Inside United's new club at Newark, a massive upgrade to an aging facility
United Airlines' Newark hub is getting another glowup.
This time, it's the opening of a gut-renovated United Club, which has been under construction for about a year and a half.
The club, next to Gate C74, is the final one at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to receive a makeover. Every single United Club at Newark features the airline's new design motif, modern amenities and much more. As of Oct. 11, this United Club is welcoming passengers once again.
The opening also brings some much-needed additional lounge capacity to one of the airline's busiest hubs in the system. This should help create a more pleasant lounge experience for everyone.
For years, United's Newark clubs suffered from severe overcrowding. When United converted one of the old Newark clubs into the Polaris Lounge, it left the location at Gate C74 as the sole full-service club in the airport.
United built a new "one-of-a-kind" club near Gate C123 that finally opened last year after three years of construction. It was among the first to feature United's new design scheme, which has since become the new standard for the airline's clubs.
Since then, the carrier also opened a brand-new club in the airport's new Terminal A. Now, with the reopening of the C74 club, Newark becomes the first United hub to exclusively feature the new club design.
Want to know what to expect at the C74 club? Well, I happened to be flying through Newark on day two of operations, so here's what it's like inside.
Gorgeous new design
The upgrades begin even before entering the revamped lounge.
Aside from the eye-catching new entrance with a black marble column emblazoned with United Club branding, I love that the airline installed escalators to get to the upper level of the terminal.
Back in the day, the only option to get upstairs was a cramped elevator (that was often out of service) or the stairs. These escalators will make it much easier and quicker to get inside.
Once upstairs, you'll find yourself in the gorgeous reception area, which features a custom ceiling art piece designed by local architect Ron Norsworthy. I love the vibrant blue hues with gold detailing, which is supposedly inspired by Grand Central Station.
The welcome area features a few reception desks, but most travelers should be able to self-scan their boarding passes and use the automated entry gates to get inside — a new standard feature for United Clubs. (These gates also help the airline track live capacity since they measure how many people exit.)
After validating your boarding pass, the gate will open into the gorgeous new lounge. From the moment you step inside, you'll quickly forget how dilapidated this place used to be.
Right by the entrance is a refreshment and snack station, which gives way to the club's main seating areas.
The lounge itself is still arranged in a diamond shape built around a central rotunda. During the renovation, the airline installed colorful frosted glass along the interior of the lounge, which adds an additional pop of color and helps promote a feeling of exclusivity once inside.
Gone are the worn-out couches and recliners. Instead, you'll find brand-new furniture that you might actually enjoy relaxing in. From high-top tables to couches to counter seating to private booths, you'll almost certainly find somewhere to sit.
Plus, at 18,000 square feet with room for more than 400 flyers, you hopefully won't have an issue finding a seat either.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the variety of seating options that United installed. Though there aren't any private workstations or phone booths, I'd still consider this a massive upgrade over the previous design.
One thing that United couldn't really change is the amount of natural light that the lounge gets, which is limited due to the lounge's location in the center of the terminal. However, the airline did add some new fixtures that seem to help boost the light levels.
It largely resembles what you'll find in the other new United Clubs, which are a whole lot better than the design motifs that they replace.
Glitzy bar
Aside from various new seating areas, the lounge also features a stunning new signature bar, accented from above by a handful of chandeliers. Even at 6:30 a.m., the barstools here seemed to be the most popular seats in the house.
While some may come to the bar for a complimentary drink (you can see the full menu below), this aviation enthusiast quickly locked eyes with a piece of aviation history: a model Continental Boeing 747-200 with the "red meatball" livery from the 1980s.
Aside from the bar, there are two (nonalcoholic) refreshment stations — one near the restrooms and the other near the lounge's buffet. Both feature Eversys coffee machines and water fountains, and there's even a dedicated water bottle refill station near the bathrooms.
Meanwhile, the lounge's buffet is near the bar. It features two full-service stations physically connected to the kitchen to make it easier to refill the food. Between these stations is a snack bar with jars of nuts, banana chips and wasabi peas.
United's lounge catering seems to have improved (ever so slightly). The breakfast service included a new signature dish: the so-called New Jersey state sandwich made of Taylor ham, egg and cheese. I wasn't hungry during my visit, but I liked the look of the fruit bar, and the "carb" station even tempted me.
I'll wait to reserve judgment until I actually try some of the food in the lounge, but at least everything looked much more appetizing than it did before the renovation.
Upgraded amenities
United has two types of lounges: business-class-only Polaris Lounges and membership-based United Clubs. The former is where you'll find all the fancy amenities, while the latter is more of a traditional airport lounge.
Most United Clubs, including this C74 outpost, no longer feature showers. That said, if you are looking to shower before your United flight leaving Newark, you'll want to visit the C123 club, which has six shower suites.
Perhaps the biggest upgrade that United brought to this lounge is the new bathrooms. Aside from the fact that there are no more leaks, broken toilets or inoperable sinks, the bathrooms are beautifully designed with wood accents and gold trims.
Other lounge amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as AC power outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports at nearly every seat.
There is one wellness room tucked back near the lounge's emergency exit, and there are two agent-staffed customer service desks for those seeking last-minute flight help.
Bottom line
Before the renovation, the United Club near Newark's Gate C74 was a dark, dilapidated space that I tried to avoid at all costs.
Unless I wanted to quickly grab a snack, I almost never went out of my way to stop inside.
Now, after a gut renovation, I'm already looking forward to my next visit. From the splashy entrance to the plethora of seating options to the glitzy bar, Newark is now home to three of my favorite United Clubs in the entire system.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
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
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.