United to open brand-new Newark lounge in less than 2 weeks
When the shiny new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) opened in January, it was missing one big amenity: airport lounges.
Though the new $2.7 billion facility brought a much-needed face-lift to one of the most hated airports in the nation, premium flyers have had to wait a little longer for some new and upgraded clubs to open.
Fortunately, that wait is almost over, as United plans to open its new United Club outpost in Newark's Terminal A on June 28, TPG has learned from a carrier spokesperson.
The details of the new club are still under wraps, but it's expected to be "substantially larger" than the previous facility in the old, now-shuttered Terminal A.
In fact, I passed through Newark's Terminal A last week and was impressed to see that the new lounge is nearing completion. The temporary construction walls have been demolished, and the open-air club looks like it'll be quite snazzy.
Though it was hard to get a close-up view, the design appears reminiscent of the "one-of-a-kind" space that United opened last year near Gate C123 in Newark's Terminal C.
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In addition to the new United Club, Terminal A will also be home to a new American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club and American Express Centurion Lounge.
While the United Club will occupy the north side of the central rotunda's mezzanine level, the south will be split between the Admirals Club and the Sky Club.
American has teased that the new lounge will feature its latest design motifs focusing on natural woods, earth tones and open spaces — a major upgrade for the Admirals Club network.
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Meanwhile, the Sky Club will open later this year after Delta moves into Terminal A in the coming months. The airline hasn't shared any details about the new Sky Club other than its new location.
Perhaps the nicest lounge in Terminal A will be the Centurion Lounge. Amex recently won a 15-year lease on an 18,000-square-foot space in the terminal, making the upcoming Newark outpost one of the largest in the Centurion Lounge network.
In fact, the new outpost will also offer a slew of first-rate amenities that could make it one of the nicest lounges in the network, too.
Some proposed amenities include an outdoor terrace overlooking the airfield (with views of the Port of Newark, New York and Newark Harbor and the Manhattan skyline), a piano lounge, a Jersey jazz-themed bar and a speakeasy-themed cocktail lounge. Amex also proposed wellness rooms, workstations, multiple food buffets and "world-class" restroom facilities.
The Centurion Lounge at Newark was originally expected to open later this year; however, airport infrastructure projects are notoriously delayed, so we may need to wait a bit longer.
Either way, it's great news that United's club is opening just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. TPG will be there to provide you with a first-look tour before the opening.
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