United Airlines has begun testing a service that allows passengers to order food, medicine, and travel essentials through its mobile app and have those items delivered directly to their departure gate. The pilot is currently limited to select flights leaving from or connecting through nine designated gates at Newark Liberty International鈥檚 Terminal C. Travelers flying through that terminal may receive a pre-departure push notification through the United app or by email inviting them to use the offering.
The available menu includes salads, sandwiches, chips, candies, kids meals, and a range of drinks. Beyond food, customers can also purchase over-the-counter medicine, travel pillows, and charging cords. United will set up pickup shelves at the participating gates so passengers can collect their orders after arriving at the boarding area.
The trial applies to both domestic and international flights departing from those specific gates. For the preliminary testing period, United is partnering with OTG, the company that manages dining and shopping operations at Newark鈥檚 Terminal C. The airline said it plans to expand the pilot to Houston later this year before considering a broader rollout, assuming the service meets its expectations.
If United decides to move forward with a wide release, the company says it will integrate the ordering function into its in-flight entertainment systems. That integration would allow connecting passengers to place orders before their flight even lands, streamlining the process for those with tight layovers. The service is designed to give travelers an alternative to waiting in line at terminal restaurants or shops.
For U.S. consumers, this test reflects a growing trend among airlines to use mobile technology to offer more convenience at the airport. Newark Liberty International is a major hub for United, making Terminal C a logical place to test such a service. The partnership with OTG leverages existing retail infrastructure at the terminal rather than requiring new standalone logistics.
The news comes as airlines increasingly compete on the passenger experience, especially for premium and frequent travelers who value time savings. United has not provided specific dates for when the Houston expansion might begin or how long the Newark pilot will run. The company has also not disclosed any pricing details or delivery fees associated with the service.
No announcement has been made regarding when the option might reach other airports beyond Houston, if it becomes permanent. The current focus remains on gathering data from the Newark gates to assess demand and operational feasibility. United has not specified which airlines or flights outside its own schedule might be eligible, and no additional details about the ordering interface have been released.
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