US airline United Airlines has begun testing a new service that allows passengers to receive food, medicine, and travel accessories directly at the boarding gate, reports infohub.kz.
The service, launched in a pilot mode, enables customers to place orders through the carrier's mobile app and pick them up from special shelves installed near the gates. Initially, the service is available on a number of domestic and international flights departing from nine gates in Terminal C at Newark Liberty Airport. Passengers receive a notification or email with a link to a menu featuring salads, sandwiches, drinks, kids' packs, as well as medications, travel pillows, and charging cables.
The airline's partner is OTG, a company that manages dining and retail outlets in the terminal. By the end of this year, the trial is expected to expand to Houston's airport. If the project proves successful, the service will be integrated into the in-flight entertainment system, allowing connecting passengers to place orders before landing.
Additionally, United Airlines has added a feature to its app for tracking standby lists. In case of a delay or cancellation, travelers can automatically join the queue for three earlier flights while retaining their confirmed seat on a backup route.