October trips take off but airport snacks could ground Brits’ budgets

With the October half-term fast approaching, many families across the country will be heading overseas to soak up the last of the summer sun. 

But with food inflation hitting an 18-month high in August and the British Retail Consortium warning it could remain above 5% well into 2026 -  new research reveals that prices for popular nibbles at the terminal are nearly double what you’d pay at your local supermarket.¹

We analysed the prices of eight popular snacks and found that passengers pay nearly twice as much when purchasing them at airport terminals compared to buying  at the supermarket before heading to the airport.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Pack your own snacks for your next trip

Even with rising food prices, the mark-up on airport snacks is still surprisingly steep. Our research found the biggest difference on sharing bags of chocolate, with a share size bag of M&M’s costing 50% more at the airport than in a supermarket.

And it’s not just treats - everyday essentials like bottled water were 60% more expensive which can quickly add up ,especially for families.

While it’s easy to justify a one-off holiday splurge, these small costs can eat into your travel budget before you’ve even taken off. By planning ahead and packing your own snacks, you can avoid unnecessary spending and keep more money for enjoying your trip.

Top tips to keep holiday costs down this October 

1. Use a travel credit card

Many card providers charge foreign transaction fees when you spend or withdraw cash abroad, which can quickly add up the course of a holiday. Using a credit card tailored for overseas use can help you to avoid these charges and make your money go further. 

Another simple tip is to always choose to pay in the local currency when promoted, as you’ll typically get a better exchange rate than if you pay in pounds.

2. Make the most of credit card Rewards 

A rewards credit card can offer incentives such as cashback, loyalty points or air miles which can be redeemed for travel perks, discounts or exclusive deals. If you’re planning big-ticket purchases like flights or hotels, putting them on a rewards credit card could give you something back from spending you were going to do anyway.

3. Set a daily budget 

Setting a daily budget - and sticking to it - can help you enjoy your holiday without the stress or regret of overspending. For families, giving children their own spending limit not only teaches them about money, but also helps avoid constant requests for extra treats.

^{Methodology 
*MoneySuperMarket visited WHSmith stores in both Manchester airport, London Gatwick Airport and Warrington high street in July 2025. Supermarket prices were collected from Tesco. All prices listed are accurate as of Summer 2025 and subject to change. Where relevant, prices were calculated to reflect the same value of weight per item.}

^{Sources 
1 https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/government-is-losing-the-battle-against-inflation/}