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North Carolina Has Three Of The Most Expensive Airports In The Country

Author Melany Myers
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Flying anywhere is pretty pricey, which is one of the reasons I don’t travel lots. I don’t have the loot for it! According to a new study, North Carolina has three of the most expensive airports in the country, so if you’re planning to travel this summer, start saving!

According to WCNC, there’s a new study out by the nonprofit organization CivMetrics, and it shows that three of the top 10 most expensive airports in the country are in our state. The new study looks at average ticket prices to see which are the most expensive.

The study shows that the average ticket price for a flight out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport is $458. Charlotte is the 8th most expensive among the country’s 100 busiest airports. Greenville-Spartanburg is ranked No. 4 with an average ticket price of $493. Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro is No. 6 on the list at $477.

Tickets aren’t the only expensive thing at the airports. The last time I flew was four years ago, and I was shocked at the prices of food! A small nut and cheese plate at an airport store (not even a restaurant) was $16. Sandwiches and salads were way higher!

If you’re looking for a cheaper airport in the Carolinas, one of the most affordable airports among the 100 busiest in the U.S. is Myrtle Beach International Airport. The average ticket price is around $240. Of course, if you decide to fly from that airport, you’ve got a three-to-four-hour drive. Not too bad if you’re going on a vacation, but the drive after might hurt!

If you’re just now planning your summer vacation, definitely do some research online before booking your ticket. Sometimes using a travel agent is helpful as they can snag cheaper tickets.

Dine Like A Queen at The Charlotte Douglas International Airport

If you haven’t been to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in a while, it has experienced some major changes. If you’ve ever been to the airport and your flight gets canceled or you have a layover, having things to do and places to eat is a must. Thankfully, Charlotte has revamped and offers a great list of places to dine.

In 2021 the Charlotte Douglas International Airport was even named one of the best airports for a layover. One of the reasons is because of the number of shops and restaurants. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport has a lot of places to enjoy a delicious meal.

There are now over thirty different kinds of places to grab a bite and we’ve created a list of some of the top spots. Our list has sweet treats, fast food, and bars and grills. We left off the newsstands and convenience shops on this list. Remember, you don’t have to settle for the free airline pretzels anymore. With all of these tasty choices, you can dine like a true Queen while you are visiting or getting out of Charlotte. You can see more about places to dine, relax and enjoy your travel at the CLT airport here.

  • Hissho Sushi / First in Flight Bar

    Located right in the Atrium you can get some sushi and a drink. You can see more on the sushi and other menu items they offer here.

  • Brookwood Farms BBQ

    Love you some Carolina BBQ? At the CLT Airport, you can. What better way to get your Southern fix in than with some Carolina pit BBQ. It is located in the airport atrium. You can see more here.

  • Phillips Famous Seafood

    Charlotte might not be known for our seafood, but we still offer some good fish spots. One just happens to be located in Concourse C of the CLT airport. You can see more on the menu here.

  • Jersey Mike's

    I love a good cold sub. It’s tasty, quick, and easy to pack away on the plane. Located in the Atrium is Jersey Mike’s and they serve a plethora of subs both hot and cold for you to enjoy. You can see more on the menu here.

  • NesCafé

    If you need a quick coffee, muffin, morning breakfast, or bakery item you can visit this quick café located at Gate E28. You can call 704-359-4992 for more information on the hours of this location.

  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop

    If you are craving a sandwich then stop by this eatery located in the Plaza. You can see more on Potbelly Sandwich Shop menu items here.

  • Starbucks

    Classic and familiar, if you need a quick snack or some caffeine visit a Starbucks. There are several located in the CLT airport. There is one at the A Connector, Concourse D, Concourse E, and Concourse C. You can see more on the Starbucks menu here.

  • Tequileria

    Located in the Atrium is this spicy Mexican eatery that serves tequila, margarita, and tacos. If you call 704-359-4539 if you need more information. They even have awesome vegetarian options in this full-service restaurant.

    https://twitter.com/hashamou/status/1362518830275264514

  • Stock Car Café

    Located in Concourse B, is all about NASCAR and Charlotte’s history with it. You can get a classic burger and fries and Carolina BBQ. You can call 704-359-4979 for more information on this eatery.

