Airports are often seen as a hub for travelers to find food and stay energized during long travel days. With a diverse range of people passing through, it’s expected that airports would offer a wide variety of food options, catering to those with allergies or specific dietary preferences. However, a recent Reddit discussion has shed light on two major hubs that have been consistently criticized for their subpar food options: John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and Istanbul Airport in Turkey.
Redditors have voiced their dissatisfaction with the food at JFK, with one user asking, “Which airport has the worst food? ” The post garnered over 500 comments, with many pointing to JFK as the culprit. Flyers have described the food as “dreadful” and “disappointing” in all terminals, with limited options and high prices. One user even called it the “worst” everything.
The lack of recognized chains and off-brand, low-quality options has also been a point of frustration for travelers at JFK. This has been attributed to the airport’s concession company, OTG, which oversees dining in Terminals 5 and 8. While a few well-known restaurants can be found, most options are generic and rebranded concepts. According to Reddit user Buck9s, this is due to a company purchasing all the vending rights for the airport and setting up various fake branded restaurants that serve similar foods at high prices.
A TikTok video from @taylordonoghuee also captured the lack of recognizable chains at JFK Terminal 1, with the user holding up a sandwich described as having “frozen heatable” chicken strips on it. On top of the limited options and quality, travelers have also complained about the high prices at JFK, making the dining experience even more frustrating.
Another airport that has been repeatedly mentioned in the Reddit discussion is Istanbul Airport in Turkey. While it is known for its modern and sleek design, many travelers were shocked by the high prices of food at IST. One user even compared it to a luxury shopping mall rather than a traditional airport. A TikTok video from user @low_kei__ showed the receipt for two Burger King Whopper meals at IST, totaling to $55 for two small meals. This highlights the exorbitant prices at the airport.
In response to the expensive food options, some travelers have turned to airport lounges for decent meals. However, with a 31% increase in visits to lounges compared to the previous year, they are becoming increasingly crowded. This trend even took a strange turn when TSA agents were reportedly caught sneaking into lounges to raid the buffets after exploiting Priority Pass access. While lounges may offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary food, they are not a perfect solution. Many require a business or first-class ticket or access through a credit card with high annual fees.