Travel Experts Discover 'World's Most Overpriced McDonald's' at Turkish Airport
For many travellers, spotting the familiar golden arches of McDonald's offers a reassuring promise of affordable, quick sustenance during journeys. However, one British travel duo has shattered that assumption after encountering what they describe as the most exorbitantly priced McDonald's outlet on the planet.
Shock at Antalya Airport's Fast Food Prices
Chelsea Dickenson, renowned online as 'HolidayExpert' for her budget travel advice, embarked on a trip with her podcast co-host and friend, James Robinson. Visiting Antalya Airport in Turkey, they approached a McDonald's restaurant with scepticism, having heard rumours of its astronomical pricing. "We are at what is considered as one of the most overpriced McDonald's in the world. It's in Antalya Airport, and we've heard it costs an absolute fortune. But it can't be real," Chelsea remarked dubiously.
Staggering Cost of a Big Mac Meal Revealed
To verify the claims, the pair examined the digital menu, converting Turkish lira prices into British pounds. Their investigation began with a medium Big Mac meal, a staple that typically costs around £7.50 in the UK. To their astonishment, the same meal was priced at 887 Turkish lira, equivalent to approximately £15.34 – more than double the usual UK cost.
Their curiosity piqued, they then checked the price of a standard Happy Meal, which usually ranges from £3.49 to £4.49 in Britain. At this airport location, it cost 665 Turkish lira, translating to a jaw-dropping £11.50. Despite the high price, James decided to purchase one, primarily to see the included toy. "I wanted to see what the toy was," he explained, later revealing a Playmobil llama figure that required assembly.
Disappointing Culinary Experience for Premium Price
After paying the hefty sum, the duo sampled the food. The chips, they noted, tasted indistinguishable from those at any other McDonald's. However, the burger failed to justify its premium cost. "It didn't taste as well as you'd want for having paid £11.50 for the meal," they concluded, clearly unimpressed by the overall value.
Reflecting on the experience, Chelsea offered blunt advice to fellow travellers: "Make sure you eat before you come to Antalya Airport." Her warning underscores the broader issue of inflated prices at airport concessions, where captive audiences often face steep markups.
Viewer Reactions Echo Travel Duo's Bafflement
The pair's discovery resonated widely online, with numerous viewers sharing their disbelief in the comments section. One person quipped, "Ahaha the most traumatic place on earth," while another admitted, "No thank you! I’m far too tight! Lol." A more optimistic commenter noted, "At least the llama is cute. Nice souvenir!" highlighting the only perceived silver lining in an otherwise costly meal.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for globetrotters to research dining options beforehand, especially in transit hubs where prices can be unexpectedly high. While McDonald's is often synonymous with value, this Turkish airport outlet proves that assumption isn't universal, leaving even seasoned travel experts like Chelsea and James utterly floored by the expense.
