7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Priority Pass Airport Takeout Expands to 47 US Airports With Free Delivery

Priority Pass, the program often associated with airport lounge access, has expanded its food delivery service, Airport Takeout, to 47 US airports. Now, members can have their meals delivered for free directly to them within the airport. This service, built on the Servy platform, lets users order ahead through the Priority Pass app and collect their meals at dedicated spots within the terminal, eliminating the need to wait in lines. It appears many members are enjoying this option. The program has seen a substantial surge in participating food outlets – a 65% increase in just seven months. This growth underscores the service's acceptance among the 14 million Priority Pass users. With Airport Takeout, travelers now have a convenient way to grab a bite without having to navigate crowded airport food courts. Although it's still relatively new, the company plans to continue this expansion internationally. This move suggests that Priority Pass wants to provide a more comprehensive travel experience, extending beyond lounge access to cater to the overall needs of its users, particularly those who prioritize convenience and efficiency during travel. Whether this initiative will fundamentally reshape the airport dining landscape remains to be seen, but it's definitely a move worth keeping an eye on for anyone frequently using airports.

Priority Pass, primarily known for its airport lounge access, is expanding its Airport Takeout service to 47 US airports. This development leverages the Servy platform, a key player in airport food and beverage services. Now, Priority Pass members can pre-order meals from various airport restaurants through the Priority Pass app and have them delivered to their gate. This is certainly an intriguing development that deserves scrutiny.

It appears that there's a substantial increase in the uptake of this option with more than 14 million Priority Pass members having access to the service, and the number of participating airport outlets having increased by 65% in just seven months. Is this a truly needed service and what drove this rapid growth?

While the concept of pre-ordering food and having it delivered is not novel, this application to the airport environment is interesting. The initial launch of this service spanned 15 airports across the US and the UK, with five of the initial nine US locations being among the top 20 busiest airports internationally. Given the significant growth trajectory it will be interesting to see how many more airports will join the program over the next few months and years.

It's worth noting that the existing network includes 485 Airport Takeout locations across 44 global airports. Priority Pass has ambitious plans to expand its reach even further, with Australia, Denmark, and the UAE reportedly on the roadmap. It remains to be seen whether these markets will exhibit similar demand for the service.

From a technical perspective, the integration of technology and data analytics to predict popular meals in the app is noteworthy. It suggests that the operators are attempting to tailor the offerings to align with the latest passenger preferences. Ultimately, it will be fascinating to study whether the operational efficiencies and revenue generation of the airport food and beverage sector will be positively impacted.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Priority Pass Airport Takeout Expands to 47 US Airports With Free Delivery
2. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - GrabYourMeal App Launches at LAX Terminal 4 With 30 Minute Guarantee
3. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Philadelphia Airport Adds Robot Food Runners to Terminal A West
4. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - JFK Terminal 5 Tests Ghost Kitchen Program With 15 Virtual Restaurants
5. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - San Francisco Airport Partners With AirGrub for Terminal 3 Food Orders
6. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Denver Airport Introduces Mobile Ordering Kiosks With 8 Local Restaurants
7. 7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Minneapolis-St Paul Airport Tests New AtYourGate Food Delivery Service

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - GrabYourMeal App Launches at LAX Terminal 4 With 30 Minute Guarantee

LAX's Terminal 4 has a new food ordering option: the GrabYourMeal app. The app boasts a 30-minute food preparation guarantee, a claim that could be helpful for time-pressed travelers. However, the selection of restaurants in the initial rollout is a bit sparse, currently featuring options such as Dunkin' Donuts. It remains to be seen if the app will entice enough users with such a limited selection.


LAX is not only testing out GrabYourMeal but is also introducing a wider-reaching platform called LAXOrderNow, a joint venture between the airport and private partners. LAXOrderNow aims to let travelers order from a broader range of restaurants, including California Pizza Kitchen, SLAPFISH, and Donburi Bistro, among others. While these are potentially more desirable offerings, travelers should be aware that LAXOrderNow will likely have its own issues with order accuracy and delays.



