Airport food is often overpriced and disappointing. Many options lack freshness, taste bad, or can even make you sick. Choosing the wrong meal before a flight can lead to digestive issues, food poisoning, or wasted money. While grabbing a quick bite may seem convenient, some foods are best avoided. Whether it’s poor quality, unsafe handling, or ridiculous prices, these seven foods should be skipped when traveling.
1. Sushi
Sushi needs to be fresh, but airport sushi often sits in refrigerators for hours. The texture changes, making fish rubbery and rice hard. Raw fish is highly perishable and requires strict temperature control. If stored improperly, bacteria can grow, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Even sushi that appears fresh may have been made hours ago. Pre-packaged sushi often lacks flavor and has a dry, unappealing texture. The soy sauce and wasabi can’t fix stale rice or low-quality fish. Despite its poor quality, airport sushi is usually overpriced. A simple sushi roll can cost double or triple what it’s worth. You’re paying too much for something that could make you sick. If you’re craving sushi, it’s best to wait until you reach your destination. A reputable restaurant will serve fresher, higher-quality sushi.
2. Pre-Made Sandwiches
Pre-packaged sandwiches seem like a convenient option but often taste stale and unappetizing. Bread becomes soggy from moisture, and fillings lose their texture. The meats may dry out, and vegetables can become mushy or wilted. Many airport sandwiches contain preservatives to extend shelf life. These additives affect taste and reduce the sandwich’s overall quality. Some sandwiches sit in refrigerators for hours or even days before being sold. This makes them less fresh and more likely to taste bland. Despite their poor quality, airport sandwiches are usually overpriced. A basic turkey sandwich can cost triple what it should. You’re better off packing a sandwich from home if possible. If that’s not an option, look for a freshly made meal instead.
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3. Fast Food Burgers
Airport fast food locations often don’t meet the same standards as regular restaurants. The quality of ingredients may be lower, leading to disappointing meals. Burgers are frequently overcooked, dry, and hastily thrown together. The toppings may be stale, and the buns can be hard or soggy. Greasy burgers are also a bad idea before a flight. Sitting for hours after eating heavy food can cause bloating or stomach discomfort. Fast food at airports is often priced higher than normal. You’re paying more for food that’s worse than what you’d get elsewhere. If you need a quick meal, consider a lighter, fresher option instead. Grilled chicken or a simple salad may be easier on your stomach.
4. Salads
Airport salads may look fresh but are often disappointing. Lettuce wilts quickly, and refrigerated greens lose their crisp texture. Vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers can become mushy, making the salad less enjoyable. Protein toppings like chicken or shrimp pose food safety risks. If they’ve been sitting too long, bacteria can grow, increasing the chance of foodborne illness. Some salads aren’t as healthy as they seem. Caesar salads, for example, are often loaded with heavy dressing, cheese, and croutons. These extra toppings add unnecessary calories, making the salad less nutritious. Despite their mediocre quality, airport salads are usually expensive. A simple salad can cost as much as a full meal elsewhere. If you want a healthy option, fresh fruit is often a better choice. It’s less risky, more affordable, and still nutritious.
5. Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt parfaits seem like a healthy snack, but they’re often loaded with sugar. Many airport parfaits use flavored yogurt packed with artificial sweeteners. The granola, which should be crunchy, turns soft from moisture exposure. This ruins the texture and makes the parfait less enjoyable. Fruit in yogurt parfaits is often not fresh. Some are underripe, while others are overly ripe or stored in syrup. This affects the flavor and quality of the snack. Airport parfaits are also ridiculously expensive for what they contain. A small cup of yogurt, granola, and fruit can cost more than a full meal. If you want yogurt, bring your own and add fresh granola when ready. This keeps the granola crunchy and the snack more enjoyable.
6. Anything from Buffet-Style Self-Serve Stations
Buffet-style airport food is a breeding ground for bacteria. Many travelers touch the same utensils, increasing the risk of contamination. Even if staff follows hygiene rules, some customers may not. Food sitting out for long periods becomes unsafe. Hot foods may not stay hot enough, and cold foods may warm to unsafe temperatures. Buffet food is often repurposed from previous meal services. This means you could be eating leftovers from hours earlier. The quality of buffet food is also poor. Scrambled eggs dry out, meats become tough, and salads lose freshness. Despite the low quality, buffet food is usually overpriced. Ordering a freshly prepared meal is a much safer option.
7. Ice Cream
Ice cream is an impractical choice at the airport. It melts quickly, making it messy to eat while traveling. Holding luggage and a melting cone is frustrating. Trying to eat ice cream while rushing to your gate can be a hassle. Dairy-heavy treats can also cause stomach discomfort, especially before a flight. Bloating, cramps, or lactose intolerance issues are not ideal in a cramped airplane seat. Airport ice cream is also overpriced compared to regular shops. You’re paying more for something that may not be worth the hassle. If you’re craving something sweet, choose a chocolate bar or dried fruit instead. These options are easier to carry and won’t make a mess.
Final Thoughts
Airport food is often expensive, low quality, and not worth the risk. Some options can lead to stomach problems or foodborne illness. Others are simply overpriced for what you get. Instead of wasting money on disappointing meals, plan ahead with better choices. Bringing your own snacks ensures freshness and saves money. If you must buy food at the airport, choose something made fresh to order. Making smart food choices before a flight leads to a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
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