Travelers Outraged Over Sky-High Food Prices at New Burbank Airport Terminal
Passengers complain of inflated costs for basic food and drink items just weeks after the $1.3 billion terminal's opening.
Travelers at the newly opened Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal are voicing frustration over steep prices for food and beverages, with some items costing significantly more than at off-airport locations. The complaints emerged weeks after the airport unveiled its $1.3 billion terminal on October 13.
One passenger took to social media to report a bean and cheese burrito from Poquito Mas priced at $25. At a separate Poquito Mas location in Burbank, the same item sells for $11.95, representing a 109% increase at the airport. Another traveler reported paying $35 for a breakfast burrito and coffee. Other grievances included a $50 purchase for three tacos and a bottle of water, and a $25 smash burger from West Coast Smash. Comparisons were drawn to the high prices at luxury grocery stores, with one commenter stating the airport was "officially more expensive than Erewhon."
Even convenience items are subject to significant markups. One traveler noted that bags of nuts were priced much higher than at a 7-Eleven, and another reported paying $19.95 for a single chocolate bar.
These high prices may potentially conflict with federal regulations. A 2025 concession document between the FAA and Hollywood Burbank Airport states that prices for food and beverage products should not exceed the street price by more than 15%. The markups observed at the airport range from 66% to 109%, far exceeding this guideline.
The Hollywood Burbank Airport, originally built in 1930, underwent extensive renovations to its terminal, which spans 355,000 square feet. The new facility includes an updated TSA security checkpoint, more spacious gate areas, and dining options from local establishments such as Jones Coffee, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown, and Border Grill.
In contrast to the high airport wages and mandated minimums seen at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), employees at Burbank Airport can be paid as little as the state minimum wage of $16.09 per hour. Plans for the new terminal were first revealed in 2023, with construction taking just over two years.