The airport also has extensive redevelopment plans in the works that include Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Hopefully, these improvements will lead to better passenger facilities and a more satisfying airport dining experience. However, it is hard to envision that LAX can quickly improve upon the existing airport food offering in a significant way. One can hope that in the future LAX will see a more sophisticated or compelling array of restaurant offerings. The airport has long struggled with quality and convenience in airport dining, and the jury is out as to whether GrabYourMeal and LAXOrderNow can meaningfully improve that.

LAX Terminal 4 has introduced the GrabYourMeal app, which promises a 30-minute food preparation guarantee. This is a bold claim, particularly in a high-pressure environment like an airport. It will be fascinating to analyze how effectively they can maintain this promise during peak travel periods and whether it truly leads to enhanced customer satisfaction. While the initial selection of restaurants seems rather limited, with Dunkin' Donuts among the few participants, it's clear the app seeks to enhance the dining experience in this terminal.


The app, alongside LAXOrderNow, highlights a broader trend towards digital ordering and delivery within airport settings. LAXOrderNow, a joint effort involving airport authorities and service providers, integrates over 20 food and beverage outlets, showcasing an increasing reliance on technology to manage passenger flow and dining options. The promise of expanded offerings and a potential contactless delivery service raises questions about how the logistical challenges of operating within an airport will be addressed.

Interestingly, LAX is currently undertaking a modernization project affecting Terminals 4 and 5. The improvements encompass aspects like a new south concourse and a unified departure hall. These renovations suggest a focus on enhancing the overall passenger experience, and it's plausible that digital food ordering apps like GrabYourMeal will become an integral part of that upgraded experience.

It seems evident that streamlining food ordering and potentially reducing long wait times in airport eateries are key objectives. Whether this approach will successfully draw more customers and improve passenger perception remains to be seen. Further research into how passenger behavior, specifically related to dining at airports, is affected by these initiatives could provide valuable insight. It's a noteworthy experiment in a complex environment that could influence airport dining strategies for the future.

Looking ahead, it's likely we'll see an expansion of participating restaurants within the app. If the concept gains traction, it might prompt a shift in how airports plan and allocate space for restaurants and food services, potentially even influencing the overall design and passenger flow in terminals. Furthermore, the extent to which the app's features might extend to other airports, and the extent of its adoption among travelers, warrants attention as it signifies a shift in how we consume food in travel hubs.

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Philadelphia Airport Adds Robot Food Runners to Terminal A West

Philadelphia's airport is experimenting with a new way to handle food delivery in Terminal A West: robots. Gita, a small, autonomous delivery robot built by Piaggio Fast Forward, is now zipping around the terminal, carrying up to 40 pounds of food. This pilot program, tied into the airport's online food ordering system OrderAtPHL.com, allows travelers to order meals ahead of time and have them brought directly to them by Gita. The robot uses sensors to navigate through the airport, offering contactless delivery. While this technology is new to airport dining, it's gaining traction as a way to manage the busy airport environment. Philadelphia is the first city in the US to attempt this integrated food delivery approach within an airport, and whether it becomes a staple of airport experiences will depend on its success during this trial run. It's an interesting concept and could help address some of the challenges passengers face in a busy airport setting, like long wait times or crowded food courts. Whether travelers embrace this robot-assisted service, and if it influences future designs and layout of airport terminals remains to be seen.

Philadelphia International Airport has introduced a new experiment in Terminal A West, deploying a robot named Gita to handle food deliveries. Gita, developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, is a compact, autonomous delivery unit capable of carrying up to 40 pounds of food. This initiative is part of a larger project, known as OrderAtPHL.com, focusing on streamlining the ordering and delivery process.

The pilot program, which began in February and is planned to run until April, allows passengers to pre-order food from participating restaurants via a mobile app. Gita then uses a sophisticated array of visual sensors to navigate the terminal and deliver orders in a contact-free manner. It operates independently for over four hours on a single charge, offering a potentially valuable service during busy travel periods.

Philadelphia is apparently the first US city to integrate such a robotic meal delivery system within an airport. This creates an interesting setting to observe the interaction between travelers and automated services. Passengers can choose from a wide array of menu options, including local favorites, offering some level of customization.

