The Science Behind Why We Crave Unusual Foods At The Airport

Air travel can disrupt even the most disciplined and normal routines in the most peculiar ways — especially when it comes to food and drink choices. From early morning burgers to midnight eggs and bacon, it's almost as if airports exist outside of the time-space continuum — creating a world of its own where conventional meal schedules, social norms, and the whole concept of "it's too early" simply doesn't exist. And it's all due to human psychology.

In fact, the strange transformation from a human being — as in, one who understands the concepts of "breakfast" and "dinner" — into a totally ravenous food monster that'll eat pretty much anything starts as soon as travelers get through the airport security checkpoints.

That moment of relief to be at your gate, combined with the stress of early wake-up calls and travel logistics, generally triggers an almost primal hunger response. And suddenly, that 7 a.m. hot dog (with extra relish, of course) or those pre-lunch nachos don't seem like such a strange choice after all. Instead, they become oddly appealing — and even necessary.

Airport cravings and weird eating patterns all stem from a series of external and internal factors that impact how we process hunger. For starters, sleep disruption plays a major role in how we choose our foods at the airport. By affecting the hormones that regulate appetite — ghrelin and leptin — under-rested travelers (so, pretty much everyone) generally tend to gravitate toward high-energy foods that'll bring a sense of immediate comfort.

Additionally, the airport environment itself also contributes to these cravings. With its bright lights, constant noise, and carefully designed visual cues, walking through one has a similar effect to that of being in a casino. Specifically, one where every sensory input is designed to influence your choices and behavior — all so you end up giving in to temptation and spending more. Heck, even airports with the worst food out there still manage to tempt travelers!

Beyond that, the whole aspect of traveling also influences our food choices. The vacation vibe — which combines feelings of excitement, stress, and a touch of rebellion — completely shifts our normal decision-making process. That way, travelers see their time off as a temporary escape from reality — and, in turn, treat themselves to things they'd normally avoid at home. So the next time you're at the airport, remember there's no need to feel too bad about those morning nachos. Or if you're trying to stay healthy, fight those cravings by eating some snacks that'll help you reduce jet lag instead — like nuts or fresh fruit. Your body (and mind) will probably thank you for it.