Turning Point For Beleaguered Airport?
by Jeffrey Guard
You’ve heard the news about the delays that have bedeviled Newark Liberty International Airport. In fact, now that LaGuardia has been massively overhauled and is considered the very best and most modern airport in New York City. JFK International is undergoing a complete head-to-toe remodel, which has left many Metro passengers viewing Newark as the worst airport.
But even things at Newark Liberty International Airport are changing, and if the newly remodeled Terminal A is any indication, the changes are going to give LaGuardia a run for its money as the best NYC airport to fly out of.
Newark Airport-Terminal A: First impressions
My very first impression of the newly remodeled Terminal A was at the curbside. The exterior looked new and futuristic, with LED displays, clear overhead announcements, and controlled traffic. The chaotic scene of horns blaring, sirens ringing, and people packed on the sidewalks with tons of luggage was gone.
Inside the Departures Hall, it was more of the same serenity. Terminal A has vaulted ceilings and tons of natural light, which is a big difference from Terminals B and C. The claustrophobia was gone. I felt like I could literally breathe, and I didn’t feel packed in like I do at Terminals B and C.
Newark Terminal A: Modern Improvements to Departures Hall
Universal Check In Kiosks
One of the very best improvements that have been made to Terminal A are the universal check-in kiosks. The universal check-in kiosks are easy to use and are for every airline that flies out of Terminal A. They also have kiosk attendants who can help if you run into trouble.
The universality of the kiosks mean you will not see a single area packed in with people, you go across the Departures Hall to check yourself in if one area is too crowded. This spreads people out and can reduce anxiety and stress.
During the check-in process, your bag tags will print out, and you will be directed to a bag drop station where an attendant can check your bags and make any final verifications/changes to your ticket.
“Fast Pass” Security Lanes
The terminal has electronic security lanes that, for me, resemble easy-pass toll lanes. You walk up to a lane, scan your ticket, take a photo, and you’re through. It takes less than 30 seconds, and then you are off to get your luggage scanned.
The lanes also have the traditional segregation of TSA Pre-Check, Clear, and All Other Passengers.
The TSA Pre-Check Lane moved fast, initially until the scanning procedure for my luggage. It was flagged for additional review, but then switched over to regular. That waiting time added an extra 5 minutes.
I know that sounds like nothing, but the whole process was supposed to take less than 5 minutes, but it took 10 minutes (without a large crowd of people). New technology always means working out the bugs, and hopefully, that is the case with TSA in Terminal A.
Spacious Post-Security Area
The post-security area is spacious and well designed, with sitting areas for passengers to bring their assorted items to a sitting area where they can organize themselves.
It’s probably a pet peeve to many when you have a pool of people at the end of the scanning belt, putting on their shoes, their watches, putting their laptops back in, all in that single spot, creating a traffic jam.
Here, that’s in the past. There are wide, comfortable places for people to do this now.
Newark Terminal A: Sensory Room for Neurodivergent People
One of the most important upgrades to Newark Terminal A, is the Sensory Rooms, just off to the right (and left) of security. Airport Stress is one of the most serious forms of travel stress that can ruin vacations and create regrettable incidents.
The sensory rooms can go a long way to helping people who are neurodivergent and overstimulated find a place to calm down and relax. It’s also a great resource for anyone who is severely stressed (maybe you’re flying to a hospital or a funeral) or has anxiety/panic attacks about flying.
Even though it’s supposed to be open 24 hours a day, it wasn’t when I visited (hopefully, they will get that fixed).
What I could see from peering inside was what looked like an aquarium with fish and a darkened, peaceful room. I think it’s wonderful that places like Newark Liberty are recognizing that this is a vital resource for healthy flying and that this will go a long way to helping those in need.
Newark Terminal A: General Public Areas
Waiting Areas
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the general area flood the entire airport with natural light, which is a massive improvement to obliterating the claustrophobia from the earlier iteration of the airport.
Here, the public spaces feel large, airy, and… welcoming! Are we at the right place? It feels like an upscale, refurbished mall. There are a multitude of places to sit, including modern cafe-style tables and chairs, booths, and large wooden recliners.
Of course, with these waiting areas, you have all the digital support that most people need, plenty of plug-ins, and free, robust Wi-Fi.
This thoughtfully designed environment elevates the general area to a near-lounge level sanctuary.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms have all been upgraded as well, with modern fixtures and ergonomic spaces for the strategic placement of travel items that passengers bring with them to airports and when using restrooms.
The biggest and most impressive example is the extra-large toilet stalls that allow you to bring your roller luggage inside, park it by the door while you attend to business. Simply Brilliant—and extremely helpful for solo travelers who may not have the luxury of having someone watch their stuff while they use the toilet.
Oh! The bathrooms were also immaculately cleaned when I visited.
Shopping
What’s a high-end mall without high-end stores? There were definitely some impressive names: Kiehls, Boss, Tumi, to name just a few. If you are looking for some time to kill or need to buy a last-minute gift, the shopping options at Terminal A are impressive.
Restaurants
The variety of eateries at Newark Terminal A is also a marvel. There are multiple options in a variety of categories: You have the fast food options, the grab-and-go options, along with the sit-down style upmarket restaurants.
What I love most about the dining options is that they feel like intentions, not afterthoughts. They feel like a place you would want to visit and enjoy, not something you have to because you’re hungry and that’s all that is available.
Business Center
Next to the Sensory room was a business center. This is another improvement that brings the general areas closer to the environment of a lounge. Now, business travelers don’t need to all have lounge access to meet in a business area.
Club Lounges
Despite United having its metro hub located at Newark Liberty, with United Clubs in both Terminals C and A, both Delta and American Airlines have been able to create their own impressive lounge spaces:
Delta Sky Club: Located near gate A8: Open Sun-Fri: 5:00am to 7:45pm and Open Sat: 5:00am to 6:30pm
American Airlines Admiral’s Club: Located after security, mezzanine level, across from gate A8: Daily: 4 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
United Club: Terminal A, upper level, near Gate A27; 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily
Public Art and Sculpture
Airport designers have finally understood the importance of having public art and sculpture in places like the airport. The touches of murals and sculptures that are seamlessly embedded into the design go a long way in making the spaces infinitely more inviting, which in turn reduces stress levels in passengers and makes the space more pleasant for all to enjoy.
Final Word on Newark Terminal A
The reboot for Newark Liberty International Airport-Terminal A is a clear and obvious win for the beleaguered airport. That’s important because of how important this airport is for millions of travelers who depend on it. If the remodeling is any sign of where things are going for Newark, then we can all take a deep breath knowing we’re headed in the right direction! ✈️