However, it's worth considering whether such automation fully addresses the desires of airport customers. While robots offer the potential for increased speed and accuracy of food deliveries, they might not fully replace the human touch some customers might prefer, which could be a limiting factor in public acceptance. Further, the implications for airport employment are not fully explored. It's uncertain how this automation will affect current food service staff and what the long-term impacts on labor dynamics will be.

On the other hand, the technology used by Gita is particularly intriguing. The deployment of machine learning algorithms will help refine delivery paths and predict passenger patterns, potentially boosting efficiency over time. The success of this pilot program could prompt other airports across the country to consider similar technologies. By gathering data on which food items are most popular during different times of day, airport operators might be able to significantly reduce food waste, which can improve sustainability. Nevertheless, it will be fascinating to see whether these robotic assistants improve the overall airport dining experience. Perhaps it will simply be viewed as a novelty. It's an interesting and potentially impactful change, with both exciting and challenging aspects to consider as the experiment progresses.

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - JFK Terminal 5 Tests Ghost Kitchen Program With 15 Virtual Restaurants

JFK Terminal 5, operated by JetBlue, is experimenting with a new concept: a ghost kitchen program. It brings 15 virtual restaurants to the terminal, meaning a variety of cuisines are prepared off-site and then brought into the terminal. This approach is meant to offer a wider range of dining options to travelers without needing to allocate more physical space to traditional restaurant setups. While it might be a more efficient use of space, it remains to be seen if the usual problems associated with airport food, like inflated prices and questionable quality, are addressed with this new system. JetBlue, known for their terminal with conveniences like self-tagging kiosks and streamlined check-in, might be able to enhance passenger experience. However, there's also a risk that this expanded but virtual food offering might not be perceived as an improvement for travelers who are accustomed to having specific restaurants and are used to making decisions based on reputation and quality. If successful, this ghost kitchen program could spark a broader trend in airports, influencing how we experience airport dining and possibly altering expectations of the dining options available.

JFK Terminal 5, operated by JetBlue, is experimenting with a concept known as ghost kitchens. This involves setting up a central kitchen that supports a network of 15 virtual restaurants. Instead of having separate kitchens for each eatery, they all share the same space. It's a fascinating idea that could significantly change the way airport dining operates. The main goal here is to increase the variety of food available to travelers without having to build out a large number of new physical restaurants. The airport is leveraging limited space to offer a diverse range of choices, which aligns with the overall trend towards maximizing space utilization.


This setup can potentially enhance the overall dining experience for those at JFK. Instead of being limited to a handful of brick-and-mortar options, travelers can choose from a broader range of virtual restaurants, which could increase satisfaction rates. It also appears that the virtual restaurants can change their menus based on passenger preferences. They can potentially track orders and adjust offerings in response to demand, minimizing food waste and improving operational efficiency. The kitchen is able to adapt to the real-time needs of travelers. However, some might question the potential impact on the quality of food compared to traditional restaurants with dedicated kitchens.


Terminal 5 is already home to a variety of options including Lucy's Asian Kitchen, Jamba, and Artichoke burgers. The addition of ghost kitchens brings even more diversity, allowing travelers to explore a larger variety of cuisines. The terminal also includes amenities like free WiFi and children's play areas for added comfort and convenience. While it is too early to know if ghost kitchens will be widely adopted by airports, they certainly represent a novel approach to airport dining. There are considerable advantages to this model, particularly in regards to space optimization and menu flexibility. How passengers respond to these virtual restaurants will certainly be interesting to monitor, especially as it could offer insights into how they value variety and convenience at an airport. It also raises questions about whether the airport food quality will be compromised or enhanced.

