A Visit to United’s Swanky United Club in Newark’s Terminal A
by Krish Patel
With nearly 70% of the airport’s market share, United has an important hub at Newark. Given the large volume of United flights, it’s no surprise that the airline has four lounges in EWR, including three United Clubs. Most United flights from Newark are out of Terminal C, however, Terminal A houses some domestic flights for the carrier. One of the nicest clubs in the entire system actually happens to be in Newark’s new Terminal A.
United Club Location and Hours
The United Club in Terminal A can be found close to gate A27, up a set of stairs. If you look for the signage that directs you towards A27, you’ll come across another sign pointing you towards the lounge. It’s open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How to Access United Clubs
There are several ways to gain access to United Club Lounges, including through memberships, elite status, credit cards, a Business Class ticket, and day passes ($59).
The United Club Infinite Card ($525 annual fee) includes a United Club membership and allows the cardholder to bring up to two accompanying guests. Meanwhile, the United Explorer Card includes two single-use lounge passes per calendar year.
Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members can access the club when flying internationally on a Star Alliance member, no matter the class of service.
United Club Seating and Layout
Stepping foot into the 15,000 square-foot lounge, you’ll immediately notice that it’s unlike most other United Clubs. The United logo is printed onto the back wall of the reception area, and there are also touches of white bricks to give off a modern look.
Instead of traditional check-in desks, United has opted for automatic entry gates in its clubs. Travelers can scan their boarding pass and show their method of access prior to being directed in.
The actual lounge space is stunning as well, with a colorful custom-made mural designed by a local Newark resident. It can be found straight after entering the lounge.
To the left of it is a variety of comfortable furniture options, including high-top tables, cream armchairs, and workstations. The black pergola fixture really complements the seating area, which is designed for both solo travelers and those flying as a group. All of the seats underneath the pergola, as well as those at the individual work pods, feature easily-accessible power outlets for charging.
Lining the perimeter of the lounge are a few communal seating spaces, each with some table space. Since the lounge’s edges aren’t entirely secluded from the rest of the terminal, it can get pretty loud when seated along the periphery.
I love the signature color palette and great variety of seating options chosen for the swanky Terminal A club. The tasteful blues, browns, grays, and creams all just make sense and blend well together in a United-branded lounge.
Also found along the edge is a large seating area perfect for relaxing. The armchairs feel fresh and crisp, and there are also tall side lamps that bring in some extra artificial light. If you venture closer towards the dining area, it gets more loud and crowded, so chilling out under the pergola is what’s ideal.
During the day, the large terminal windows provide plenty of natural light and make the lounge feel more open. Unfortunately, there are no direct views of the runway.
United Club Food and Drink
A gorgeous bar can be found to the right of the main seating area. It boasts an elegant granite counter, steel black accents, and liquor bottle displays. All of the non-alcoholic drinks in the club are free, but premium liqueurs and cocktail offerings will cost money. Several beers are available on tap as well.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also available from the self-serve beverage counter. You’ll find a Coca-Cola soda dispenser, illy coffee, and assorted flavored waters.
In terms of food options, there’s a buffet offering salads, hot entrees, sandwiches, and charcuterie. It’s a typical United Club food spread, with simple dishes. A counter of self-serve snacks is also available if you’re looking for some chips or candy.
United Club Amenities
There’s a set of gender-specific restrooms near the main seating area, as well as one all-gender restroom. The bathroom feels clean and bright, with large mirrors and a cream wall. It’s certainly elevated above restrooms in other United Club Lounges. Additionally, a wellness room that doubles as a changing area is situated along the same corridor as the rest of the bathrooms.
Overall Thoughts
The United Club at Newark’s Terminal A is a modern space complete with plenty of seating options and locally-curated artwork. Its tasteful design feels refreshing and inviting, with an open layout and comfortable furniture. However, the lounge doesn’t have the most inspiring food selection, with basic hot entrees and a somewhat limited salad bar. Aside from the mediocre food and drink, this is a seriously impressive lounge for United at their Newark Liberty Airport hub.