A Grand United Lounge Has Opened at Newark Airport in New Jersey

Just in time for yet another hectic summer travel season, a brand new United lounge has debuted at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

This opening signifies the first lounge in Newark’s $2.7 billion Terminal A, which launched in 2022. It will be the sole lounge in the terminal until the end of summer, as the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Air Lines Sky Club are not expected to open until at least fall 2023, with an American Express Centurion Lounge scheduled for 2025.

“We will have the largest partner lounge in this new Terminal A concourse,” stated Laura Edwards, senior manager of clubs and lounges at United Airlines. She mentioned that the Delta and American lounges will be significantly smaller.

Spanning 15,000 square feet, the lounge—situated on the concourse’s upper level near Gate A27—provides travelers with plenty of space for preflight relaxation, a variety of food and beverage choices, New Jersey-inspired decor, and more. Here’s what to look forward to.

Ample room to stretch out

While guests might find themselves competing for space in other airport lounges, this new addition at Newark aims to prevent overcrowding from the start. Upon arrival, guests can access the lounge through one of two entrances—this is the first step taken to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The lounge’s open layout helps maintain a sense of spaciousness. Inside, nearly 350 seats await—ranging from couches and recliners to high-top tables and booths—distributed across various sections, offering a sense of privacy. While the expansive seating around the bar is designed for social interaction, the slightly secluded areas near the entrance provide a quiet escape for those looking to work or relax before their flight.

On a sunny day, guests can bask in the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows and take in views of the Manhattan skyline from the lounge’s private workspace located just behind the bar.

A dedicated wellness room provides a simple yet private area for nursing parents or individuals seeking a place for prayer and meditation. It’s important to note that the lounge’s bathroom facilities are somewhat limited. For a space accommodating around 350 guests, there are only seven stalls total (four for women, two for men, and one gender-neutral single-stall restroom).

Dining and drinks: here’s what you can expect on the United lounge preflight menu

The stylish, full-service bar is undoubtedly the lounge’s centerpiece, offering a selection of complimentary and purchasable drinks, from nonalcoholic options to wine, spirits, and draft beer.

Close by, a complimentary buffet serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Featuring fresh ingredients from local New Jersey farms, the menu highlights Jersey state classics (like ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches) and incorporates feedback from passengers at United’s lounge in Newark Terminal C, which opened in 2022.

While the menu changes with the seasons, past offerings have included a Greek yogurt bar, breakfast sandwiches, soups, summer vegetable ratatouille, cinnamon-sugar doughnut holes, and chocolate chip cookies. For those not looking for a full meal, the lounge also provides fruit-infused water, fresh fruit, and quick snacks like dried fruit and saltwater taffy, along with complimentary coffee and tea.

Tributes to the local art scene

United’s Terminal A lounge showcases both furniture and artwork crafted by regional artists, with the highlight being a series of vibrant mixed-media murals by local artist Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams, a professor at New Jersey City University.

“I believe that air travel is essential,” Ellis-Williams expressed during the lounge’s opening event. “In the past year, we’ve traveled extensively . . . and our world has greatly improved. I wanted that to be part of the experience—so that people feel joy, that they aren’t alone, and that they feel acknowledged.”

As passengers move through Terminal A, they can also admire works from over two dozen local artists, including Ricky Flores, a photojournalist from the South Bronx; Arthur Peña, a Bronx-based artist, curator, and writer (whose painting Attempt 202 is featured in the lounge); and Eirini Linardaki, who divides her time between New York, Paris, and Heraklion, Greece, focusing her art on social change.

Entering the United Lounge in Newark’s Terminal A

To gain entry to the lounge, travelers must possess a same-day boarding pass for United or a Star Alliance member airline. Additionally, they should hold a United Club Membership, a one-time pass, or Star Alliance Gold Status, or be a customer in a premium cabin. Access is also available through United Club Infinite and United Explorer credit cards.

Upon entering, travelers can easily scan their boarding pass at the self-service gate and indicate how many guests they are bringing along. A self-service kiosk and a flight information board help keep travelers informed about their flights.

The United Lounge in Newark’s Terminal A operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.