First look: ‘loft-inspired’ United Club at Newark Terminal A

Lounge-worthy travellers have a new home at Newark Liberty International Airport from this week with United Airlines unlocking doors to a ‘New York-inspired’ United Club at Terminal A – ending the lounge drought since the terminal’s January opening.

It will be eventually be joined by an American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club and American Express Centurion Lounge. 

Welcoming business class passengers, Star Alliance and Velocity Gold members, and eligible Air Canada flyers, the pre-flight retreat is found upstairs near Gate A27, shortly after check-in and security. You’ll see the entrance between Kiehl’s and The Atrium.

United describes its latest lounge as ”bridging an industrial loft design and modern look” through “locally-sourced furniture and décor that reflects the New York / New Jersey area.”

Power outlets are within reach of almost every seat - even at the bar.

After passing through the self-scan entry (and admiring the bold artwork at the entrance) you’ll find a light, bright lounge flooded with natural light and covering an area just shy of 1,400sqm.

While that puts it roughly half the size of its Terminal C counterpart, which opened back in May last year, there’s still room for over 300 guests, with varied zones for dining, lounging and work.

Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the lounge.

The design echoes loft-style apartments often seen in New York, with high ceilings and exposed liberal brickwork, mismatched seating and timber flourishes, complemented by paintings, photographs and prints from local artists, which lends it a gallery-like vibe.

In terms of refreshment, guests can pull up one of the orange stools at the bar (plugging devices into its convenient power outlets at the same time) and order a range of wines, premium spirits and bars on tap.

The bar includes a decent selection of whiskies, for those who enjoy a dram or two.

Over at the buffet are wraps, salads and fresh fruit, in addition to local classics such as saltwater taffy and the official New Jersey state sandwich: ham, egg and cheese.

Sadly it looks like barista coffee hasn't found its way into the lounge.

Newark Terminal A United Club is the latest to join the airline’s rapidly-expanding lounge network, with a further two to follow at Denver International Airport later in the year.