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YOU might think that the price of a hot beverage on-board sets you back twice or thrice the amount it would usually cost at the supermarket. But in reality, the number is a lot higher.
For instance, the price of a cup of tea is marked-up by a considerable 466 percent compared to supermarket prices. A cup of tea on-board Tigerair, Jetstar and Scoot are marked as approximately US$3 while the price of a single sachet of tea from the shops is US$0.40.
The exorbitant mark-ups are also recorded with other drinks like coffee, water and alcoholic drinks. A can of beer will set you back about US$6 on-board as opposed to about US$2.2 on ground, documenting an average mark-up of 160 percent.
The excessive price tags are not limited to beverages; prices of packaged snack items like instant noodles, nuts, crisps and chocolate bars are significantly higher than on-ground numbers.
Prices of airline beverages like coffee and tea are far higher than supermarket prices. Pic: ume-y/flickr
Vice president of Kayak Asia Pacific Debby Soo said, “Low-cost carriers are providing a service when it comes to food and drink on board, which accounts for some of the mark-ups we see. However, it pays off to plan ahead and eat before you board, especially for short flights.”
“Travelers should bring empty plastic bottles through security into the departure area of Changi Airport, and then fill them up at the water fountains in order to stay hydrated on the cheap while flying.”
Significant mark-ups are also implemented on low-cost carriers in Europe. A study by Kayak UK revealed that budget airline Ryanair was found to sell the most expensive on-board refreshments even if their seats are marked as the cheapest in the continent.
Frank Brehany, consumer director of HolidayTravelWatch told The Guardian: “Airlines will argue its market forces – you have a choice to buy, or not.”
“An airport is a sealed environment and airlines have a captive market. Once you’re through security you’re basically held hostage.”
The post Prices of coffee, tea and refreshments on airlines are excessively marked-up, study proves appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com