I Like Newark-Liberty International Airport.
I’m sure some of you think I’ve lost my mind or that this is a joke. I promise I haven’t, and it’s not. I’m honest when I say I like Newark Airport (EWR).
Part of my affinity for the airport comes from growing up in New Jersey. It took three turns and a 15-minute drive from my childhood home to get to the airport. I took many flights from Newark to Orlando until we moved to Florida. It’s still the best airport to use when flying to northern New Jersey, and it’s a legit option when we’re going to Manhattan, with a direct link to Penn Station by AirTrain and NJ Transit.
It’s been over two decades since EWR was my home airport. Granted, there are still things I don’t love about Newark, but with recent improvements, it’s more traveler-friendly than ever.
The New Terminal A
One of the most significant upgrades at Newark is the newly opened Terminal A. This $2.7 billion project reimagines the airport experience with a spacious, contemporary design that includes larger gate areas, advanced security checkpoints, and enhanced dining and shopping options. However, one drawback of the new Terminal A is its lack of direct connectivity to the AirTrain system, making public transit transfers challenging.
For now, travelers arriving at Terminal A and needing to get to other terminals or the train station must take a shuttle bus to connect to the AirTrain system. While a minor inconvenience, it’s something to remember if you’re on a tight schedule.
United’s Terminal C
If you’re flying on United in Terminal C, you’ll find a modernized layout with plenty of seating and charging stations. United’s hub status here means many global destinations are within reach, and Star Alliance partners make international connections easy.
The United Club lounges at Newark Airport have recently undergone major renovations, enhancing the experience for travelers. All three United Club locations in Terminal C have been modernized to include more spacious seating, improved amenities, and better dining and drink options. The largest United Club lounge is at gate C123, offering nearly 30,000 square feet, and features floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive tarmac views, a barista station, a cocktail bar, and an expanded selection of hot and cold items.
Future Plans for Terminal B Renovations
Terminal B, one of Newark’s older terminals, is also slated for major renovations. Built in the 1970s, Terminal B is outdated and less suited for modern security and passenger flow. Planned renovations aim to modernize this terminal with an updated layout, improved security checkpoints, and expanded passenger amenities. These improvements will make Terminal B a much more efficient and enjoyable space for passengers, aligning it with the modern standards of Terminals A and C.
Newark Airport’s Future
Despite ongoing construction and the AirTrain access issue at Terminal A, Newark is evolving and is no longer an airport to avoid on trips to New York or connecting beyond.
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Cover Image by David Mark from Pixabay
2 comments
I’m also from NJ, now retired and living “somewhere else”.
Newark Airport is a third world country of discourteous TSA people, overzealous Port Authority cops, and trying to get anyone who speaks English can be challenging. Pretty shameful. I’ve been through many airports in other parts of the country and it’s like night and day comparing them with Newark. I dread going through there whether on foot or car.
EWR is definitely the easier airport for visiting Manhattan. The rigmarole of getting to JFK or LGA, or the cost of a taxi, makes me never use those airports. I also was raised in NJ, in the Trenton area. I could use either EWR or PHL. I alternated between those 2, with occasional flights from JFK. Because in the 80s and 90s, JFK is where one could get non-stop international flights.
But after travelling all over the US and the world, EWR and PHL are obnoxious airports to use.