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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.
