport, rounds out the top five with the fifth-highest beer prices in the country at $8.80.

Other Expensive Airports

Other airports with above-average beer prices include Honolulu International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and two airports servicing Dallas, Texas: Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Frequently asked questions