Terminal closure at Newark Airport is about to disrupt travel through NYC
Flying through Newark Airport is about to get even more complicated.
To facilitate the construction of the airport's brand-new Terminal A, parts of the existing one need to be demolished, and that'll wreak havoc on some airline operations.
Beginning on Sept. 30, the first of the three piers in the existing Terminal A will be decommissioned. This pier holds six gates belonging to Air Canada and JetBlue (and is also where you'll find Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge).
As such, both carriers need to move their operations — Air Canada is going to shift to other gates in Terminal A. JetBlue, meanwhile, is going to split operations between Terminal A and Terminal B. Though JetBlue's Newark schedule focuses mostly on point-to-point flying, the spilt will mean a massive inconvenience for those connect; they’ll have to reclear security and take the AirTrain between terminals. It’s also a challenge for the airline, which now has to spread its staff and operation across two separate terminals.
Additionally, if you're flying with JetBlue from Newark, be sure to check your flight status before arriving at the airport to figure out which terminal your flight will depart from. You definitely don't want to schlep your luggage between terminals because you forgot to check.
The remainder of the Terminal A airlines — American, Alaska, and United Express — will continue their operations unchanged in the second and third piers of the concourse. However, the Port Authority, which oversees the airport, recommends that all travelers departing from Terminal A arrive no later than two hours prior to scheduled departure due to increased wait times during peak periods.
In a statement, Newark Liberty general manager James Gill said that “this is a necessary step in delivering a world-class airport able to handle future passenger growth and improve the customer experience. We are working with our airport partners to keep flight operations running smoothly. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to move closer to the unveiling of the new Terminal A.”
This temporary switcheroo should only last about six months, as the new Terminal A is slated to welcome its first passengers in spring 2022. When the new concourse opens, it'll feature 21 gates, along with a host of passenger-friendly amenities, including space for up to four lounges. By the end of 2022, the new Terminal A will have a total of 33 gates, with 12 more coming online throughout the second half of next year.
Be sure to check out pictures and more details from our hard-hat tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming to the new Terminal A.
Related: JFK vs. LaGuardia vs. Newark: Which NYC airport should I fly into?
In addition to the temporary terminal changes, Newark Airport is currently undergoing vital runway maintenance, which is also affecting airline operations.
Runway 4R-22L — the airport’s main landing strip — was last rehabilitated nine years ago, and is currently getting another surface makeover. The project began in April and is expected to finish in the second quarter of 2022.
Most of the work is being done at night and on weekends, but a full runway closure will last through (at least) Oct. 1. Due to limited runway capacity, Newark flights have experienced longer-than-usual taxi times, as well as metering and sequencing on approach for arrival.
Related: First look at Newark’s brand-new Terminal A
This summer, United passengers passing through the airline's mega-hub at the airport experienced plenty of delays and cancellations due to the runway maintenance and reduced capacity.
Until all the work is finished next year, some travelers might want to consider flying to nearby LaGuardia and JFK airports if either of those is a convenient option.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.