Travelers Decry Exorbitant Prices for Food and Drinks at Cancun International Airport

Cancun, Quintana Roo — Travelers passing through Cancun International Airport are criticizing what they call exorbitant prices for basic food and drinks, with a simple bottle of water costing over 100 pesos and meals running hundreds more.

Digital content creator Diego Saúl Reyna highlighted the issue, noting that prices inside the airport are “crazy.” He cited examples like a burrito costing 250 pesos and a premium-brand water bottle priced at 119 pesos. Reyna also criticized the common practice of discarding sealed food and drinks at security checkpoints, forcing passengers to repurchase items at inflated prices inside the terminal.

Passengers from various countries shared their experiences. American traveler Oswald Grimes said he spent nearly 200 pesos (about $11.50) on an iced coffee and pastry, admitting it was an unnecessary indulgence. “I can’t do anything but enjoy my coffee that already cost me quite a bit,” he remarked.

Mexican travelers July Solis and David Leal, returning to Mexico City, paid almost 600 pesos for eggs and chilaquiles at an airport restaurant, skipping drinks to avoid even higher costs. “Very expensive. Almost half of a ticket practically. For our fellow countrymen it’s a lot and that will make us not come to consume here on our next visit, because the price is crazy,” they said.

Foreign travelers noted comparisons: Americans mentioned snack combos costing around $6 in U.S. airports, while Europeans said similar items might cost up to 5 euros. Mexican passengers said they cannot afford to spend over 500 pesos inside an airport terminal.

Some travelers suggested eating at establishments outside the airport to avoid high prices. Others criticized what they called a “bad habit” of buying overpriced items just to post travel photos on social media.

The issue extends beyond food and drinks, with passengers also noting high costs for taxis, irregular porter services, and hidden airline fees as part of the overall travel expense burden.