Roberta Aguirre
Ordering food at the airport can be expensive, so it's worth considering bringing your own. Many airports now offer gate-side delivery, where travellers can order food via an app, a centralized website, or QR codes displayed around terminals and restaurants. However, bringing your own food can be a more cost-effective option, and you can bring almost any food through security, except liquids, and some fruit restrictions apply for international flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food ordering methods | Grab app, orderatphl.com, Grab QR codes, QR codes, centralized website |
| Food delivery locations | Airport gates, airport work locations |
| Food options | Sushi, pizza, sandwiches, chips, snacks, fruits, stir fry, soup |
| Participating restaurants | Auntie Anne’s, Bar Symon, Bud & Marilyn’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Dunkin’, Gachi, Geno’s, Jack Duggan’s, Jamba, Piattino Pizza, Smashburger, Vino Volo |
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What You'll Learn
Food delivery apps at the airport
Food delivery apps and services are becoming increasingly available at airports. For example, passengers at PHL can download the Grab app to order food from a range of restaurants, including Auntie Anne's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Dunkin', and have it delivered directly to their gate while they wait to board. This service was introduced with the convenience of passengers in mind, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similarly, OTG is a company that provides mobile food ordering and gate-side delivery at airports. However, instead of requiring travelers to download an app, OTG provides menus via QR codes displayed around terminals and airport restaurants, as well as on a centralized website. This approach recognizes that few people travel frequently enough to warrant downloading an app specifically for airport food delivery.
While some airports now offer food delivery services, many people still choose to bring their own food to the airport due to the high cost of airport restaurants. Some travelers even opt to leave the airport during layovers to purchase food from nearby restaurants. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on bringing certain foods, particularly liquids, through airport security, and these restrictions may vary for international flights.
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Ordering food at the airport is expensive
Ordering food at the airport can be expensive. While it is convenient to eat at the airport, especially if you are in a rush to catch a flight, the cost of food at airport restaurants is often higher than similar options outside the airport. This is because airports are busy hubs with a constant flow of travellers who may not have other dining options, and airport restaurants can charge a premium for their meals and snacks.
To avoid paying high prices at the airport, some travellers choose to bring their own food. This can be a more cost-effective option, as it allows travellers to prepare meals or snacks in advance and bring them through security. Many types of food are allowed through airport security, including sandwiches, chips, fruits, and even frozen soups in some cases. Bringing your own food can also be a healthier option, as airport restaurants may have limited healthy choices.
Additionally, some airports have started to offer mobile food ordering and delivery services, allowing travellers to order food from participating restaurants and have it delivered directly to their gate. These services, such as the Grab app at PHL Airport, can provide travellers with more dining options and potentially save money compared to traditional airport restaurants. However, it is worth noting that these services may still charge higher prices than regular restaurants outside the airport.
Overall, while ordering food at the airport is convenient, it can be expensive. Travellers can save money by bringing their own food or using mobile ordering services, but it is important to be aware of any restrictions or limitations on outside food and beverages when passing through security. Planning ahead and allowing enough time before your flight can help you avoid the high costs of last-minute dining at the airport.
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Bringing food through airport security
While you can bring food through airport security, there are some restrictions. Solid foods, like sandwiches and pasta, are generally fine. Perishable items should be kept in a lunch bag to keep them fresh and separate from other items in your luggage.
Liquids, gels, and pastes are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, meaning containers holding these substances should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). This includes foods like peanut butter, as well as ice packs that have melted. Frozen liquidy foods and ice packs are allowed through security as long as they are frozen solid. However, once they melt, they are no longer permitted unless there is a medical necessity.
Alcohol over 140 proof (70%) is prohibited in any quantity. Lower-proof alcohol is allowed through security in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, but you cannot consume it on the plane unless it is served by a flight attendant. Fruits and vegetables are healthy snacks to bring on a flight, but some countries do not allow foreign produce to enter, so be sure to check the regulations of your destination country.
Food items can obstruct x-ray images, so your bag may need to be manually checked by security. To minimize delays, you can put food items in your hold luggage. It is recommended to check with the airport and your airline before travelling to ensure you are aware of any specific restrictions.
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Airport restaurants
The participating restaurants at PHL include popular chains such as Dunkin', California Pizza Kitchen, and Smashburger, as well as local favourites like Chickie's & Pete's and Bud & Marilyn's. Passengers can browse the available options by food type and terminal, ensuring they can find something that suits their taste and location within the airport.
To utilise the Grab App service, passengers can download the app to their mobile devices or visit orderatphl.com. Additionally, they can scan Grab QR codes located throughout the airport. This provides a seamless and contactless way to order food, making the travel experience more efficient and enjoyable.
For those flying out of PHL, it is recommended to arrive at least 2.5 hours early, especially considering potential delays. This allows ample time to take advantage of the food delivery service, ensuring travellers can board their flights with full stomachs and satisfied smiles.
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Gate-side delivery
While airport restaurants are often criticised for being overpriced, some airports are now offering gate-side delivery services. This means that passengers can order food from airport restaurants and have it delivered directly to their gate. For example, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has partnered with Grab to provide a food delivery service. Passengers can download the Grab app, visit orderatphl.com, or scan Grab QR codes located throughout the airport to place their orders. The service includes a range of participating restaurants, such as Auntie Anne's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Dunkin'.
Alternatively, some travellers choose to bring their own food to the airport, which can be a more cost-effective and healthier option. This might involve stopping at a restaurant or sandwich shop on the way to the airport or bringing leftovers from home. It's important to note that there are restrictions on liquids and certain types of food when bringing your own meals, especially for international flights.
For those who prefer to eat at the airport, it's worth checking if the airport you're travelling through offers a delivery service. This can save time and provide a more convenient dining experience. Gate-side delivery services are a relatively new offering, and it's possible that more airports will introduce similar options in the future.
Travellers should be mindful of potential delays when planning their meals at the airport. It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before a flight and even earlier for international travel. With potential delays due to security checks and other factors, it's essential to factor in enough time to purchase or consume food before boarding.
In conclusion, while airport restaurants have a reputation for being expensive, travellers now have more options, including gate-side delivery services and bringing their own meals. These alternatives can help passengers save money and make the most of their time at the airport, ensuring a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can order food to be delivered to some airports. For example, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a Grab app that allows passengers to order food to be delivered to their gates. However, it is not common for airports to offer this service, and you may need to use a food delivery app to deliver food to the airport.
Yes, you can bring your own food to the airport. It is a good idea to bring your own food to save money and avoid the high prices of airport restaurants. You can bring sandwiches, chips, snacks, fruits (for domestic flights), and even a full stir fry or sushi platter.
No, you cannot order food to be delivered directly to your plane seat. However, some airports, such as PHL, offer a gate-side delivery service where you can order food to be delivered to your gate while you wait to board your flight.
