One of the perks of getting to the airport in the suggested window of two-to-three hours before takeoff is the high possibility that you’ll be able to have something other than in-flight pretzels and a small beverage before arriving at your destination. For many people, that means a stop at Starbucks for their favorite beverage and maybe a breakfast sandwich or a warmed croissant. Unless, of course, everyone had the same idea and the line is longer than the TSA line. Now, some airport locations are letting customers skip the line and take advantage of the mobile ordering service that you’ll find at non-airport Starbucks locations.
Photo: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock
You Can Now Skip the Line at Select Airport Starbucks Locations
One in four transactions at Starbucks is now placed on the company’s app, according to USA Today. Airport locations have not been able to offer the service in the past because they’re licensed locations rather than company owned.
The Washington-Dulles International Airport became the first to offer the service in June 2021, and Starbucks has slowly and quietly rolled out the service to more than 230 licensed stores in 70 US airports. Main hub cities that offer the service include Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, and Seattle, Starbucks spokesperson Nick Sampogna told USA Today.
Before heading to the airport, you can check if the Starbucks locations inside offer the mobile ordering service by clicking “order” on the Starbucks mobile app and searching for the airport locations. Note that it’ll often include the word “airside” to indicate that the Starbucks is past airport security. Then click on the “i” for information about the store, like its hours and if it has mobile ordering.
So the next time you’re waiting in the ticketing line or at TSA, hop onto the mobile app. You may be able to finish putting your order before you have to take off your shoes and put all your electronics in the bin. 