There's very little chance that you know a real-life millionaire. Without a doubt, however, there's no question we wouldn't mind knowing one, or experiencing their lifestyles. Having "money to burn" sounds impossible even when thought of seriously, but some people turn out to have all the luck.
Say that you know a millionaire, however, and want to know where they spend their excess loot. Watch, as none of them are likely to tell you they spend their money on airport food or other concessions. It will take too big a slice out of their pie!
Airlines get the bulk of their money by having airplanes land. This still leaves a gap for other functions to help contribute, and I understand the gap being there. But to see some of these prices are absolutely ridiculous.
Just for kicks, I took a look at the display next door to National Coney Island, where I get my dose of french fries. A 16 ounce bottle of water that normally costs about $1.59 goes for $2.39 if you're flying. Double it to 32 ounces and you're paying over $3.00. (Hint, hint: there's a drinking fountain next to the store for free.)
A fruit basket with small slices of fruit: $2.99. Milk: $1.79 for 12 ounces. Compare that with the $1.99 discount cost I can get at the drugstore for a gallon, and $1.10 for the same thing in the vending machine downstairs. Juice: $2.29 for the same amount. Apples amount to $2.00 apiece, and there's been no nationwide shortage of apples that I can recall.
If you smoke, forget it. A pack of regular smokes goes for $7.50, and that's BEFORE tax. Couple that with the ban on lighters, and you'll want to quit. A regular large souvenir T-shirt can fetch as high as $20.00. Is this giving you a headache? Well, be prepared to spend $2.00 for two aspirin and a plastic cup that leaks water every which way.
Even when I made a stop in Chicago recently and saw an actual bakery in the concourse, they wanted over $3.00 for one measly slice of cake. I didn't take it, but can bet all I would have received was a sliver that would barely settle the stomach. I can get a whole cake with all the slices I want for only $5.00 more at Kroger.
The airport prides itself on saying that travellers need to be well-prepared for their journey. Part of this preparation undoubtedly lies with this: Eat, drink & smoke all you can at home and at your destination. Without sacrificing your wallet, arm, leg or first-born, there's no middleman in the battle for your personal satisfaction at the airport.
And hopefully, no riches-to-rags stories to write home about in the near future.
