Shocked by Prague Airport Prices, Reader Finds Amsterdam a “Golden Czech Award”
A reader recently expressed shock at the high prices of refreshments at Václav Havel Airport in Prague, notably after a comparison with prices at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The experience began during a long weekend trip to Amsterdam, where the reader and her family opted for a restaurant meal before their flight to avoid crowded pre-boarding areas.
Choosing Marché restaurant at Prague Airport, the reader ordered drinks for her husband, herself, and their two grandchildren. She was surprised to find a beer priced at 109 Czech crowns, but the real shock came with the bill. she paid 416 crowns for two lemonades and two beers. “the pint of Coca-Cola for 99 crowns literally shocked me,” she recounted. “At first I wanted to return it, but I was stupid, so I paid and left. I did not notice the prices on the shelf at all, I just took and went.” Her husband also noted that a “large” beer was only 0.4 liters, smaller than a standard bottle.
The reader explained they typically bring their own water bottles to fill or purchase drinks from vending machines,but wanted a restaurant experience for the children’s first flight.
Prague Airport, however, defends its refreshment pricing, stating that prices are “standard” compared to other airports and city center restaurants. Spokesman jiří Hannich highlighted that passengers appreciate the quality of food and service offered. He also pointed out the availability of 21 free water fountains throughout the airport, easily located with navigation markings. For those preferring bottled water, Hannich noted a half-liter PET bottle costs just 16 crowns at the Bill supermarket in the public area, while Runway restaurant offers half-liter bottles for 36 crowns and 1.5-liter bottles for 40 crowns. Flavored drinks at Runway cost approximately ten crowns more.
Interestingly,upon returning from her trip,the reader shared a comparison: two Coca-Colas at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam cost 4.65 euros. She jokingly referred to this as a “Golden Czech Award,” implying Prague Airport’s prices were comparatively high.
Hannich emphasized that passengers have a choice and can select from a wide range of refreshment options. Prague Airport directly operates the Runway restaurant, offering a daily menu of over ten Czech and international dishes. He also noted that prices of 4 euros for a Coca-Cola are standard in many European cities,perhaps being slightly high for an airport setting.
