Sold-out food and overstuffed lounges await travelers at some airports this summer — here's what to expect
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Travel demand is high, ticket prices are up and there's still a shortage of staff in some aspects of the airport experience. Layer that with long lines to get airline lounges that have overflowed into the hallways at multiple locations.
With travel set to ramp up for the summer as Memorial Day approaches, what could possibly go wrong as U.S. travelers pack their carry-on bags and head to the airport?
If the preview of coming attractions we've seen play out at airports across the country recently is any indication, a lot, actually.
We certainly hope that 2023 won't be a repeat of some of the larger-scale meltdowns various airlines and airports experienced in 2022. However, the odds are high that there will be some challenges awaiting the millions of travelers scheduled to fly this summer.
Here's what we are already seeing — and how to be prepared as you take to the sky.
Come hungry, risk leaving starving
We're not going to start this off with a tired tip like allowing extra time to get through security, though you probably should do that if you still don't have PreCheck or Clear or otherwise reserve your spot in the security line. Here's how to minimize your wait to get through security if you need those tips.
Today, we'll start with something arguably even scarier than a long security line — "hanger," the combination of "hunger" and "anger."
In recent weeks at airports across the country, including Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and beyond, TPG staffers have encountered little to no food available at the airport.
The reasons for this are multifaceted but come down to one main theme: staffing.
As a result of those constraints, operating hours for concessions are still shorter than you might expect. If you have an evening or early flight, you may have very limited choices. Even if the food outlet is open, we're encountering empty trays and dramatically scaled-back menus.
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Last month at Orlando International Airport, I encountered a very busy food court. More of the food trays with the day's offerings were empty than full at the post-security Manchu Wok. When a fellow customer asked the one staffer working the counter when replenishment might be coming, the question was met with an almost humorous shrug. You needed to pick from the few options that were left or get nothing at all.
The other customer opted for nothing at all while I just pointed at the tray that looked to have the most left in it and said whatever that was would be fine. If you had any dietary restrictions or concerns in the slightest, there would have been no remedy.
TPG's Nick Ewen encountered a similar situation at Einstein Bros. Bagels at the Fort Lauderdale airport when the staffer at that outlet waved to the menu behind him and said, "We don't have any of that other than the first two sandwiches."
Things were arguably even bleaker at O'Hare International Airport for TPG's Gene Sloan as he tried to grab dinner after his connection from Charlotte and before an evening departure bound for Europe when the outlet he first went to only had hot dogs left. Other options around him were closed or closing around 7 p.m. (well before many of the international departures from O'Hare).
When he eventually found a still-open Burger King, he ordered quickly and didn't look back. However, because it was so busy, he couldn't find an open table and had to settle on eating dinner on a bench in the packed terminal.
The moral of these stories is that while airports aren't as post-apocalyptic as they were in 2020 when it comes to concessions, they aren't as far off from that as you might imagine — just for different reasons than before.
Related: Our favorite airport restaurants
No vacancies at the airport lounges
Frequent travelers, or even those with the right credit cards in their wallets, may think what's going on in the terminal food court isn't particularly their problem, as food awaits them in the lounge.
Maybe there will be food. However, that doesn't mean you'll be able to get in during the window before your flight. Overcrowding at airport lounges is not a new problem, but it's unresolved as we head into another busy travel season.
In addition to long waits for lounge access, you may not be able to get in at all.
We are also hearing reports of Priority Pass members unable to use their membership to get into lounges at all as they are completely full. The "no room" denial is happening at airports all over the place – San Diego, Cancun, London and beyond.
Sometimes the same "sorry, can't get in today" response happens for those with one-time-use lounge passes, such as United passes you get with the United Explorer Card, which includes two single-use United Club passes each year.
Naturally, there are also times you can waltz right into the lounge, visit the buffet for a "free" plate of food, grab a complimentary drink and live the airport high life. But even with all the recent lounge expansions, guest restrictions and new openings, if you travel enough, you're likely to encounter a situation where there are simply no vacancies in the lounge.
Related: These are the best credit cards for getting in airport lounges
What to do about all this
Don't worry — you are not necessarily doomed to a life of overstuffed gate areas with nothing but hot dogs for sustenance if you plan ahead and make some strategic choices along the way.
In addition to having a strategy to get through security, keeping track of your flight and having a backup in the case of cancellations or delays, here's how to handle the airports like a prepared pro this summer.
- Bring snacks — really, this time. Some travelers have always been vigilant about packing and bringing their own food and snacks for the airport, but now is the time for all of us to be prepared. At a minimum, packing granola bars or something similar in your bag is a must this summer. Packing an in-case-of-emergency sandwich isn't a bad idea either.
- Prioritize grab-and-go lounges. There is a still small but growing number of grab-and-go lounges that can keep your belly full on the go. Delta has the grab-and-go concept at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Concourse B and at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Concourse B. United launched its first grab-and-go lounge at Denver International Airport (DEN) near Gate B61. Capital One also makes grab-and-go available at its Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) lounge in Terminal D.
- Make a reservation to get in the lounge. While most lounges still don't accept reservations, some do. For example, there are a number of Priority Pass lounges at London airports that do, but note there is generally a small fee charged to guarantee your spot.
- Eat a free meal at Priority Pass-eligible restaurants. A few credit cards still offer credit at actual sit-down airport restaurants. That number of eligible food outlets has shrunk dramatically in recent months. However, some, including the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve, still pick up around $28-$30 per person per meal at restaurants in airports such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Bottom line
It's easy to shrug off the airport experience and say you'll eat when you arrive at your destination. However, if you're boarding an international flight or a long transcontinental flight, or start facing long, rolling delays, the last thing you want to deal with on top of everything else is travel "hanger."
Before you book that airport parking spot or book that ride to the airport, don't forget to also plan for the airport to not be the most relaxing and accommodating part of your journey.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.