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Burbank Airport Food Prices Spark Traveler Concern

Travelers report high costs for snacks and meals at the new terminal that opened on October 13, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Air Travel

Bold vector illustration of a plain brown food bag, symbolizing high airport food costs in a modern travel terminal.
Travelers at the Hollywood Burbank Airport are reporting significant food price markups that appear to violate local concession policy caps. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Visitors at the new Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal are facing significantly higher food costs than those found at nearby streetside locations. Reports indicate that items like burritos and burgers are being sold at prices far exceeding the airport's own concession policy.

Why it matters

The price discrepancy highlights a potential failure to adhere to local concession regulations intended to keep airport dining costs within a reasonable range. This affects the overall travel experience for those using the recently opened 355,000-square-foot terminal.

A bean and cheese burrito at the airport costs $25, which is more than double the $11.95 charged at local streetside Burbank locations. Additionally, a single chocolate bar is priced at $19.95, while a smash burger retails for $25 compared to $15 outside the terminal.

The players

Hollywood Burbank Airport

This facility is a major transportation hub serving the Los Angeles region that recently completed a large-scale terminal project.

The details

The $1.3 billion terminal, which features an updated TSA checkpoint and expanded gates, currently hosts vendors charging prices that contrast sharply with the 15% cap established in the 2025 concession document. While customers report spending up to $50 for simple items like three tacos and water, airport employees remain at the state minimum wage of $16.09 per hour.

Timeline

  1. Hollywood Burbank Airport was first built in 1930.

  2. The 2025 concession document established current street price benchmark rules.

  3. The new terminal officially opened to the public on October 13, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The pricing discrepancies at the new terminal follow a trend where travelers increasingly scrutinize the cost of convenience in large-scale airport infrastructure projects. This situation reflects broader challenges in maintaining affordability benchmarks as airports modernize and expand their internal amenities.

Travelers flying through the new terminal should anticipate significantly higher prices for food and drink than they would encounter in the city. To manage travel budgets effectively, passengers are encouraged to account for these elevated costs or bring their own snacks before arriving at the airport gates.

The takeaway

Travelers should be prepared for substantial price markups when dining inside the new terminal facilities. Budgeting for meals ahead of time can help avoid unexpected costs during your transit through the airport.

Further reading

For more information on airport regulations and passenger rights, visit the Burbank Air Travel section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.

Live Poll

Do you feel airport food prices are generally fair relative to what you pay elsewhere?