  • Shake Shack

    Located in the Plaza is a perfect spot to grab yourself a burger, fries, and a strawberry milkshake! You can read up on the full Shake Shack menu here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQA_DILYg8/

  • The Great American Bagel Bakery

    If you want a yummy bagel, sandwiches, or salad you can stop by Concourse D to the Great American Bagel Bakery. You can see more on this bagel spot here.

    Best bagels in the country

  • the Taproom

    Located in Concourse A this eatery offers beer, flatbreads, to-go items, and more. It is a quick-service restaurant so if you are crunched for time, try it out! For more information, you can call 704-359-4472.

    Waffles on a Plate

  • Chick-fil-A

    Want some fabulous chicken? Who doesn’t love Chick-fil-A? I am a big chicken mini fan. Located in the Atrium you can get your fix. Just try not to fly on a Sunday! You can see more on menu items here.

  • Panda Express

    Located in Concourse E you can get some quick Chinese food before your flight. You can call 704-359-4729 for more information on this location and menu items.

  • The Broken Spoke

    Located in Concourse A is the Broken Spoke servicing cocktails and whiskey! Established in 2013, the Charlotte-based distillery makes a variety of spirits, including an award-winning American single malt whiskey called Rúa. You can see more about the establishment here.

  • Captain Jack's Tavern

    This is a Charlotte local restaurant. It is a bar and also serves quick service and vegetarian options. You can see more here.

  • Wicked Weed Brewing

    Located in the Plaza of the airport, you can get some tasty beer from Wicked Weed. My beer of choice is the Pernicious. You can see some top ratings of their beer here via Untapped.

  • Whiskey River

    Serving food and beverages, this is a great place to dine at the CLT airport. This spot is located near the E Rotunda. Some of the top foods on the menu are chicken wings, burgers, and pulled pork.

  • Wendy's

    In the mood for a juicy baconator? They are my favorite! If you want some quick and familiar, Wendy’s is located at Concourse A in the CLT airport. You can check out their full menu here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CbxpdaXDZJz/

  • TCBY

    Want a quick snack? Try out some frozen yogurt from TCBY. They have all kinds and even smoothies! They offer a wide assortment of products including options for those of you who choose to eat vegan, GMO-Free, protein-rich, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. This is located in Concourse C of the CLT airport.

  • Summer House

    Located near Concourse B is the Summer House. They offer breakfast foods, salads, and cookies! You can see more on this eatery here.

    https://twitter.com/NBAJAMBOI/status/1490345345389322244

  • Smashburger

    Want a juicy burger? You can head to Concourse A and visit Smashburger. You can enjoy burgers, fries, gluten-free options, and even vegetarian meals. You can see more on their menu here.

  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

    A caramel candy apple sounds delightful right about now. Located near baggage, D/E Connector, and in the A Connector is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. You can see what chocolate treats you might want to try here.

  • Rhino Market & Deli

    Located in Concourse A you can grab a sandwich, local Charlotte favorites, and more. You can see more here.

  • Red Star Lounge

    Adult beverages are always a good idea. This is a bar featuring beer, breakfast, salads, and more. It is located near Concourse B and is an easy place to grab some grub. See more on this spot here.

  • Red Mango

    Located in the Atrium of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the Red Mango. You can get a smoothie, frozen yogurt, breakfast items, and grab-and-go items. You can call 704-359-4374 for more information on what they offer and operating hours.

     

  • PZA

    Need a slice of cheesy goodness? Stop by PZA located in the CLT airport E Rotunda. They serve pizza, stromboli, pasta, and more Italian favorites. You can see more about PZA here.

  • Panera Bread

    I love Panera Breads two for two meal. Whenever I am flying out of Charlotte, I always stop by. Located in Concourse A you can get a sandwich, soups, or salads. You can call 704-359-0248 for more information on this location and menu items.

  • Original Rum & Bar Grill

    Fancy a little rum? Head over to Concourse D for a bar with a Caribbean flair. You can call 704-359-4547 for more information on this location and menu.

     

  • NoDa Brewing Company

    This is a new one to the CLT airport but it’s got all the old stuff you love from the OG brewery. I love their Hop, Drop ‘N Roll. You can see more on the beer options here. This brewery is located in Concourse A.

