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United to close invite-only Newark restaurant in favor of Polaris Lounge expansion

Oct. 29, 2024
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3 min read
CHRIS NELSON/THE POINTS GUY
United to close invite-only Newark restaurant in favor of Polaris Lounge expansion
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This week, United Airlines will close the door on its semisecret, invitation-only restaurant inside Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), TPG has learned. The closure will make way for an expansion of its Newark Polaris Lounge.

As of Oct. 30, United will end dining service at Classified, an outpost inside the restaurant Saison within Newark’s Terminal C, next to its Polaris facility. It's not far from where many of United’s international flights depart.

The invitation-only dining concept offers travelers who score seats a chance to enjoy a sit-down meal in a more intimate setting away from the noise of the terminal concourse.

Classified, United Invite only restaurant at Newark Airport
CHRIS NELSON/THE POINTS GUY

This fall, though, United is pivoting away from Classified and plans to use the space to bolster its dining capabilities inside its EWR business class-only lounge.

“United is expanding its Newark Polaris Lounge into the Classified space, adding a large dining area and making other enhancements to the customer experience,” a spokesperson for the Chicago-based carrier told TPG this week. “We look forward to sharing more details as we get closer to opening.”

The move will likely be well-received by United’s most high-end customers.

Classified, United Invite only restaurant at Newark Airport
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

While Classified has offered something of a secret, exclusive experience — typically extended to some combination of Premier and premium-cabin flyers — its menu has drawn mixed reviews.

It’s also a paid menu, unlike the crosstown experiences travelers might find at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), including the Delta One Lounge or American Airlines Flagship First dining area (albeit, that's an experience extended to a wider range of customers).

For United’s part, the carrier has grown and improved its United Club portfolio in recent years at Newark, its biggest hub in the New York metropolitan area. But its Polaris Lounge has been in need of an expansion, particularly as the carrier continues to grow its international footprint at a fast pace — most recently with the launch of its inaugural service to Marrakech, Morocco.

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United Inaugural EWR-RAK
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

This expansion to the Polaris Lounge, right next to Classified, will give the business class outpost an additional 60 seats, bringing its capacity to nearly 500 guests, United said.

Construction is set to begin later this year, with the new Polaris dining area slated for opening sometime in early 2025.

Related reading:

This article has been updated to reflect that Classified is currently located in Newark's Terminal C.

Featured image by CHRIS NELSON/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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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.
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  • $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.
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