Budget airline passengers urged to bring food onboard

A new survey says that low cost carriers are charging their passengers sky-high prices for the food they offer onboard.

The research reveals that eating while flying costs travellers more than they expect. The usual price of food and beverages on budget airlines is 374 per cent more than at a grocery store, according to price comparison site travelsupermarket.

Researchers said that the biggest mark-ups were on food items such as crisps, muffins and shortbreads, while the smallest price difference was on chocolate bars. For instance, a small pack of Pringles sold for 74p in a store costs £2 on the no-frills airline Monarch.

In another example, a sandwich that is purchased for only £2 in a food store and £2.40 at the airport costs as much as £3.95 on budget carrier Flybe and £4.39 on Ryanair.

To save money, the research advised passengers to bring their own food from home, as there is no limitation on food going through security. However, it warns that there are restrictions on beverages and other liquid products. Alternatively, passengers can buy their food at duty-free shops after going through security.

Bob Atkinson, a travel expert from travelsupermarket, commented that budget airlines can get away with overcharged food because there is nowhere else to go once the plane takes off. He said that prices vary significantly across airlines, so holidaymakers can avoid buying onboard by bringing their own food.

The airlines included in the research were Thomson, Flybe, Thomas Cook, Ryanair, Monarch, easyJet, bmibaby and Jet2.