The days of sprinting through the airport for a preflight meal could soon be over for some Houston travelers thanks to one major airline. Wednesday, United Airlines announced it is testing a food delivery service through its app at Newark Liberty International Airport, and Houston is up next.
"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," David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, said in a press release.
At Newark, orders are placed on a designated pickup shelf for customers through select flights departing from or connecting through up to nine designated gates. Travelers get pre-departure push notification through the United app or email to pick from a selection of sandwiches, salads, drinks, kids meals, chips, candy and more. They can also pick up over-the-counter medicine, travel pillows, charging cords and other essentials.
When the service expands to Houston, it will include popular national restaurant brands and other options for travelers to pick up or have delivered directly to their gate.
According to United, customer feedback will be collected throughout the pilot to evaluate interest in expanding the service to other airports. If expanded, United said it will then integrate the service into its seatback entertainment screens.
United said the pilot will expand to Houston later this year. Chron has reached out to the airline for more information.
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This article originally published at United Airlines rolling out airport food delivery pilot program in Houston.