- United has launched food delivery to the gate at Newark Liberty Airport
- The pilot operates at nine gates in Terminal C
- Passengers can order food, drinks and travel essentials through the United app
- OTG sources and delivers food from Terminal C establishments
- The programme may expand to Houston later in 2026
United Airlines has launched a pilot programme at Newark Liberty International Airport that allows passengers to pre-order food, drinks and retail essentials through the United app and have them waiting at their departure gate. The test service debuted on 2 September 2026, aiming to alleviate stress for travellers facing tight connection windows. Eligible passengers departing on select domestic or international flights receive a pre-departure push notification or email with a menu link.
The pilot is confined to nine specific gates from C125 through C138 inside Terminal C, with United collaborating with airport hospitality operator OTG to source and deliver food from Terminal C establishments including Nonna’s Kitchen and Victory Grill. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, chips, candy, kids’ meals, charging cords, travel pillows and over-the-counter medicine. Once an order is submitted, items are prepared and placed on a designated pickup shelf near the gate.
If the Newark testing phase proves successful, United plans to bring the programme to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston later in 2026 with the addition of major national restaurant brands. The carrier intends to integrate the ordering platform into seatback inflight entertainment screens, allowing connecting passengers to order a meal while still in the air and find it waiting upon landing at their next gate. The initiative saves time for passengers during busy periods.
United shared “The new pilot at Newark allows passengers with tight connections to pre-order food and collect it at their gate.”
OTG shared “Our partnership with United brings diverse dining options directly to passengers at their departure gate.”
