Grant Martin is taking a brief break from the Business of Loyalty newsletter to welcome his child into the world. But before that wonderful occasion, he wrote an excellent story about Collinson Group, the parent company of Priority Pass, investing in airport-food-ordering app Grab. This can only be good news for frequent flyers with short layovers.
This investment makes great sense as travelers expect to carry their digital habits with them everywhere. If I can use Grubhub at home, why not something like it in the terminal? Cash-only transactions and waiting in line, even just for a cup of coffee, leave those accustomed to mobile ordering frustrated. Business travelers rely on easy, speedy transactions even more.
Hopefully the airport experience will only improve from here. Why stop at using Grab to order sushi and smoothies, which can be delivered via AtYourGate, when travelers could have bottles of Advil and neck pillows too? Or better yet, throw in some video games and a massage. Travelers with status have their (often-overrated) airport lounges; isn't it time everyone else got some kind of perk too?