Skip the Line: The Priority Pass Airport Takeout App Is Changing How Travelers Dine

A primary factor for airport diners is speed – nobody wants to dash to the gate before their dessert has arrived. As such, airport “quick-service restaurants” are doing a booming trade and are a critical part of modern airport infrastructure.

Typically, they serve cost-friendly meals prepared in a systematic way and packaged so customers can take them away or enjoy them quickly at the venue.

According to the Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Global Forecast (2025-2034) by Global Market Insights (GMI), the market value was US$36.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$56.1 billion by 2034.

As a result, airports are seeing expanded menus and premium, celebrity-backed outlets entering the mix as customers seek quality and unique culinary experiences. Priority Pass also meets this demand with its Airport Takeout app feature, which allows members to pre-order and pay-as-you-go takeaway options from more than 485 cafes and restaurants in 44 leading airports across the UK and the US.

Renowned chefs and gourmet brands also help to capture the attention of premium travelers. Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food, for instance, launched at London Heathrow almost 20 years ago, and the renowned chef is now partnering with Travel Food Services to launch six dining outlets at Indian airports by 2027, while famed Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe (aka Saltbae) opened Saltbae Burger in 2023, with plans to expand to ten airports.

Plant-based options are also on the rise, catering to health-conscious customers and more planet-friendly practices. According to the 2025 GMI report, 57 percent of airport diners consider sustainability when choosing where to eat, while restaurants are investing more in eco-friendly back-of-house operations, from waste management to biodegradable packaging.

On the technological side, self-service kiosks are being introduced at airports to speed things up by reducing wait times, while also allowing customers to order from multiple brands. Robots are also increasingly being deployed, both to help with food prep in the kitchens and to deliver dishes to customers.

Local Flavor

Food is an important part of travel, and airport lounges are starting to curate food and beverage (F&B) offerings that give a sense of place.

Vienna Lounge, Terminal 1, Vienna Airport, Austria

Find cold cuts of meat and cheese, a salad bar, and a wide range of traditional desserts in the Viennese cafe, including the classic apple strudel. You’ll also be able to enjoy Austrian beers and wines, including an Austrian sparkling wine.

Photo: Vienna Lounge. Courtesy of Priority Pass

No1 Lounge, London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2

Seasonal food and premium British produce reign supreme at the new lounge in The Queen’s Terminal. Passengers will find a variety of hot and cold dishes, from pastries to salads, plus Fever Tree Tonics for a classic British G&T.

Photo: No1 Lounge, London Heathrow. Courtesy of Priority Pass

Kyra Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport

Tuck into comforting classic Chinese congee and Cantonese dim sum or iconic Hong Kong street food like fish siu mai and traditional curried fishballs. Pair your meal with the ‘Fragrant Harbor’ cocktail, inspired by Hong Kong’s trading port history.

Photo: Kyra Lounge, Hong Kong. Courtesy of Priority Pass

The Club MDW, Chicago Midway International Airport

The Club MDW celebrates local food and drink with a menu that reflects Chigago’s vibrant dining scene alongside craft beers from Revolutionary Brewing and Two Brothers Brewing, plus spirits from the Chicago-based KOVAL Distillery.

Photo: The Club MDW. Courtesy of Priority Pass

Bite-sized dining:

• 64 percent of travelers prioritize dining as part of the airport experience
• 61 percent are interested in paying for premium food and beverage options
• 58 percent are interested in paying extra for a full-table dining service
• 2 percent of travelers never eat or drink at the airport

Source: Airport Dimensions Airport Experience Research 2024

What to eat and drink

Pre-flight nutrition tips for your next trip:

Herbal tea
A soothing chamomile or fresh peppermint tea will help you relax before your flight and help you avoid dehydration.

Complex carbs
Whole grains, brown rice, and quinoa offer slow-burning energy release without spiking your blood sugar – ideal for long periods of sitting.

Lean protein
Whether you go for turkey or tofu, light proteins will support energy levels and muscle function during your flight.

Fruits
Boost your immunity with Vitamin C-packed oranges, and enjoy a potassium-rich banana to regulate blood pressure and ward off muscle cramps.

Healthy fats
Nuts, seeds, and avocados are great at helping you stay full and easing digestion.