The Kilkenny Observer Friday 20 May 2022
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kilkennyobserver.ie
Travel & Leisure A lot of Irish tourists who visit New York City to see family or just explore the Big Apple expect to pay a little more for things in the city that never sleeps. And most travellers have at least one story where they have paid a ridiculous amount of money for a stale sandwich or watered-down cocktail at an airport. But $27 beer is apparently where New York authorities are now drawing the line. The agency that oversees the three major New York City area airports is cracking down on sky-high prices being charged for food and drinks. An investigation by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA), which has oversight over Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and NewarkLiberty (EWR) airports, found that some beer and food in the terminals was being sold to travellers at “totally indefensible” prices. How egregious were some of the prices being charged? How about $27.85 for a Sam Adams Summer Ale Draught? Or $11 for an order of french fries or $4 for a small orange juice? The PA’s offce of Inspector General launched a monthslong investigation into the alleged price gouging. The agency’s report concluded that the vendor OTG violated street pricing policy by erroneously adding a surcharge to an already inflated base price. OTG handles concessions at the three NYC-area airports as well as at hundreds of other airports across the US. The Port Authority now says it has implemented new pricing standards for concessions at the three New York/New Jersey airports that sets a cap for food and drink prices at what are described as local “street prices.” The new policy allows for a maximum surcharge of 10% that can be added. Part of the problem, the agency said, was that the previous street-pricing policy Doolin Ferry Co. ‘Cruise Company of the Year Ireland’, has set sail for the summer season, with their state-ofthe-art ferries operating once again from Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands. Passengers can also opt to board a Cliffs of Moher cruise, or the thrilling Seafari experience, which was introduced in 2021. With the popularity of the Aran Islands continuing to increase year-on-year, the family-run business now offers up to 20 sailings per day between Inis Óirr, Inis Mór and Inis Meáin. As a top destination in the West of Ireland, the Aran Islands offer visitors the chance to step back in time and experience Irish culture in its truest and most traditional forms. For families, friends and couples, a trip with Doolin Ferry Co. to the Aran Islands is a day-trip unlike any other where a variety of exciting activities await across the three picturesque island locations. The largest of the three islands, (translated as ‘Big
Moves to stop over-pricing at New York airports
was not speciffic enough in its instructions to vendors. The revisions presumably address that issue. “All airport customers should rightly expect that policies which limit the pricing of food and beverages at concessions will be followed and enforced,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said in a statement. “Nobody should have to fork over such an exorbitant amount for a beer. The Aviation Department’s new compliance and enforcement measures announced today make it crystal clear that all prices at concessions will be routinely monitored to ensure they are aligned with the regional marketplace.”
In addition to price caps, airport concessionaires must also offer less expensive food and drink options to customers. All of this began with a viral tweet back in July 2021 from a customer who couldn’t believe the beer prices inside LaGuardia Airport. Not long after that, New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., also called out the obscene prices for concessions at Newark-Liberty airport. Payne, who represents New Jersey’s 10th district, said $11 french fries and $20 beers were an insult to travellers. “Simply put: travel is stressful enough,” Payne wrote in a letter he co-authored with other lawmakers to the Port
Authority. “Being bamboozled at the bar for a bottle of beer is no way for our region to greet or wave goodbye to our neighbours.”
Getting the best out of the Big Apple Meanwhile, if planning to city New York City for the time here is some advice on making the most of itheck out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Then, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple’s history. Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty. You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent people-watching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.
Explore the Aran Islands this summer Island’), Inis Mór is the most popular and most visited of the islands. With green flowing fields and traditional stone walls, Inis Mór lives up to the romantic image that most will have dreamed up
when planning their trip. Upon arriving, visitors can choose to explore the island by bike, by foot, by minibus or by pony and trap. Adventure seekers can opt to scuba dive, swim, hike, or
The Port Authority encourages anyone who travels through one of the area’s three big airports to report any suspected
price gouging by alerting the agency’s social media channels. In other words: If you see something, say something. Meanwhile, if planning to city New York City for the time here is some advice on making the most of itheck out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Then, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple’s history. Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty. You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent peoplewatching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.
explore the rugged terrain in a Land Rover Defender jeep on a guided tour. Inis Mór also has lots for foodies to enjoy, including the delicious Aran Goat Cheese, made by local artisan producer Gabriel
Faherty. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for the Inis Mór seal colony and the beautiful wild swans a truly a treat for the eyes! With the fastest operating ferry fleet from Doolin, Doolin Ferry Co. will get you to Inis Oírr in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect location for a half or full day visit, and in particular for families. The welcome to Inis Oírr could not be more scenic, with a beautiful white sandy beach and a great view of O’Brien’s Castle just beyond it. Families will love the newly built playground on the island, which is also home to picnic benches - perfect for lunch in the sun! Explorers will be kept busy with holy wells, ancient ruins, the Áras Éanna cultural centre and the Fardurris Point lighthouse awaiting them. This island is particularly popular amongst Father Ted fans, thanks to the Plassey Shipwreck, with the annual ‘Tedfest’ taking place on Inis Oírr every February. For history buffs and walking enthusiasts, Inis
Meáin will be a dream come true. As there are not many tours available on the island, those that visit should be prepared to explore the island by walking, hiking or biking. Inis Meáin is home to two stunning beaches, both of which are ideal for swimming, relaxing or picnicking. As a well-known and famous retreat for many writers, artists and poets, this island is full to the brim with culture, one such site is JM Synge’s cottage, where many of his classics were written. History lovers will enjoy wandering around the famous fort ruins of the island, Dun Chonchuir and Dun Fearbhai, both of which were built in the bronze or iron ages. * Ticket prices for Aran Islands sailings with Doolin Ferry Co. range from €6 one way / inter island and from €18 return. Find out more about ticket prices and sailing times here. Visitors can book ferry tickets by phoning 065 707 5555 or online at www.doolinferry. com
