Travelers express fear over excessive water charges at airports
In the bustling Mineralnye Vody Airport, travelers are finding themselves faced with an unexpected expense: the high cost of bottled water. Prices for bottled water at the airport are significantly higher than in regular stores, a trend that can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, the airport's convenience and captive market play a significant role. With limited alternatives available while waiting for flights, vendors are able to set premium prices. This is further compounded by higher operating costs, including rent, security, staffing, and logistics, all of which add to overhead and are passed to consumers.
Airports also have fewer suppliers and less competition than regular stores, reducing price pressure. This is particularly true for Mineralnye Vody Airport, which serves as a gateway for tourists climbing Mount Elbrus and other peaks, where demand for essentials like bottled mineral water is high.
Despite these high prices, there are some cost-saving options available for passengers. Water fountains are located near flight registration and in the sterile zone, providing a free alternative for those who carry their own containers. There are also free water filling stations for passengers.
However, the prices for bottled water at the airport are still a source of frustration for many travelers. A 0.5-liter bottle of water at the airport costs 560 rubles, while a 0.33-liter bottle costs 460 rubles. In the general zone and baggage claim area, prices are lower, with 0.5-liter bottled water ranging from 160 to 285 rubles and 160 to 460 rubles, respectively.
The markup in airports is typically 2 to 3 times the cost price, and the high pricing of water at Mineralnye Vody Airport has outraged tourists. In fact, the price of bottled water at the airport has increased almost tenfold compared to a regular store. Some water bottles at the airport are even sold in glass.
Despite the high prices, the brands of water sold at the airport are not mass-market, offering a unique selection for travelers. However, for many, the sticker shock of the prices is enough to leave a bitter taste. Passengers were shocked by the price of bottled water at the airport, with one traveler commenting, "I paid more for a bottle of water at the airport than I did for my meal at the restaurant!"
In conclusion, while Mineralnye Vody Airport offers a unique and picturesque setting for travelers, the high cost of bottled water at the airport is a source of frustration for many. As travelers continue to navigate the airport, they are encouraged to seek out the free water filling stations and consider bringing their own containers to save on costs.
- The high prices of bottled water at Mineralnye Vody Airport, which can be up to ten times higher than regular stores, have left many travelers", frustrated and surprised, with one commenting, "I paid more for a bottle of water at the airport than I did for my meal at the restaurant!"
- Despite the high prices, the brands of water sold at the airport are not mass-market, offering a unique selection for travelers; however, the airport's lifestyle, especially when it comes to the high cost of essentials like bottled water, often leaves a bitter taste for passengers.
