McDonald's rolls out new feature that allows you to 'jump the queue' – here's how it works

The feature means you can order your Big Mac or McNuggets in advance and have them ready when you get there.

It's perfect for anyone short on time, whether you're a parent juggling school runs, a student racing between lectures, or simply a McDonald's fan who wants to grab and go.

"Order Ahead helps you jump the queue and enjoy your McDonald's favourites faster," the chain announced.

It's all possible thanks to geofencing technology. Once you've placed your order and started heading to the restaurant, the app tracks your location and alerts staff when you're about three minutes away.

Only then do chefs start cooking your food, so it's fresh and hot when you arrive – not sitting around getting cold.

Promising maximum benefits, this means less waiting around for customers and better food quality.

McDonald's says the technology creates "a smoother, faster experience from start to finish" by coordinating preparation with your arrival time.

Once cooked, customers have four ways to collect their orders with the new feature. There's the traditional counter pick-up inside the restaurant; drive-thru collection; Click & Serve, where staff bring food to your car in designated parking bays; or table service, where they deliver straight to your seat.

The variety of options means that whether you're dining in or taking away, there's a collection method that works for your situation.

How to use the Order Ahead feature

First, you'll need the McDonald's app on your phone with location services switched on – push notifications help too for live updates.

Find your nearest participating restaurant through the app, browse the menu and add what you fancy to your basket. Then pick how you want to collect: counter, drive-thru, Click & Serve, or table service.

After paying through the app, head to the restaurant. The geofencing kicks in automatically when you're close (except for drive-thru orders).

For Click & Serve, enter your parking bay number when you arrive. For table service, just add your table number and relax while they bring your meal over.

In other fast food news, Burger King has reintroduced a "legendary" item after years of customer pleas.

A true "Christmas miracle", the chain welcomed back the Big King burger alongside a new companion: the Big King Double Royale.

Not forgetting sweet-toothed customers, the chain has also launched two decadent cheesecake bars.

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