$47 for a Burger? The Real Cost of Eating at America’s Major Airshows

Yes, that price tag is real. I’ve tracked food costs across 23 major airshows over the past five years. Here’s the unvarnished truth about what you’ll spend keeping your family fed during America’s premier aviation events.

The Price Reality Check

At a major show (Oshkosh, Sun ‘n Fun, Miramar), expect these ranges:

Beverages:

• Bottled water: $5-8
• Soda: $5-7
• Beer (domestic): $10-15
• Craft beer: $12-18
• Coffee: $5-7

Basic Food:

• Hot dog: $8-12
• Hamburger: $12-18
• Pizza slice: $7-10
• Chicken tenders basket: $15-20
• Nachos: $12-16

Substantial Meals:

• BBQ plate: $18-28
• Specialty sandwich: $15-22
• Full meal with sides: $22-35
• Sit-down restaurant (if available): $25-45

The $47 Burger: It exists. Premium vendor locations at shows like Fleet Week SF, with “gourmet” offerings plus drink plus sides, absolutely reach this range. Is it a $47 experience? Rarely.

Why Prices Are What They Are

Before vilifying vendors, understand the economics:

Venue fees: Prime vendor locations at major shows cost $15,000-50,000 for the event. That cost gets distributed across customers.

Logistics: Temporary food service at remote locations requires generators, water trucks, refrigeration units, and portable cooking equipment. Nothing is permanent or efficient.

Staffing: Vendors staff up for 3-4 days of intense work, often paying premium temporary wages.

Captive audience: Once you’re inside the gates, you’re staying for hours. Vendors know this. Prices reflect monopoly conditions, not competitive markets.

The Smart Food Strategies

Before you arrive:

• Eat a substantial breakfast at your hotel
• Most shows prohibit outside food – most shows don’t actually search bags thoroughly
• Small, non-obvious snacks (granola bars, trail mix) in pockets rarely trigger issues
• Freeze water bottles overnight – they’ll thaw by lunch and remain cold

At the show:

• Peripheral vendors often price 20-30% below show center locations
• Food trucks on outer edges sometimes operate under different contract terms
• Ethnic food vendors (Mexican, Asian) often provide better value than American fare
• Breakfast items are typically priced more reasonably than lunch/dinner

Timing tricks:

• Eat lunch at 11am, before main aerial demonstrations when lines explode
• Late afternoon (4pm+) sometimes brings price reductions as vendors prepare to close
• If you can exit and re-enter (check your show’s policy), lunch at nearby restaurants saves significantly

Show-by-Show Reality

Best value: Oshkosh actually offers reasonable options – the show’s massive scale supports diverse vendors competing on price. The vendor rows near Vintage Aircraft are notably cheaper than main areas.

Worst value: Military base shows and urban Fleet Weeks tend toward premium pricing, with fewer vendor options and harder exit/re-entry policies.

The Family Budget

For a family of four at a full-day show, realistic food budgeting:

• Bare minimum: $80-100 (minimal snacking, one reasonable meal)
• Comfortable: $150-200 (two meals, drinks throughout day)
• Without restrictions: $250-350 (whatever sounds good, when it sounds good)

The Bottom Line

Airshow food is expensive because it can be. Factor this into your event budget honestly – surprising food costs create family tension during what should be enjoyable experiences. Pack what you can, strategize what you can’t, and remember that you’re paying for convenience in a unique environment, not culinary excellence.