Monday, June 23, 2025
United Airlines has unveiled a significant expansion of its Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), adding a new dining area with 60 additional seats to improve the comfort and amenities available to long-haul business class passengers. This move positions United to better compete with Delta Air Lines in the New York City market, particularly following Delta’s introduction of its Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Upgraded Dining Space Offers More Comfort and Views
On June 21, 2025, United Airlines unveiled its upgraded Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport, expanding the premium space to a total of 30,000 square feet. The expanded dining area not only increases seating capacity but also offers stunning views of the New York City skyline, creating an inviting atmosphere for travelers. Designed to accommodate both solo passengers and groups, the updated space is a significant improvement for United’s premium customers.
United’s upgraded dining options now feature an extensive a la carte menu available throughout the day. For breakfast, guests can enjoy avocado toast, blueberry crepes, and a variety of custom-made omelets. The lunch and dinner selections include high-end options like crab cakes, scallops, eggplant Milanese, and the signature Polaris burger, which also offers a plant-based patty alternative. This diverse selection ensures that passengers have a wide array of elevated dining choices, enhancing their lounge experience.
The expansion took place in what was once United’s exclusive “Classified” invite-only restaurant. The redesign of this area reflects United’s dedication to creating a luxurious and comfortable lounge environment for its business class travelers.
A Strategic Response to Delta’s New JFK Lounge
United’s lounge expansion comes in response to the launch of Delta’s new 39,000-square-foot Delta One Lounge at JFK, which includes a dining space for 125 guests. Delta’s premium offering is a strong competitor in the New York market, but United’s Polaris Lounge offers a more intimate experience with its 30,000-square-foot layout and personalized services.
A standout feature of United’s Polaris Lounge is its all-day a la carte dining, which offers continuous access to a diverse selection of high-quality meals. This contrasts with Delta’s more restricted selection of lunch and dinner options. United’s consistent reputation for culinary excellence at the Newark Polaris Lounge further enhances its appeal, ensuring passengers enjoy a top-tier dining experience in a relaxing atmosphere.
The recent expansion at Newark follows a similar upgrade at United’s Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). This move is part of United’s broader effort to refresh its lounges with updated designs, featuring more muted tones and modern branding that align with the airline’s evolving lounge aesthetic.
Exclusive Access and Strategic Advantages
The Polaris Lounges are reserved exclusively for United Polaris business class passengers, providing access at both departure and arrival airports. For instance, a business class passenger traveling from Lisbon to Newark and onward to Los Angeles can enjoy access to the Polaris Lounges at both EWR and LAX. However, passengers arriving on flights with Star Alliance partners, like TAP Air Portugal, are not granted access to the lounges.
This exclusivity provides United with a key differentiator in the competitive airline market, offering a high-value experience that attracts loyal travelers. Business class passengers often select United over other Star Alliance carriers, such as Lufthansa or SWISS, due to the appeal of the exclusive Polaris Lounge experience.
Through this expansion, United Airlines solidifies its commitment to providing a world-class lounge experience for its premium passengers. By strengthening its offerings in Newark, United continues to position itself as a leading choice for international travelers, particularly in the highly competitive New York market.
