Detour

United Airlines debuts updated sleek design at new lounge in Newark airport

The new United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport debuted Wednesday, June 28. The C73 United Club is also slated for redesign, which will debut this fall.
The new United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport debuted Wednesday, June 28. The C73 United Club is also slated for redesign, which will debut this fall. Shutterstock

United Airlines recently opened the doors to its new upscale lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport. The new 15,000-square-foot oasis debuted on Wednesday in the equally spiffy Terminal A, which has been open for about six months.

According to The Points Guy, the “United Club” lounge has been in the works for years. The carrier saw the opportunity for a heightened experience once the updates to the terminal were complete. The lounge is the first to open in the new terminal. The outlet states that American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Air Lines Sky Club and American Express Centurion Lounge plan to join the space later this year.

The lounge is a new design for United

The United Club offers 350 seats and is conveniently located across from Gate A27 on the terminal’s upper level. It is accessible by stairs or elevators.

The open-air, L-shaped design does lend to the feel of a bigger space but on the downside, allows for chaotic terminal noise to interrupt relaxation.

United took advantage of being the first lounge in the terminal and ensured the location’s aesthetic differed from others around the country. The layout is one of the newest in United’s revised design strategy.

United’s managing director of lounges, premium services and hospitality Alex Dorow told The Points Guy, “We’re not building cookie-cutter clubs [anymore]. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all mentality.”

Modern brick-and stone-lined walls welcome travelers into the lounge. Guests gain entry after scanning their boarding pass and selecting how many people will be entering. Once inside, a custom-designed colorful mural is the first thing that members will see. The outlet shares the abstract piece was designed by Antoinette Ellis-Williams, a Newark resident and professor.

Seating options are ample in the lounge. Various high-top tables, leather recliners, family seating, and individual armchairs are available for guests. Separate workstations provide business travelers a comfortable space to do work on their laptops.

Guests will enjoy a fully stocked bar and buffet

The buffet and bar are located just beyond the main seating area. Keeping up with the new modern design, the stunning bar is decked out with granite countertops with wood accents.

Libation offerings include countless alcoholic beverages, six beers on tap, non-alcoholic drinks, self-serve water, soft drinks and coffee stations. Free snacks are available for a quick bite before your departure.

All-day dining is available via the lounge’s buffet for flyers with a longer wait. The Points Guy mentioned food options included a handful of hot appetizers, sandwiches, two soups, a salad bar and two entrees.

The details and design of the new United Club indicate that the brand is working towards a complete reconfiguration of its lounge designs. Their most significant milestone will be the complete overhaul of the C73 United Club in the Newark airport, slated to open this fall.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.

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This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 11:19 AM with the headline "United Airlines debuts updated sleek design at new lounge in Newark airport."

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