According to startling new research from Compare the Market, travellers navigating Australia’s domestic airports are paying almost double for everyday items compared to what they would spend at local supermarkets. The research highlights an alarming 95.6% average markup across everyday travel necessities like snacks, drinks, hand sanitisers, and medication. With the highest price hikes on hand sanitisers and paracetamol tablets, passengers are urged to plan and pack smart to avoid these excessive costs.
Snacks and Essentials Soar to New Heights
Whether you’re grabbing a bottle of water or some last-minute pain relief before boarding a flight, the moment you step into an airport terminal, you’re entering a zone of inflated prices. Compare the Market’s analysis at Brisbane Domestic Airport in June 2024 revealed price markups that left even the savviest of travellers shell-shocked.
Among the worst offenders was a 50ml bottle of hand sanitiser, which had an astounding 149.6% markup compared to supermarket prices. A pack of Panadol Rapid Caplets was not far behind, showing a 146% price increase when purchased at the airport.
Take a look at these shocking figures comparing airport retail prices with everyday supermarket rates:
| Item | Airport Price | Supermarket Price | Price Difference | % Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Sanitizer (50ml) | $6.99 | $2.80 | $4.19 | 149.6% |
| Panadol Rapid (20pk) | $15.99 | $6.50 | $9.49 | 146.0% |
| Pump Water (750ml) | $5.99 | $3.00 | $2.99 | 99.7% |
| Boss Coffee Iced Latte (237ml) | $7.99 | $4.00 | $3.99 | 99.7% |
| Coca-Cola (600ml) | $6.29 | $4.25 | $2.04 | 48.0% |
| Pringles Original (134g) | $9.99 | $5.50 | $4.49 | 81.6% |
| Allen’s Snakes Alive (200g) | $8.49 | $5.00 | $3.49 | 69.8% |
| Cobs Popcorn (120g) | $7.99 | $3.50 | $4.49 | 128.3% |
Convenience Comes at a Cost
Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager for General Insurance at Compare the Market, emphasized the reality many travellers overlook while rushing through terminals. “The moment we enter the airport, many of us switch to ‘holiday mode,’ grabbing snacks and forgotten essentials. Unfortunately, we become a captive audience, and retailers are capitalizing on this by marking up prices significantly,” he said.
Taylor suggests that travellers can avoid falling into this trap by planning. “By simply stopping at a supermarket on the way to the airport and carrying those items through security, passengers could save nearly 100% on certain products,” he explained. “Even more shockingly, our findings show a $41.15 difference for ten common items.”
Understanding Airport Pricing Strategies
Airport retailers often inflate prices, not only because passengers are a captive audience but also due to convenience. Airport locations typically have higher operating costs, which they pass on to consumers through higher prices. However, with domestic security rules permitting most unopened beverages and snacks through security, there’s no reason to splurge inside the terminal.
“The perception that all liquids must be discarded at security is incorrect for domestic flights,” Taylor adds. “Unopened bottles of juice or soda are allowed, but passengers might not realize this and opt to purchase overpriced items inside the airport.”
Budget Tips for Savvy Travelers
Preparation is vital for travellers looking to minimize airport expenses. Packing your hand sanitiser, pain relief, snacks, and drinks can save you significantly. It’s also worth noting that passengers could cover the cost of a domestic travel insurance policy for the price difference on a few airport purchases.
“Domestic travel insurance often gets overlooked, but it’s an affordable way to protect yourself,” says Taylor. “For example, a single person traveling to Melbourne for a weekend event can get insured for as little as $50. This not only covers medical emergencies but can also help with financial losses due to delayed or canceled flights or even rental car issues.”
Taylor points to several recent events where travel insurance could have saved passengers significant costs. “From concert cancellations to natural disasters, travelers with comprehensive policies might have been covered for any financial losses.”
Significant Events and Bigger Savings
As Australia gears up for major events like the MotoGP in Phillip Island and the Broadway hit Hamilton arriving in Sydney, now is the perfect time to control travel expenses. From packing snacks to securing travel insurance, every little bit helps safeguard your trip.
So, before you head off on your next domestic adventure, take a moment to prepare. Skip the airport kiosks, grab snacks at the grocery store, and consider protecting your plans with affordable travel insurance. A little foresight can go a long way in saving you money and stress.
Written by: Soo James
