The airline launched the pilot program at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The service is available on some flights departing from or connecting through up to nine designated gates in Terminal C.
Customers can order food, drinks, and travel essentials through the United app and pick up their items at the gate. Travelers receive a push notification through the United app or an email before departure.
Travelers can choose from food options like sandwiches, salads, kids’ meals, chips, and candy. Other common airport items can be ordered, including charging cords, over-the-counter medicine, and travel pillows.
Orders are placed on a designated shelf for customers to pick up at the gate or bring on their flight.
“We focus on where the travel experience can be simpler for customers and innovating to remove friction along the way. The time right before boarding is one of those moments when customers want quick, easy access to food without added complexity,” said chief customer officer David Kinzelman. “Newark is a high-volume connecting hub where customers often have limited time between arriving at the gate and boarding, making it an ideal place to pilot this type of service.”
The test is available at designated gates between C125 and C138, which serve domestic and international flights. United is working with airport hospitality company OTG to prepare and deliver meals from participating restaurants, including Nonna’s Kitchen and Victory Grill.
United plans to expand the pilot program to Houston later in 2026 and could integrate ordering into its seatback entertainment screens if the service expands.
Click here
to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.