United trials gate delivery of food and travel essentials
United Airlines is trialling a new service that lets passengers order food, over-the-counter medicine and travel essentials through its app for delivery straight to their departure gate. The pilot, running at nine gates in Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport, aims to make waiting for flights more convenient and could point to a wider shift in how airlines use their apps to generate extra revenue and improve the airport experience.
Passengers on eligible flights may receive a pre-departure notification via the United app or email, offering items such as salads, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, travel pillows and charging cords, which are then left on pickup shelves at the gate. United is running the trial with OTG, which manages dining and retail at Terminal C, and plans to expand testing to Houston later this year before considering a broader rollout, potentially integrating ordering into in-flight entertainment systems for connecting passengers. The airline recently also introduced an app feature allowing rebooked passengers to join standby lists for up to three earlier flights.
In short
- United trials app-based gate delivery of food and essentials at Newark
- Pilot covers nine gates in Terminal C, expanding to Houston next
- Also recently launched app-based standby list feature for rebooked flights
Explained simply
Airports bring together airlines, shops and restaurants, often run by separate companies. Passengers usually have to leave their gate area to buy food or travel supplies, which can be inconvenient when boarding is near.
United Airlines is one of the largest US carriers, and its app already helps passengers manage parts of their journey. OTG operates food and retail outlets at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal C, where United is testing the delivery service.
Airlines earn money from services beyond fares, while airports look for ways to serve passengers as they wait. App-based ordering could change how those services reach travellers and how airlines use their apps.
Culture Food Software Technology
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Engadget as “United Airlines will deliver food and other essentials to your gate”.