Lounge Review: United Club, Terminal C (C123)– Newark (EWR)

by Adam Stuart | October 18, 2024 | 0 Comments

…the game changer

When: October 18, 2024

Rating: 8/10 – Excellent

Access: United Club Member

Opened in 2022, the new United Club at Newark near gate C123 marked a significant upgrade and enormous change for the United Club system. This was the first new lounge that eschewed the uniformly used mid-2010 aesthetic of clean lines, beiges, faux white marble in favor of a design that is tailored to the specific location. Serving United’s large hub at Newark, this huge lounge sports a urban-loft vibe (lots of exposed brick) with nods to New Jersey and New York, expansive runway views, a barista bar, expanded food offerings, a large bar, and (as of now) the only showers in the domestic United Club system (excluding Polaris lounges).

Near gate C123, take the escalator up to the reception area. There is scanned entry or agents to assist. You immediately enter the lounge in what is dubbed the library area, with attractive book cases and infused water stations and some fruit. To the left, there is a small station with snack food and soft drinks. You are immediately struck by the large variety of seats: single person booths, typical lounge seating, high-top tables, conventional dining tables, sofas and more. Take a right, you follow the main path and pass the large washrooms on the right.

Continuing on the path you will notice entry to the hallway to the left where there are the six shower suites. These showers are well appointed (although not as luxurious as those in the Polaris lounge)  and a significant upgrade for domestic United Clubs. The showers feature Sunday Riley products.  Considering the large number of connecting passengers at Newark on United, the showers are a much -needed amenity.

To the right you will notice a customer service desk, to help with connections and then you arrive at the main dining area. You will immediately notice the expanded L-shaped buffet. One section has a huge variety of sandwiches, which the staff will heat up for you on demand.  The other side of the L has a salad and charcuterie bar and several hot food options. Today’s featured items were grilled citrus chicken, rice and cooked veggies.  There is also a free-style soda machine in the dining area. There are lots of table seating near the buffet. Just past the buffet near the back of the lounge is more seating, including individual booths which are great for working or eating. The staff in the lounge was always cleaning and refilling the buffet. But they have their work cut out for them – this lounge is crowded. Love the subway tiles that adorn the wall that backdrops the buffet. It gives a great sense of place.

On the other side of a divider/wall from the buffet is the very large bar, which is also L-shaped. The bar is very attractive and like all domestic United Clubs, there is a charge for premium drinks. On the far end of the bar, is the barista station, which is rarity for United Clubs. People were lined up for lattes. The barista staff were very engaging.

Opposite the bar and to the right was additional seating, with loungers and sofas offering great views of Manhattan in the background as well as the tarmac. My favorite seats are the lounge chairs with ottomans – but they are everyone’s favorite. This is also the quietest part of the lounge. There are comfortable sofas in this section too.

Keep walking and you arrive back where you started: The library!

I rate this lounge 8/10. Best features: Showers, the buffet, updated décor and views. Flaws: This lounge gets very crowded. This a large hub for United with a lot of connecting passengers.

Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Happy Anniversary: Marriott Celebrates 50 Years in Europe
Marriott is celebrating 50 years of managing hotels in Europe. In 1975, the hotel… The post Happy Anniversary: Marriott Celebrates 50 Years in Europe appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
You Are Travel
The Easiest Travel Organization Tip For Anyone Just Starting Out
Tl;dr – Organization is the name of the game, and this simple tip puts you ahead of the…
ATX Jetsetter
Spirit Airlines Unveils New Inflight Menu to Align With “More Fly” Branding
Spirit Airlines has revamped its onboard menu to better align with the company's new "More Fly" branding and seating options. The post Spirit Airlines Unveils New Inflight Menu to Align With “More Fly” Branding appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
The Bulkhead Seat
US State Department Increases Travel Advisory for Italy, But I’m Still Going Next Month
The US Department of State increased the level of its travel advisory for Italy.… The post US State Department Increases Travel Advisory for Italy, But I’m Still Going Next Month appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live from a Lounge
Etihad Guest Launches “Race to Fly” Challenge with a Massive 9 Million Miles Prize Pool
Etihad is offering 9 Million Miles in its version of the Amazing Race, which people have a year to complete. Here are the details of this interesting promotion. The post Etihad Guest Launches “Race to Fly” Challenge with a Massive 9 Million Miles Prize Pool appeared first on Live From...
Frequent Miler
5-star service in training: A stay at Cornell University’s Statler Hotel
A couple of weekends ago, my family went to Ithaca, NY for a weekend getaway. Cornell University has a well-known hospitality-management program. As part of that program, they operate an on-campus hotel, the Statler Hotel. Intrigued by the chance to experience five-star-service-in-training, I booked us for a night at the...
2PAXfly
HEALTH WARNING: Dengue fever detected in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands Ministry of Health announced last week that seven cases of the mosquito-borne illness Dengue fever were confirmed in Rarotonga, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago. The cases were reported over an 18-day period. Just when we were all dusting off our passports and dreaming...
Points With a Crew
Capital One Venture X Review – is this the best “luxury” credit card?
In this Capital One Venture X Review, we look through the earning, benefits and perks to decide if this is the best premium credit card out there.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
How to Create Fire Without Matches or Lighters by Maasai People: A Photographic Essay
As part of our introduction and welcome into a village inhabited by people of the Maasai society in Kenya — which included a tour of their homes whose construction is partly composed of cow manure — we were treated to a demonstration of how to create fire without matches or...
Frequent Miler
(Update) ShopBack portal promo for Frequent Miler readers: $20 signup bonus + $20 when spending $20 by June 30
Update 5/27/25: The original Quest got maxed out, so ShopBack has set up a new Quest for Frequent Miler readers with the same terms; the new link has been updated below. The expiry date has also been extended from May 31 to June 30. With the previous Quest, some readers...
Eye of the Flyer
No Amore: US Issues Travel Advisory for Italy, Citing Terrorism Concerns
The United States State Department issued a warning for citizens traveling to one of the world’s most popular destinations: Italy. The warning, dated May 23, suggests travelers “Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism,” adding “There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy.”...
Your Mileage May Vary
The U.S. Cities With the Most Mosquitoes, According to Orkin (2025)
Mosquitoes are gross and potentially dangerous. And it’s not bad enough that a mosquito bite will give most people a welt and an itch to beat the band. Oh no…
Frequent Miler
Where Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards don’t work
In a past post about my perfect Hyatt mattress run, I mentioned paying more to secure a beachfront room. In response, a reader asked why I didn’t use a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award for that purpose. The answer: Hyatt’s Suite Upgrade Awards don’t work at Destination Residences properties (which this...
Altitude Yes
Summer Flights: 3 Tips on Avoiding Weather Delays and Cancellations
Summer air travel can bring delays and cancellations due to thunderstorms and inclement weather. Flying in the morning is a great way to reduce these risks. The post Summer Flights: 3 Tips on Avoiding Weather Delays and Cancellations first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Alviator
Luton vs. Stansted: “London’s” Two Mega-Giant Low-Cost Hubs
London has two major low-cost airports, neither of which are actually situated in London. How do they compare against one another in 2025? The post Luton vs. Stansted: “London’s” Two Mega-Giant Low-Cost Hubs appeared first on The Alviator.
Miles To Memories
So Long, Southwest Airlines – Once a WN, Now a Loss
To travelers' chagrin, the Southwest Airlines devaluation starts tomorrow. It's the airline's latest decision which made ours even easier. The post So Long, Southwest Airlines – Once a WN, Now a Loss appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Tuesday Is The Day Southwest Airlines Gives Up: Bag Fees Start—But They Were Embarrassed To Say The Price
The end of Southwest Airlines as a brand is Tuesday, May 28th. They begin charging for checked bags on all tickets sold beginning tomorrow. What's amazing is that they refused to even tell customers what they'd be charging. They were too embarrassed - having built their entire...
One Mile at a Time
Amex Centurion Lounge SFO Closes Temporarily, Moves To Terminal 2
The current Amex Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has just closed, and is expected to remain closed for over two years. However, the good news is that a temporary Centurion Lounge is on the way.
Frequent Miler
Get $150 in Costco credit with purchase of an Executive Membership
Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a first time Costco membership, or looking to add another one to expand your 2% Executive member rebate capacity, Costco is currently offering a terrific promotion that could be very appealing. For the next month, you can get a Costco membership that’s...
Points With a Crew
Is It Rollaboard Or Roller Board? Or Roll-Aboard?
If you have a carryon suitcase with wheels, you might wonder if it should be called a rollaboard or roller board? There's a clear correct answer and ...
Your Mileage May Vary
You Can Now Book Virgin Voyages Cruises with Virgin Points
The Virgin brand has expanded far beyond airlines. In addition to Virgin Atlantic, there’s now Virgin Hotels, Virgin Voyages, and even a catch-all rewards platform called Virgin Red. And while…
An unknown error occurred.
BoardingArea
Virgin Atlantic A 350 Upper Class: Eco-Friendly Luxury Travel Review
I've always believed that modern air travel should unite sleek design and a lighter environmental footprint, and Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350-1000 exemplifies this vision. From what I've observed, the quieter engines not only reduce noise pollution but also foster a more peaceful cabin atmosphere, giving frequent flyers the chance to...
Wingtips
Why the Gulf Giants Skip the Caribbean
Middle Eastern megacarriers and the curious case of the Caribbean snub: The Caribbean: a paradise for honeymooners, rum… The post Why the Gulf Giants Skip the Caribbean appeared first on Wingtips.
Frequent Miler
Save $250 on $1,250 spend with this Qantas Amex Offer
There’s a new Qantas Amex Offer out that’s giving $250 back when spending $1,250 or more. The Deal Spend $1,250+ in one or more transactions with Qantas online on Qantas operated flights & get $250 back as a statement credit from an Amex Offer. Key Terms Expires July 4, 2025....

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers