United Airlines tests gate delivery of food and essentials
United Airlines is testing a service at Newark Liberty International's Terminal C that allows passengers to order food, medicine, and travel essentials through its app for delivery to their gate. The pilot is available for select flights from nine gates, with pickup shelves at the gate. The airline plans to expand the service to Houston and later integrate it into its in-flight entertainment systems.
The pilot operates at nine designated gates in Newark's Terminal C, covering both domestic and international departures. United has partnered with OTG, the terminal's dining and shopping operator, to manage the service. Passengers receive push notifications or emails before departure, then order from a menu including meals, drinks, over-the-counter medicine, pillows, and charging cords, with pickup shelves placed at each gate.
United plans to extend the trial to Houston later this year before any wider rollout. If successful, the airline intends to build the ordering capability into its in-flight entertainment systems, allowing connecting passengers to place orders before landing. Separately, United recently added a standby-list feature to its app, letting rebooked travelers request seats on up to three earlier flights.
This service could reshape the airport experience by reducing the need for passengers to wander through terminals searching for food or supplies, potentially easing congestion in retail areas. Travelers with tight connections or mobility limitations may benefit most, gaining convenient access to essentials without added stress. However, it may also pressure local concessionaires if gate-side ordering diverts foot traffic from traditional shops, and could raise questions about pricing and accessibility for passengers without smartphones.