Business & Finance
United Airlines tests gate delivery for food and travel essentials
A pilot program at Newark Liberty International Airport allows travelers to order retail items and meals via the airline's app for pickup at boarding areas.
The short version
- United Airlines has launched a pilot program allowing passengers to order food, over-the-counter medicine, and retail items for delivery directly to their departure gates.
- The test is currently limited to select flights using nine designated gates at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal C.
- United plans to expand the trial to Houston later in the year and may eventually allow in-flight pre-ordering for connecting passengers.
Key facts
- United Airlines is testing an in-app service enabling passengers to purchase food, non-prescription medication, and travel accessories for delivery to designated gate pickup shelves.[Engadget]
- The preliminary trial covers domestic and international flights across nine gates in Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport, operated in partnership with airport hospitality group OTG.[Engadget]
- The airline plans to expand the test program to Houston later in the year.[Engadget]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline and scope of a potential broader rollout, including integration into seatback in-flight entertainment screens, remain dependent on the success of the initial trials.[Engadget]