United’s much-anticipated Polaris lounge in Newark opens its doors to the public on June 4, 2018. Joining Chicago (ORD) and San Francisco (SFO), EWR is now home to the 3rd Polaris lounge.
Earlier this morning, I had the opportunity to tour the lounge during a media event.
United’s new Polaris lounge at EWR is conveniently located in Terminal C, right after the security screening near gate C120.
Photo courtesy of United
The Polaris lounge at EWR will be open daily from 4:30am to 10:30pm and is designed to allow travelers to enjoy their preference between three distinct experiences: an area to relax, an area to recharge and an area to engage.
In terms of design, upon entry, a distinctive lighting fixture, created by Brooklyn-based art and design laboratory Richard Clarkson Studio, mimics the constellation (specifically the 12 zodiac signs).
Along with a custom scent, curated music playlist and subtle mood lighting, “twinkling stars” continues to be a theme throughout many of the hallways within lounge, and I must say it truly contributed to a memorable sensory experience.
Lounge Seating and Daybeds
The Polaris lounge is spacious at 27,099 square feet and offers 455 seats, including “signature” seats and private suites with daybeds.
Throughout the lounge, there are 570 power outlets and 450 USB ports to accommodate plenty of electronic devices.
Photo courtesy of United
United Polaris lounge signature seats offer additional privacy for uninterrupted work or relaxation with AC and USB power. The seats are designed with an oversized chair, integrated work or dining table, large privacy dividers and a personal side lamp.
For those wanting a quiet place to rest, there are 10 semi-private suites with daybeds outfitted with the signature Polaris Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, tucked away from the rest of the lounge.
Food and Dining Area
Travelers have the option to grab food at the buffet or indulge full meal in a more relaxed and intimate setting. The private dining space has 24 tables and seating for 48 people.
Photo courtesy of United
The menu is designed by chef John Glowacki, and blends international comfort foods, such as Moroccan-spiced braised lamb, with staples such as the United Polaris Burger, which is currently on the menu at all United Polaris lounges.
There will be seasonal menu and buffet offerings that nods to both the local area and the popular destinations served by United from New York/Newark. I had a chance to sample some of the dishes myself, and I was thoroughly impressed.
Photo courtesy of United
The Bar and Drinks
As all of the Polaris lounges incorporate locality in their drinks, the there will be some EWR-specific and signature cocktails available at the bar including:
- United Polaris Old Fashioned: fresh take on the classic, complete with J. Rieger & Co. Kansas City Whiskey, a house simple syrup, Dale DeGroff bitters with a muddled orange wheel and Luxardo cherry.
- The Paper Plane (first introduced at the ORD Polaris lounge): a bourbon-based drink with Amaro Nonino, Aperol, chamomile honey and lemon—aptly garnished with a paper plane.
- London Spritz (in honor of the popular EWR-LHR route): a refreshing English drink enjoyed at sporting events like Wimbledon and social events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
- Fernet About It (exclusive to the EWR Polaris lounge):Â a unique version of the Cuba Libre that includes the Italian libation.
There’s also a vodka infusion with a blend of garnishes, oolong-steeped bourbon and house-made vermouth, included in a few of the cocktails with a New York twist.
The Shower Suites
There are 10 modern and spacious shower suites (with ample room to keep your luggage and personal belongings with you) available to freshen up in stocked with Cowshed Spa products. The floors are heated, and there’s also the option for your clothes to be steamed by a valet upon request.
Photo courtesy of United
Who can access the EWR United Polaris Lounge?
Passengers traveling in United Polaris first or business class may visit the lounge at departure, connecting or on arrival throughout their eligible same-day trip.
Passengers traveling in first or business class on Star Alliance partner airlines may access the United Polaris lounge prior to departure for their long-haul international first or business class flight. Travelers booked in a first-class cabin may guest one person.
Unlike traditional United Club lounge access, the Polaris lounges cannot be accessed solely on the account of status or when traveling domestically (even if traveling on a premium transcontinental segment).
Star Alliance Gold members traveling in economy class will not be able to use the lounge, and eligibility will be verified by via boarding pass when entering.
Photo courtesy of United
Bottom Line
I am so excited that my home airport has a beautiful new Polaris lounge to look forward to visiting before an eligible flight, and I’m happy that United is continuing to deliver on their Polaris promises.
The Polaris lounges at ORD and SFO are operating at full swing, and the Polaris lounge at IAH in Houston is slated to open later in the summer, and LAX has a Fall 2018 scheduled opening.
Feel free to share your thoughts and impressions in the comments!
Nice post! Very excited to try this lounge, I have a flight out of EWR in late June to DUS on LH J. I was wondering if you know anything about the airside transfer bus from terminal C (where the lounge is) to terminal B (where the international flights are). I don’t want to have to transfer security like 3 times. Thanks!
Hi Jordan, thanks! Yes there is an airside bus from C that goes to terminal B to catch your LH flight. You will really enjoy the Polaris lounge!
Do you have any info as to how often it goes/how long it takes/where it goes from?
Thanks
It’s usually 15-20 mins to go all the way from A-C. If you time it right, about 10 mins in between C and B/B and A.
Thank you Angelina for all your information….I will be flying LH business out of EWR and would love to go to the United Polaris lounge again….I am getting such conflicting information though about an AIRSIDE bus from Terminal B to Terminal C. You are the only one giving this information….are there any problems with security allowing passengers to transfer airside from one terminal to another? Thank you again for your help.
Hi Daniela,
Yes, there’s an airside shuttle bus for connecting passangers between B & C as long as you have a boarding pass. It’s pretty seamless. Thanks for stopping by!
I just flew United out of LaGuardia today. It’s not my preferred airport by any means. EWR is such a nicer airport and the lounge adds to it.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the EWR Polaris lounge on opening day. We were flying Polaris 777-300 to FRA. The lounge was fabulous as was the flight. Thank you United!!