Jazmin Li
Ordering food at the airport can be expensive, and many travellers are now opting to bring their own food from home or buy it outside the airport. However, some major US airports, such as JFK, Chicago O'Hare, and Newark Liberty, are now offering food delivery to your gate. This is made possible by airport food management companies like OTG, which allows travellers to scan QR codes, select the food they want, pay on their device, and have it delivered to their gate. This service is also offered by apps such as AtYourGate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food delivery at airports | Available at some major US airports, including JFK, Chicago O'Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia International Airport |
| Ordering methods | Scanning QR codes, using dedicated apps, or ordering through in-flight Wi-Fi |
| Payment methods | Apple Pay, credit cards |
| Alternatives | Bringing your own food to the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Food delivery to your gate at some major US airports
Food delivery to your gate is now a reality at some major US airports. Airport food management company OTG is leading the way, with plans to replace the iPads it manages for its bars, restaurants, and fast-food outlets across various terminals. Instead, travellers can now use their own devices to scan QR codes, select the food they want, pay using options like Apple Pay or credit cards, and get their order delivered to their gate.
OTG's food delivery service is currently available at 23 terminals across 350 venues, including major airports such as JFK, Chicago O'Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia International Airport. Newark Airport will be the first to get the order-ahead option in September, with pre-order features expanding to more airports by November.
Other airports are also introducing similar services. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas, for example, has developed a gate delivery scheme in partnership with Grab, allowing travellers to pre-order duty-free retail products for delivery to their gate. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has also introduced the LAX Order Now program in partnership with Grab and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW Airports), initially offering a pickup-only service with plans to introduce delivery in 2021.
Apps such as Grab and AtYourGate are also market leaders in this space, offering delivery to airport gates in the US and beyond. With these new initiatives and partnerships, it seems that food delivery to your gate at US airports is becoming an increasingly popular and convenient option for travellers.
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Ordering food at the airport is expensive
Ordering food at the airport can be expensive due to a combination of factors, including high rents, logistical challenges, and a captive audience with limited options. Firstly, airport vendors often face high rental costs for commercial space, which can be more than double the standard rate outside the airport with no price cap. This rent is typically calculated based on the prime location and high traffic of the airport, resulting in premium rates.
Secondly, airport food vendors encounter logistical hurdles and increased operational costs. They must navigate security protocols and have food delivered past security checkpoints, incurring higher delivery fees. Additionally, suppliers often charge a premium for delivering goods to airports due to their distance from urban centres and specialized delivery requirements.
Moreover, airports impose restrictions on product pricing, allowing vendors to charge only a certain percentage above the street price for the same product sold outside the airport. While this mechanism, known as "street pricing," aims to prevent excessive price gouging, it still results in higher prices for consumers.
Another factor contributing to the high cost of airport food is the challenge of retaining staff. Airport restaurants experience high employee turnover due to long and irregular working hours, the secured environment, and the need for specialized security clearances. This leads to frequent retraining costs and background check expenses.
Lastly, airports control the number of vendors operating within their premises, reducing competition and allowing existing vendors to maintain higher prices without fear of being undercut. This dynamic further contributes to the overall expense of airport food.
While ordering food at the airport may be convenient, it is important to be aware of the potential financial burden. To mitigate these costs, some travellers opt to bring their own food and drinks or make use of airport amenities like water bottle refill stations. However, for those who cannot or choose not to bring their own food, budgeting for the higher prices may be necessary, especially when considering the convenience of ordering food delivered directly to one's gate at certain airports.
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Save money by bringing your own food
While it is now possible to get food delivered to your gate at some major US airports, bringing your own food is a great way to save money on overpriced airport meals.
First, planning and packing your own food can save you money. Meals and snacks at the airport can be expensive, and you can avoid these costs by bringing your own food. Leafy green salads, for example, are a healthy and cost-effective option. You can also bring small packets of salad dressing from fast-food restaurants, ensuring they are within the allowed liquid limits.
Second, bringing your own food ensures you have healthier options. Airport food is often limited in variety and may not cater to specific dietary needs or preferences. By packing your own meals, you can control the ingredients and nutrition of your food. For instance, a baked sweet potato with almond butter is a filling and healthy option that travels well.
Third, bringing your own food helps you stay prepared. Delays or long waits on the tarmac can leave you hungry, and having your own food ensures you don't go without a meal. It's a good idea to bring an empty water bottle, which you can refill at the airport, to stay hydrated during your travels.
Finally, bringing your own food can be convenient, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences. While TSA rules allow most foods, there are some restrictions on liquids and partially melted ice or ice packs. Solid cheeses are permitted, while creamy cheeses must be in sealed containers under 3.4 ounces. Beef jerky and hard-boiled eggs are also allowed.
So, while ordering food at the airport is an option, bringing your own food can save you money, ensure healthier and more convenient options, and keep you prepared for any travel delays.
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Ordering food on your personal device
This new system is being rolled out at airports including JFK, Chicago O'Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia International Airport. It's a similar process to ordering from apps like Uber Eats or Grubhub, but without the need to download another app. Simply look out for the QR codes at participating venues, which will direct you to the relevant ordering page.
Using your personal device offers a more streamlined experience, removing the need for the numerous iPads previously provided by OTG. This shift towards utilising travellers' own devices is a practical approach, as it leverages the technology that people already carry with them.
In addition to ordering food for delivery to your gate, some airports also offer apps that allow you to browse and order food for collection. This gives travellers greater flexibility, enabling them to choose between a variety of dining options available at the airport.
While some may still opt to bring their own food to the airport, there's no longer a need to settle for expensive airport restaurants or risk wasting leftover food from home. With the convenience of ordering food on your personal device, travellers can enjoy a wider range of dining options, enhancing their overall airport experience.
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Order-ahead options at airports
Airports are notorious for their expensive and inconvenient dining options. Luckily, there are now several alternatives to airport restaurants, including ordering food for delivery right to your gate. This option is currently available at some of the biggest US airports, including JFK, Chicago O'Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and the Philadelphia International Airport. To order food, travellers can use their own devices to scan QR codes at venues, select their desired food, and pay using Apple Pay or credit cards. The food will then be delivered to the gate they are walking towards. This service is provided by airport food management company OTG, which plans to replace the iPads it previously used for ordering with QR codes. OTG's in-house "Flo" ordering system, which centralizes all orders on one website, is expected to launch soon.
In addition to ordering food for delivery, travellers can also bring their own food through airport security. This option can save both money and calories, as airport food is often pricey and unhealthy. Travellers can bring snacks, fruits (with restrictions for international flights), and meals in old takeout containers. Liquids are not allowed, but frozen soup or chili can be brought through security.
For those who want to enjoy a hot meal without leaving the airport, there are also in-airport order and delivery apps such as AtYourGate. This app allows travellers, flight crews, and airport employees to browse and order food, which will then be delivered directly to them.
As order-ahead options expand at airports, travellers will have more convenient and affordable dining choices. Whether it's bringing your own food, using a delivery app, or ordering ahead to your gate, there are now several alternatives to traditional airport restaurants. With these options, travellers can satisfy their hunger and make their travel experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some major US airports, including JFK, Chicago O'Hare, and Newark Liberty, offer gate food delivery options. You can scan QR codes at venues, order food, and pay using your device.
No, you don't need to download an app. You can use your device to scan QR codes at venues, which will direct you to a website where you can place your order.
Yes, you can bring your own food through airport security. This can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing food at the airport, which tends to be expensive. Just remember that there are restrictions on liquids and certain types of food for international flights.
