Long waits at airport gates can be a common experience for travelers, whether due to flight delays or long layovers. In recent years, some airports have introduced food delivery services directly to the gate, offering convenience and reducing the need for passengers to leave their waiting area.
During the coronavirus pandemic, remote ordering solutions became popular as they minimized disease transmission risks. The Airline Passenger Experience Association (Apex) noted that these services allowed passengers to avoid lines at kiosks. One such initiative was LAX Order Now at Los Angeles International Airport in California. Initially launched as a pickup-only service in 2020, plans were made for delivery services by 2021. Apex reported that this program resulted from a partnership between Grab and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW Airports), allowing passengers to order food via QR codes or the website.
Similarly, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) developed a gate delivery scheme during the pandemic. This service focused on duty-free retail options rather than food and drink delivery. A statement from 3Sixty Duty Free explained their collaboration with Grab to allow travelers to pre-order products for collection or gate delivery. Jeff Livney of Grab highlighted the importance of providing safe and convenient shopping options for travelers returning to air travel.
Grab has established itself as a key player in airport gate delivery services, with its mobile app available globally across various airports. The app offers features like favorite dishes and quick expense reporting but has received mixed reviews on platforms like Google Play Store.
Another notable service was AtYourGate, which began before the pandemic in 2018 and expanded during it. However, it appears no longer active since April 2022, despite previous plans to partner with Grab across multiple airports.
In contrast, OTG continues offering similar services post-pandemic by replacing iPads with QR codes at 23 airports for self-service orders. Forbes reported that their system flo Xgen allows advance ordering at select US airports and Toronto Pearson International in Canada.
While order-to-gate food delivery services are less common now compared to during the pandemic, they remain an option at certain locations.
