Crowded airport lounges have a new offering for impatient customers: Grab-and-Go – UK Times

Frustrated airline lounge members are increasingly seeing new grab-and-go lounge options at airports, designed for travelers who want a quick snack or drink – but with limited places to sit and no dedicated Wifi.

Once seen as a premium perk, airport lounges are facing growing criticism from travelers over overcrowding, as airlines tighten access by limiting guest passes, raising prices, and imposing stricter rules on entry times and length of stay, according to outlets like The New York Times and personal finance company NerdWallet.

Now, a number of airlines and credit card companies with travel perks, including United, Delta, American and American Express, are rolling out smaller premium outposts focused on convenience rather than comfort. These locations offer prepackaged food, drinks and quick service so travelers can grab items and head straight to their gates. Many lack traditional lounge amenities such as restrooms, ample seating and workspaces.

United was the first U.S. airline to launch this concept with its 2022 opening of United Club Fly at Denver International Airport. The idea came after the airline found that more than half of its loyalty members preferred taking food and drinks to go rather than staying inside a lounge, according to a news release at the time.

United expanded the concept in February 2025 with a second Club Fly location at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Rather than a traditional sit-down lounge, Club Fly is designed for speed, offering ready-to-go items like salads, fruit and vegetable cups, wraps, and sandwiches packaged for travelers on the move. Some items can also be heated on request.

The focus extends to drinks as well. Baristas make specialty coffee beverages such as matcha lattes, and a machine dispenses freshly squeezed orange juice. What you won’t find, however, is much space to sit and linger as the concept is built almost entirely around grab-and-go convenience.

American was another early adopter, opening Provisions by Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in August 2025. The mini-lounge features refrigerators stocked with ready-to-go sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks. Travelers can also receive assistance with flight changes, but the space does not offer many traditional amenities like hot meals, alcohol or extensive seating.

Delta has taken a slightly different approach at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Rather than creating a separate space, the airline incorporated a grab-and-go section inside one of its Sky Club lounges. Travelers can pick up a prepackaged sandwich or salad, a snack, a nonalcoholic drink and a dessert before heading to their flight or entering the full lounge experience.

Air Canada has expanded its Air Canada Café concept to several airports, including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. These locations combine grab-and-go food and beverages with conveniences such as charging stations and high-speed Wi-Fi. Some locations even include full-service bars for travelers who have extra time before departure.

Meanwhile, American Express debuted Sidecar at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport in March. Located near American Express’ often-packed Centurion Lounge, Sidecar offers travelers a faster alternative without sacrificing the premium feel, combining quick service with an upscale, cocktail-bar atmosphere.

Travelers can order specialty cocktails and elevated menu items through a QR-code system while enjoying a smaller, more intimate setting. A second Sidecar location is planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2027.