Grab-and-go airport lounges are becoming one of the most noticeable changes in premium air travel as airlines and travel companies look for new ways to deal with overcrowded airport lounges. What was once considered an exclusive perk for frequent flyers and premium credit card holders has become increasingly difficult to access, with long lines, packed seating areas and stricter entry policies becoming common at major airports.
To ease congestion while still offering value to loyal customers, airlines and travel brands are launching smaller lounge concepts focused on convenience rather than comfort. Instead of encouraging travelers to spend an hour inside a lounge, these locations allow passengers to quickly collect food and drinks before heading directly to their gates.
Airlines are redesigning the lounge experience
United Airlines became the first major U.S. carrier to introduce the concept when it opened United Club Fly at Denver International Airport in 2022. According to the airline, more than half of its airport club and lounge visitors preferred taking snacks and beverages to go rather than staying inside a lounge. That insight helped shape a new type of premium airport space designed for travelers who are short on time.
United expanded the concept in February 2025 with a second Club Fly location at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Unlike traditional lounges, these facilities focus on ready-to-go items including wraps, sandwiches, salads, fruit cups and beverages. Travelers can also find specialty coffee drinks such as matcha lattes, while machines dispense fresh-squeezed orange juice. Some menu items can even be heated upon request.
American Airlines followed with Provisions by Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in August 2025. The mini-lounge features refrigerators stocked with sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks, while also offering assistance with flight changes. However, the location lacks many traditional lounge amenities, including extensive seating, hot meals and alcohol service.
Delta Air Lines has adopted a slightly different strategy. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the airline added a grab-and-go section inside one of its Sky Club lounges. Travelers can pick up a prepackaged sandwich or salad, a snack, dessert and a nonalcoholic beverage before continuing to their flight.
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American Express and Air Canada join the trend
The grab-and-go concept is expanding beyond airlines. American Express launched Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas in March 2026. Positioned near the company’s often-crowded Centurion Lounge, Sidecar offers travelers a faster option while maintaining a premium feel. The space is designed more like an upscale cocktail bar than a traditional lounge, combining quick service with a high-end atmosphere.
Air Canada has also expanded its Air Canada Café concept across airports including Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. These locations blend grab-and-go food and beverages with charging stations and high-speed Wi-Fi. Some locations even include full-service bars, providing additional flexibility for travelers with extra time before departure.
For passengers, the biggest trade-off is comfort. Many grab-and-go locations offer limited seating and often lack traditional amenities such as dedicated workspaces, private restrooms and quiet areas. Their primary purpose is speed and convenience rather than extended relaxation.
The changes come as airlines worldwide continue to rethink premium travel benefits and loyalty programs. Growing demand for lounge access has forced carriers to make difficult decisions about capacity, membership perks and traveler eligibility, a challenge that has also emerged in recent Qantas and Jetstar lounge access policy changes affecting frequent flyers in Australia.
Industry observers see grab-and-go lounges as a practical response to changing traveler behavior. Rather than building larger and more expensive lounge spaces, airlines and travel companies are creating flexible alternatives that allow customers to enjoy premium benefits without contributing to overcrowding. More details about United’s original concept can be found in the airline’s official announcement published through PR Newswire.
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