United Airlines has been opening up new United Clubs across their network in key cities in order to meet the increased capacity. This is evident in hubs such as Chicago and Denver where the airline has constructed brand new lounges. In Newark, United has renovated an existing club in terminal C near gate C74. How does their renovated lounge hold up during the busy 2023 holiday travel season? Let’s head inside United’s newest lounge in Newark Liberty International Airport and find out.
Who Can Access The Lounge?
United Airlines has specific United Club access policies for lounge entry. There are many different ways to Access United Clubs through credit cards, airline status and one time passes. Some ways to access a United Club include:
- An international Business Class United ticket (including Canada).
- A Business Class United premium transcon (Newark to Los Angles / San Francisco).
- First Class on a Star Alliance member airline.
- A United Club membership or Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge membership.
- Star Alliance Gold members.
- Select MileagePlus credit card holders.
- Active duty military and family members (subject to capacity).
First Impressions
Finding the United Club in Terminal C is super easy. After clearing the security checkpoint, turn right than head towards “gates 70-99. When heading this direction there’s an abundance of signage for the United Club. After reaching the club entrance, a quick escalator ride up brought us to the check in area. As with newer United Clubs, scanning the boarding pass at the automatic gates. authenticated our United Club membership thus opening the gates. The lounge is shaped in an octagon with the option to tun left or right when entering. Be on the lookout for a vintage Continental Airlines Boeing 747 model aircraft in the lounge foyer, paying homage to the former Continental Airlines hub.
Prior to the renovations the lounge was visited, while the physical space has not changed much the refreshed furnishings clean up the space a lot. As this visit was on Christmas Day, almost all of the seats were occupied. Similar to other new United Clubs, there are seats (when available) fitting every kind of need from lounging, completing work, relaxing and everything in-between. While walking to find seats, left over trash seemed to be in abundance on tables and common areas. Finally, in the corner a couch and table seat was available. As the night progressed, the lounge began to empty out.
Buffet Selections
Located toward the rear of the lounge is the buffet area. During this visit options consisted of: grab and go snacks, rice, chicken, vegetables, sandwiches and a salad bar. It appeared as there was a shortage of staff as many of the selections were empty and not replenished. Alcoholic beverages are available at the bar while sodas and coffee can be grabbed at nearby machines. Both of the coffee machines were sadly out of order.
Seating Area
A strong point of the lounge has to be the wide array of seating options. Weather in the mood to complete work, relax or grab a quick bite there are seats with ample room for a large group to sit together. Plug outlets are easy to come by at all of the seats. Solo travelers have a bunch of private single seats to choose from. As the lounge is located above the departures area, it is not the best space for plane spotting.
Final Boarding Call
United Airlines renovated United Club at Newark’s terminal C is a step in the right direction but misses the mark in many areas. While it was visited during the busy holiday travel period, many parts of the lounge were not cleaned including the bathrooms and table areas. Cold food and a dirty lounge are not the best start to ones flight. The renovations however clean up a once dark and dingy spot into a much brighter warmer spot to wait before a flight.