United debuts its nicest membership but in Newark’s new Terminal A

United Club Newark access and location

United’s new lounge is open from 5 a.m. until 9:15 p.m. daily.

You’ll find the new United Club outpost just past security in the central spine of Terminal A, directly across from Gate A27.

It’s located on the terminal’s upper level, and you can either take the stairs or ride the elevator up one level to the entrance.

Just note that perhaps the biggest downside to the lounge is its open-air layout, meaning that you’ll hear some of the ambient terminal noise and public address announcements.

United Club Newark layout

From the moment you step inside, you’ll realize that this lounge is unlike most of United’s others.

In fact, the uniqueness of the new Newark club is part of United’s new lounge design strategy, Alex Dorow — United’s managing director of lounges, premium services and hospitality — said. “We’re not building cookie-cutter clubs [anymore]. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all mentality,” Dorow told TPG.

The reception area is designed in the airline’s latest motifs, with brick- and stone-lined walls providing a modern and inviting atmosphere.

As with United’s other new lounges, there are two self-scan entry gates for easy access — just scan your boarding pass and then select how many guests (if any) you’re bringing inside.

It’s nearly impossible to miss the custom-designed colorful mural waiting for you just past the entrance.

It was designed by Antoinette Ellis-Williams, a local Newark resident and professor of women and gender studies at New Jersey City University.

Ellis-Williams’ signature piece hangs just at the entrance and is designed as a “global portal of entry … My hope is that everyone sees themselves in this piece.” she said.

The lounge itself is shaped like an L, with the main seating and working areas located along the “arm” of the L.

As you enter and turn left, you’ll find a variety of high-top tables and individual workstations here, each within an arm’s reach of power. This is where I envision most business travelers will camp out.

Next to this area are two large living rooms covered by a pergola-like structure. These recliner seats and individual chairs will likely be a hit with families and friends traveling together.

Plus, you’ll have a front-row view of Ellis-Williams’ two other murals that she designed for the Newark outpost. One is inspired by the diversity of the local Newark neighborhood and another represents the overall travel experience, she explained to TPG.

Finally, additional tables and seating areas line the rest of the perimeter of the lounge. This area is exposed to the terminal, so it might get a little louder here than underneath the pergola.

Without even taking into account the rest of the lounge, this relaxation and working area is among the nicest in the United Club network.

United Club Newark food and beverage

The lounge’s bar and buffet are just beyond the main seating area.

From the granite counters to the wood-lined wall paneling to the liquor bottle displays, the bar itself is stunning. I didn’t get a chance to check out the menu or sample any of the offerings, but I’d expect a mix of complimentary and chargeable drinks.

There are even six beers on tap, including Modelo, Blue Moon, Coors Light and others, pictured below.

Nonalcoholic drinks are available from the walk-up beverage table in the center of the lounge.

There’s a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, along with an Eversys coffee machine and Illy coffee jugs here, too.

You’ll also find a more compact beverage station near the main seating area.

I’m a big fan of the personal water-bottle refill station built right into the beverage area. Hopefully, more airport lounges add these environmentally friendly dispensers.

Next to the water dispenser is the main buffet, flanked on one side by a circular snack table with jars of sesame sticks, banana chips and dried papaya cubes.

Meanwhile, the food buffet was stocked with the all-day dining fare when I visited. Options included a handful of hot appetizers, some sandwiches, two soups, a salad bar and two entrees. For what it’s worth, Flik Hospitality caters this United Club.

United Club Newark amenities

This lounge is physically one of the nicest in the network, and there’s no doubt it’s been designed for the modern-day traveler.

Wherever you sit, you’ll have easy access to a power outlet, a USB-A port and a USB-C port. I’m thrilled to see United installing this next-generation charging standard in its new clubs, especially as more devices transition away from USB-A.

Fast and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the space without any password requirements.

United Club Newark bottom line

United’s new lounge in Newark’s Terminal A is finally open.

It doesn’t just add some much-needed lounge capacity to one of the airline’s busiest hubs, but it’s also a place I’d actually want to relax and recharge at.

The finishes and layout are perhaps the nicest in the entire United Club network, and it’s the latest to feature the airline’s new design motifs.