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - San Francisco Airport Partners With AirGrub for Terminal 3 Food Orders

San Francisco's airport, SFO, has teamed up with AirGrub, a food ordering app, to offer a smoother dining experience for passengers in Terminal 3. The AirGrub app allows travelers to pre-order meals, pay upfront, and conveniently collect them from participating airport restaurants. Currently, this service is offered by a limited group of restaurants in Terminal 3, including places specializing in American-style dishes like Bacon Bacon and Proposition Chicken. While the range of restaurant options is still developing, it provides a potentially easier way to get a quick meal and avoid lengthy wait times. It's aimed at minimizing the typical frustration travelers face when trying to find a bite to eat at an airport. AirGrub is also expanding to other major hubs, like Boston and JFK, suggesting they might become a common feature for people looking for a fast, convenient way to get food at the airport. It will be interesting to see whether the approach resonates with enough travelers to become a standard part of the airport experience.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has partnered with a company called AirGrub to allow travelers to pre-order food within Terminal 3. This setup is reminiscent of other airport food initiatives aimed at improving the dining experience. Essentially, the AirGrub app allows passengers to browse menus, place orders, pay in advance, and then collect their meals from participating vendors, bypassing the often lengthy queues.

At the moment, the service is still in its early stages at SFO, with a limited number of eateries signed up. It started with just three restaurants, and has grown to include options like Klein's Deli and Andale. The app lets users make last-minute adjustments to orders, and users have access to immediate assistance from the AirGrub service team if needed. While this sounds appealing, one wonders how efficient it can really be when there's a large influx of travelers in the terminal.


AirGrub is not limited to SFO; they're also expanding their reach to other major airports, like Boston and JFK. It's intriguing that they chose to start with a limited number of food options at SFO, perhaps to gauge passenger interest and refine the system before scaling it up. AirGrub's goal is to offer travelers faster options during airport visits and ultimately help reduce the stressful moments associated with frantic food searches while dealing with potential delays. In Terminal 3 specifically, the initial restaurant choices primarily focus on American cuisine, with options like Bacon Bacon and Proposition Chicken, indicating a specific targeted demographic at this point.


From a technical standpoint, the AirGrub system is an example of how technology is being adopted within airports to improve efficiency. By leveraging mobile platforms for ordering, the service aims to reduce delays, streamline operations, and enhance passenger experience. One can imagine that, as with other food ordering platforms, it might introduce new complexities like potential order mistakes, logistical hiccups with food preparation, and the need to quickly handle a surge in demand. It will be interesting to observe how this strategy will fare in a dynamic airport environment, where unexpected events are not uncommon and passenger demand can change rapidly.

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Denver Airport Introduces Mobile Ordering Kiosks With 8 Local Restaurants

Denver International Airport is trying to improve the traveler experience by introducing mobile ordering kiosks connected to eight local restaurants. Passengers can now use the At Your Gate app to place food orders while waiting at their gate or baggage claim, potentially saving time and reducing the stress of navigating airport food options. The airport's recent upgrades to its food scene include popular local choices like Mercantile and ChoLon, alongside more affordable options. It seems they're trying to offer a variety of dining experiences that cater to different palates while trying to retain convenience. This effort is part of a larger trend in airports where technology is being used to improve dining options. It's designed to offer passengers better ways to enjoy local food without losing too much time in the busy airport setting. Considering the enormous passenger numbers that DEN handles and its impact on the Colorado economy, these changes could alter how travelers think about the food offered at airports.

Denver International Airport has introduced a new approach to airport dining with the installation of mobile ordering kiosks. These kiosks provide travelers with the ability to pre-order meals from a selection of eight local restaurants, offering a more diverse range of options than previously available. The idea is that travelers can order ahead of time using their phones while they are at their gate or while retrieving their luggage, and then collect their meals later. It's essentially an attempt to address the perennial issue of long lines and limited food choices in airports.


Denver is certainly not the first airport to experiment with this technology, but their selection of local restaurants presents an interesting twist. The trend of airports working with local eateries has been slowly growing, and it might also give Denver a competitive advantage over other major airport hubs in Colorado and across the United States. The presence of these local restaurants is likely to enhance the traveler experience. However, it remains to be seen how many travelers will use the new kiosks and if it'll truly alleviate some of the traditional frustrations associated with airport food. It seems likely that the efficiency of the operation and the speed of order fulfillment will play a major role in how popular this service becomes.


Denver International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the US in terms of both land area and passenger volume. As the main airport serving the Denver area, it is a significant economic engine for the state of Colorado, with a reported annual economic output of over $36 billion. This scale means any change in airport operations has a considerable ripple effect on the local economy and the surrounding communities. The airport is a primary hub for airlines such as United and Frontier and a focus city for Southwest Airlines. It will be interesting to see if the experience of travelers at DEN regarding their eating choices will change and if this will influence passenger loyalty to these specific airlines.



While there are clearly a number of advantages to this approach, it also comes with potential challenges. Denver's food service system is complex with a wide array of both high-end and budget-friendly options, including Uber Eats and combo meal choices. Will this new ordering system increase complexity and potentially lead to more operational difficulties during periods of peak travel volume? There's also the question of how well these restaurants will be able to maintain the high standards that travelers expect while using a streamlined pre-ordering system. In addition, it's difficult to predict how this might impact the existing food and beverage staff and operations within DEN.


The technology behind the ordering system will also likely play a crucial role. This system is built on data analytics and likely relies on real-time information on passenger and flight schedules to predict demand. While it is intended to increase efficiency, it's possible that the system may experience glitches or delays, and if this impacts the traveler experience it can undermine the original intentions. In general, it'll be essential to closely track the outcomes and learn how such a pre-ordering system impacts airport operations, staff, and overall passenger satisfaction. It's worth watching to see if other major airports will adopt a similar system and if the concept will gain more traction as a broader industry standard. The airport environment is characterized by a high degree of complexity and unexpected situations, so it will be vital to analyze how resilient this system is in handling a wide range of unpredictable situations.

7 Lesser-Known Airport Pre-Order Food Services That Actually Save Time and Money - Minneapolis-St Paul Airport Tests New AtYourGate Food Delivery Service

Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is experimenting with a new service called AtYourGate, designed to simplify the process of getting food at the airport. This new service, currently operational in Terminal 1, utilizes a mobile robot to bring food directly to passengers, potentially reducing the time spent hunting for a meal. Passengers can place orders through the AtYourGate app, with a selection of roughly 16 different food providers and even access to the North Loop Market, which stocks a variety of snacks and goods. The service aims to make airport dining more convenient, delivering meals within about 30 minutes. However, a $2.99 delivery fee for each order could be a deterrent for price-conscious travelers. This new approach to airport food delivery is a notable trend at MSP and several other airports, seeking to offer more convenient and contactless food options. It will be fascinating to see if the AtYourGate service is able to alleviate traditional airport dining challenges like long lines and potentially improve passenger satisfaction.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has been testing a new food delivery service, AtYourGate, since 2021, making it one of the early adopters of this emerging concept. It operates primarily in Terminal 1, employing a mobile robot to deliver orders directly to passengers. Passengers can utilize the AtYourGate app, accessible on both iOS and Android devices, to browse menus and place food orders. For each order, there's a $2.99 delivery fee. Once an order is placed, it typically arrives within 30 minutes.

This service integrates with roughly 16 food vendors and includes the North Loop Market, which offers a wider range of items beyond food. Interestingly, it's not just travelers who benefit: flight crews and airport staff also have access to this service.

AtYourGate is associated with another service called Grab, which allows food pre-orders across more than 35 airports in the US. This hints at a growing trend toward contactless food options at airports, and it's worth noting that MSP already experimented with a similar service called MSP ASAP back in 2019.

While the basic idea of on-demand food delivery is not new, it's interesting how it's been adapted for an airport setting. The initial phase at MSP was likely a small-scale experiment that involved a select group of participating restaurants. It's likely that over time the number of participating restaurants will increase as the airport continues to gather feedback and analyze demand patterns.

One major question is whether this kind of food delivery system will significantly improve the overall dining experience for travelers. It's easy to see how it could improve certain aspects, like reducing waiting times, but it's hard to predict whether it will ultimately have a significant positive impact on overall passenger satisfaction, and if the concept is scalable to other airports.

There's a lot of potential for efficiency improvements. It appears that algorithms are used to identify popular food choices and to align food availability with passenger demand. This has obvious benefits, like potentially minimizing food waste. But will passengers actually embrace this service? Will they find it worth the small fee, and will the airport staff involved be receptive to this new way of providing food service? These questions will be answered over time as the service is further refined and the data from the pilot program becomes available for analysis. It's clear that the AtYourGate service is meant to address a recurring problem at airports–waiting in line for food–and it's possible that this kind of technology can make the dining experience at airports much smoother.