A little-known trick at Birmingham Airport allows travellers to enjoy a hot meal, a drink, and a snack for just £5.80, offering a budget-friendly alternative to pricey airport refreshments.
The High Cost of Airport Dining
Booking a holiday is an active pastime for most, with the promise of sunny beaches and new cultures to explore. However, forking out for flights and accommodation can leave your bank balance feeling rather empty. And that's before you've stepped foot in the airport, where bottles of water can set you back £4. So if you've forgotten to bring snacks along with you, buying a meal at the airport can be a financial hit, especially if you're with the whole family.
A Personal Discovery
During a recent trip to Birmingham Airport, I was met with this conundrum before boarding the first of two flights to Thailand. My holiday companion and I decided to dine at Wetherspoons before our long journey to the other side of the world. I opened the app to order food and saw a banner advertising a children's menu. Deciding to have no shame, I clicked on the section and scrolled down to see chicken nuggets with chips for just £5.80. What's more, the meal came with a drink and a snack.
Opting for the Children's Menu
My friend decided to order an adult meal - as most people would - but I instead opted for the cheaper option and was met with a plastic plate with a smiley face on it. I opted for water for my drink and a bag of apple slices for my snack - very normal behaviour for someone who has been able to legally drink. The only downside to this was the slight embarrassment at eating a children's meal. And this was only amplified when I returned to the airport a few weeks later for a solo trip to Spain. Turns out eating chicken nuggets and baked beans as an adult by yourself is even more embarrassing than dining on such food while joking with a friend.
Is It Worth It?
But with a cost of less than £6, it is hard not to argue that it is worth the money ahead of a fun trip abroad. This clever hack can save travellers a significant amount, especially when compared to typical airport food prices. So next time you're at Birmingham Airport, consider the children's menu at Wetherspoons for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