  • Jamba

    Located in Concourse A you can get your juice fix at the one and only ‘Jamba Juice’. The name has recently changed, and it is now called Jamba. You can see more about this location and menu items here. There is also one located in the D/E Connector.

     

  • Farmers Market

    Want something fresh and healthy? There is a Farmers Market located at Baggage Claim, Concourse C, E Rotunda, and Concourse B. They offer snacks, sandwiches, veggies, and quick service foods. You can see more on these eateries here.

    Sandwich with smoked ham and fresh lettuce

  • Fresh Attractions

    Located at Concourse C is the Fresh Attractions eatery. You can get an easy breakfast, deli sandwiches, and quick service at this restaurant. You can call 704-359-4995 to see more on this location and menu items.

    https://twitter.com/Cekyr0/status/754791120186605568

  • Explorer Lounge

    You can get drinks, breakfast, good Mexican food, and tasty nachos at this restaurant. You can see more here on their menu items.

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels

    From Everything to Poppy Seed, you can enjoy a morning bagel before your flight. Grab a cup of coffee or tea too and relax at this Concourse E location. You can see more on their menu here.

  • Dylan's Candy Bar

    Gumballs, chocolates, and more are all in the Atrium of the CLT airport. You can see more about all the sweet treats Dylan’s Candy Bar has to offer here.

  • Cinnabon

    Located in Concourse A and the Atrium is a sweet spot. If you want warm cinnamon to treat you can head over to one of them for a classic Cinnabon. I love these (maybe too much) and I always save room for one. You can see more here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb7-OhZlj4u/

     

  • Charlotte Bistro

    Get some drinks, a hot dog, pizza, or even a Jamaican beef patty from the Charlotte Bistro. This is located in the Baggage area.

  • Burger King

    Want to really wear the crown? Go get yourself some fast food from Burger King. The Whopper is my #1 go-to. This open location is located in Concourse E. You can see more on BK and menu items here.

  • Carolina Beer Co.

    This is a North Carolina staple located in Concourse D. You can call 704-359-4521 for more information and operating hours. They have beer, food, and good times.

  • Chalice Café

    Want to sit down and grab some breakfast? You can at this restaurant. It is full-service and located in Concourse C.Beer On Table

  • Auntie Anne's

    Want a pretzel? Maybe a nice ice cold coke to go with it? I love the cinnamon pretzel bites at Auntie Anne’s. There are two locations in the CLT airport, one in The Plaza and one in the Atrium. You can see more on the menu here.

  • Bad Daddy's Burger

    Located in Concourse C you can create your own custom burger creation. You can see more on menu items here.

  • Brioche Dorée

    You can get sandwiches, grab-and-go snacks, and bakery goods from this location. It is located at Concourse E in the CLT airport. You can see more about this bakery here.

  • Bojangles'

    It is bo time! Located in the Plaza and Concourse B, you can get your fried chicken craving the Charlotte way. They have chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, and more. You can see more on the menu here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-T680tn4F/

  • Black n Blue Bar

    You can relax and get a nice drink at the Black n Blue Bar. This bar is located in Concourse A of the CLT airport.

    Explore the Breweries of North Carolina

    We have a lot of beer here in the Carolinas. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City alone! There is nothing like trying out a new beer and enjoying fun taprooms. If you like discovering new beers try tackling the NC Beer Guys map of breweries. You can see it here: https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries/

  • Beaudevin

    Relax, dine in and enjoy some fancier airport food. You can call 704-359-4318 for more information on seating and service hours. They have some great-looking fish!

     

  • 1897 Market

    Grab a seat or grab it to go, you can get deli favorites and yummy pizza from the 1897 Market. It is located in the atrium. You can call 704-359-4555 for more information.

    Funny,Brunette,Girl,In,Yellow,Sweater,Eating,Pizza,At,Restaurant.

Melany Myers is a Gastonia native and has spent most of her life here in North Carolina. Mel has worked in radio for over 20 years, many of which she spent co-hosting morning shows in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. Mel loves 80’s music, going to concerts, cooking, and eating! She is always writing about random news stories that really make you wonder, “what in the world?!” She also writes about rock music and human-interest content.

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