We have a family of 5 and when we find ourselves needing to eat at the airport during a layover, we end up spending a lot.
In the future, if possible (a big if), and all things being equal, I may choose layovers at airports in which we have lounge access. Don’t forget, lounge access is a benefit that comes with various charge and credit cards. If we have lounge access, we can avoid having to buy food at the airport that is limited and overpriced.
Recently, we had a short layover in Seattle on our way to Vancouver for our ski trip to Whistler. My American Express Business Platinum card gave us access to the Centurion Lounge at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. Don’t forget, complimentary lounge access is one of the benefits of the American Express Platinum cards. We made this lounge visit a lunch destination (despite the fact breakfast was being served), but still, it saved us about $50 had we had to eat lunch at the airport.
This tip will often be hard to accomplish, but just keep it in the back of your mind if booking flights that require layovers and there are options as to which airport you will stop at.