How to order food delivery safely while at the airport

Many of us are eagerly waiting for the time when navigating an airport terminal, boarding a plane or travelling to a new destination can be done as carelessly as before the coronavirus outbreak. But let’s face it: everything indicates that the “new normal” is here to stay to everyone’s benefit. At present and for good reason, we may have growing concerns about sitting at a table where strangers have been seated, waiting in line for long in a crowded space or touching surfaces at public dining outlets, and that is where airport food delivery apps come in to enhance this overall new travel experience.

Imagine that you could scan a QR code with your smartphone, browse a comprehensive menu of food, drinks and other items available for delivery, also pay for everything at once using your phone and pick it up skipping the wait or even receive it at the gate before boarding a plane. This is the service that cabin crew, airport staff and passengers are already enjoying in airports across the United States (and some others abroad) thanks to mobile apps like Grab and AtYourGate.

What are the advantages of ordering food delivery through a mobile app while at the airport?

-It keeps both staff and customers safe by making spaces less crowded.

-The need for touching surfaces, objects or other people’s hands is drastically limited.

-Customers benefit from unified ordering and paying regardless of how many different restaurants or shops they order from, as well as from a single receipt accounting for all their purchases.

-It reduces waiting times and contributes to a hassle-free journey.

What are some recommended airport food delivery apps?

Grab: this app allows you to take a seat at your departure concourse or scan the QR code at your favorite restaurant to browse a wide selection of products and services offered while ensuring you comply with the social distance precautionary measures. This contactless method enables you to place food orders and go shopping from your smartphone, make your payment and simply pick it up at the indicated spot or request delivery at your boarding gate via its partner below.

AtYourGate: this app speeds up your dining experience at the airport while also turning it into a safe, entirely contactless one. Place your order through the app, enter promo codes for a discount if you have any, pay for your food using Apple Pay or a credit card and a member of AtYourGate will meet you to hand you your safely packed meal. Show them your form of authentication and enjoy your airport food avoiding all unnecessary contact in a public space.

Can I use both?

Yes, you can use Grab and AtYourGate combined since they have recently partnered, in such a way that you may even order your food and shopping through Grab, then request in-person delivery from AtYourGate, therefore not only skipping the lines and waiting time at a restaurant, but also being able to catch up with work or simply relax next to your boarding gate while your delivery is being prepared.

In which airports are Grab and AtYourGate available?

Their list of available locations and partners is continuously expanding, so we advise you to download the apps and check for new airports. That being said, below you will find a list of major airports across USA and the world where you can order food delivery from your smartphone.

Grab is present in San Francisco airport (SFO), Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario (ONT), Denver (DEN), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Will Rogers (OKC), Austin Bergstrom (AUS), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta (ATL), Miami International (MIA), Charleston (CHS), Raleigh-Durham (RD), Philadelphia (PHL), Boston Logan (BOS) and New York La Guardia (LGA), as well as in overseas airports such as Stockholm Arlanda in Sweden (ARN), London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN) and Belfast International (BFS).

AtYourGate services are available in San Diego airport (SAN), New York John F Kennedy (JFK), San Jose (SJC), John Wayne (SNA), Ontario (ONT), Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), Newark in New York (EWR), La Guardia (LGA), Portland (PDX) and Boston Logan (BOS).