Amsterdam Schiphol launches contactless F&B ordering
by Mark CaswellAmsterdam Schiphol airport has launched a new “contactless” service allowing customers to order food and drink online and pick it up after security.
The pilot service sees travellers scan a QR code via banners or media screens located at and after security checkpoints, allowing them to order, pay online and choose a time to pick up their purchases.
Schiphol says that it is “one of the first airports in Europe” to offer the service, with “Nearly all of the catering outlets in Lounge 1 (Schengen)” participating, including Starbucks, La Place, Grand Café Het Paleis and Grab and Fly.
The new service builds on an existing offering at the airport, which allows customers to place orders at Schiphol Plaza using the Foodsy app.
The airport said that following the pilot period Schiphol and partners HMS-Host International whether to increase the number of outlets included in the service.
Commenting on the news Irene Muysson, head of retail, F&B, commercial services at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, said:
“Covid-19 calls for new solutions, including at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The use of digital innovations contributes to safe, easy and fast travel.
“This service offers various advantages. If passengers need to wait at security, they can spend their time with ordering a meal or drink. It also means they will not have to queue on arrival in the Lounge, as their order will be ready at the indicated time.
“They will still have time left over to prepare for the trip or to relax. The number of physical interactions has also been limited, with all stages of the ordering process – from ordering to payment – now taking place online.”