Because in America we can eat anything we like. While I don't frequent McDonald's in everyday life, when I'm in an airport the alternatives are often weird, expensive, goopy/wet, don't look clean, take forever, are staffed by incompetents, or otherwise even worse, so I often opt for McDonald's myself. The little regular cheeseburgers.

It is cheap and quick. Much better than having to buy a $10 sandwich at a little shop, or a $20 meal at a restaurant that may take TOO long to come when you are in a hurry.

DTW in the center of the main, McNamara, terminal.

Right. I ate at McDonalds for Breakfast time before I fly next flight out. I took on redeye flight to DTW.

LAX T7, by gate 73 (at least there used to be one there).

Compared to most airport fare: McD's is cheap, reliable, fast.

Compare Mickey D's food versus what the airlines serve on the plane, I think it is a gourmet meal. ;)

By the way, not in the US but CDG has one too.

Several in DFW, in A, B, C and D (at least)

DCA in the AA pier, possibly others here too

DEN in all Terminals I believe

LGA in the US Terminal

BDL post security

IAH in Concourse B

SAN outside security and inside security (pretty rare)

SNA by Gate 7 I think.

Please don't think me crazy for pulling these all off the top of my head, I'm a McDonalds apologist and always happy when I find one. McGriddles and Big Macs are guilty pleasures I allow myself when traveling.

At least three locations in ORD's Terminal 3 (food court, H concourse, K concourse) - but then, with its world headquarters in nearby Oak Brook, McDonalds qualifies as a local food vendor at ORD ;)

Myself, I prefer Burrito Beach, both for the food and because they serve Diet Dr. Pepper ^ (I also look forward to the soon-to-open Rick Bayless/Frontera outlet in T3).

Can't believe I forgot ORD! I've eaten at the one in the AA concourse numerous times. MDW has at least one too.

It's true that McDonalds has been head and shoulders the best of all U.S. fast food outlets in terms of the quality of their breakfasts, but, surprisingly, Jack in the Box, of all vendors, has recently come out with several breakfast offerings that are quite decent

Yes, they have McDonalds at entire terminal 2 in adjustment E & F concourse.

Please keep things civil and on-topic. Thank you.

cblaisd
Moderator, Dining Buzz

From a commercial property standpoint.. I think Cordelli has a point..

National chains tend to want to get the type of lease, otherwise not get involved.. so that means slippage for the landlord, and exclusive rights in a property to sell foods no other tenant can offer..

I believe that this is sadly true not just in the US. Go to many places around the world and Subway appears.

I say 'sadly' because McDonalds appears to be one American chain which really did their international expansion with respect and understanding for local markets, and offers menu items tailored to the local taste buds. I believe that their charity programs also extend around the world.

My McCafe example on the Autobahn is similar to the few McDonalds experiences I have had around the world; china cup and side sweet of the local biscuit brand, whereas in the US it would be a paper cup and no side sweet.

I will saw however that the monthly 'specials' which McDonalds heavily promotes on television and radio in Germany sound pretty frightening sometimes, especially during pseudo-Asian week.

The other aspect about McDonalds is the threat to competitors.. Its like Edo in malls..

Open up an Edo, and you get a swarm of people going to the restaurants and other fast food outlets sitting without customers.

Open up a McDonalds, in airports and the threat to viability of other outlets come into question, as consumers flock to the fastest, price competitive option.

This is just one factor amongst many others..