Traveler’s Guide to Newark Airport
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the time you inevitably spend in the airport is usually the least enjoyable part of your trip. Dealing with long security lines, remembering what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on and trying to navigate the fastest route to your gate can be stressful to say the least.
However, many airports, including the busy Newark Liberty International Airport, are now trying to make changes that have travelers looking forward to the time they spend inside the terminals before their flights. With gourmet food and drink options, luxurious spas and high-end shopping, you may just want to get to Newark Airport even earlier than usual to spend extra time enjoying some of the first-class amenities this airport has to offer.
Here, we have your complete Newark Airport guide so you can let go of the stress that comes with traveling and have an enjoyable experience while waiting for your flight.
History of Newark Airport
Newark Airport opened in 1928 as the first major commercial airport in the United States. When it first began, it was named Newark Metropolitan Airport because it served travelers in New York City and the surrounding areas. To start, Newark Airport only had one runway that serviced all incoming and outgoing flights. Newark was the busiest commercial airport in the country until La Guardia opened in New York City in 1939. Newark airport was and is currently part of the largest airport system in the U.S.
During World War II, the U.S. Army took over operation of the airport and used it solely for training pilots who were heading off to war. All commercial aviation in and out of Newark at this time was stopped until the conclusion of the war in 1945.
Over the years, Newark Airport has undergone quite a few name changes. What started in 1928 as the Newark Metropolitan Airport changed to Newark International Airport in 1970. The name changed once again in 2002 after the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York City in 2001, and it’s now named Newark Liberty International Airport to pay tribute to the victims of this attack.
Along with the name changes, Newark Airport has also undergone a series of renovations in the last few decades to keep up with modern aviation advances. What started as a single terminal airport now has three separate terminals with multiple gates and three runways to accommodate the large number of planes and travelers that go through this airport each day. With these added terminals came the launch of the monorail system to connect all terminals to each other and to allow easier access from the surrounding parking areas and public transportation.
In the early 2000’s, terminal B was closed for many years as it underwent an extensive $347 million renovation. This renovation included new ticketing counters, bag screening, connectors and a meet-and-greet area. Terminal C is currently undergoing a complete food and technology makeover that will continue through the end of 2016.
This makeover is adding a variety of premium chef-inspired dining and drinking options, plus over 6,000 iPads will be added to all restaurants for convenient and quick ordering. That leaves terminal A in line for the next remodel, which is said to be started a few years from now.
Newark Airport Stats
Newark Airport has some impressive stats among the world’s airport hubs as it remains one of the busiest airports in the U.S. to this day. The number of passengers traveling through airports worldwide has increased dramatically since Newark airport was built in 1928. According to the United States Department of Transportation, in 2014 there were 5,145 public commercial airports in operation throughout the U.S., and Newark remains a busy hub for domestic and international travel.
During 2014, most domestic flights from Newark were made to San Francisco, Orlando and Los Angeles. The most international flights were to London, Tel Aviv and Toronto.
As the demand for flights to and from Newark increased over the last few decades, the airport was becoming increasingly congested — both on the runways and in the terminals. In 2008, a flight cap was put in place, thus alleviating some of the congestion and wait time on the runways. In the fall of this year however, the federal government will be lifting this flight cap so there will no longer be restrictions on the number of flights per hour.
This could potentially open up Newark Airport to accommodate more carriers, even low-cost airlines that were previously unable to get in due to these restrictions, may now be present here. However, more flights and carriers could mean longer lines at ticket counters and security checkpoints, and possibly even more flight delays due to increased runway congestion.
Where to Eat at Newark Airport
If you’re a foodie, you will now love flying out of or having a layover in Newark Airport! The recent renovations have made this airport home to numerous restaurants, bars and lounges. Terminals A and B are home to the Westfield at Newark Liberty, which boasts a wide range of dining options to choose from. Here, there are over 40 places to dine, and they offer everything including fast food if you’re on the go, coffee shops if you need a pick me up, local fare if you want to try something new and premium dining if you’re looking for a relaxing sit down meal before your flight.
Terminal C is currently undergoing a complete dining renovation that will turn this terminal into foodie heaven. Newark Airport is partnering with OTG Management, an award-winning airport hospitality group, to bring in world-renowned chefs to create new and fantastic chef-inspired restaurants for travelers to choose from in this terminal. This renovation will add 55 brand new restaurants just to this terminal alone! There will also be a number of standout places to grab a drink or two while waiting for your flight because of the new beer garden, wine bar and whiskey bar that are soon to come.
With the 6,000 iPads that will be available at each seat in every restaurant and bar, you can order food and drinks directly from the iPad, plus you can stay up-to-date on your flight information, shop online and surf the internet. The entire renovation is set to be complete by the end of 2016, so look for these awesome changes to start to roll out as the year progresses!
Places to Shop
If you’re wondering what to do at Newark Airport, then we have one word for you — shopping! If shopping is your thing, Newark Airport is the place to be. There are nine duty-free shops spread out amongst the three terminals. Here you can find things like name brand cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags, high-end liquors and gourmet candy. Plus, duty-free shops have no sales tax on any of their items, so buying here can save you a good amount of money on your expensive purchases.
Outside of the duty-free shops, the Westfield at Newark Liberty in terminals A and B offers a range of shopping options along with their fantastic dining choices. Here you can find over 80 shops that carry everything from clothing to gifts to books to electronics. You can even treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment at each terminal’s day spa.
Terminal C also has many shopping options throughout including stores like Brooks Brothers, Coach, MAC Cosmetics and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store. There are also two-day spas where you can schedule a pedicure or a massage if you have some extra time to relax before your flight.
Newark’s Services and Amenities
Newark Airport has a number of services and amenities available to passengers all throughout the airport. Here are a few of the things you will find:
Charging Stations – There are charging stations for anyone who needs to charge their electronic devices, both in the terminals and before you go through security. Now you can have a full charge on your phone and tablet to last throughout your entire flight!
Free Wi-Fi – Newark offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport thanks to their sponsor Boingo Wireless. It’s offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.
Nurses Stations – If you should become ill or injured while in the airport, there are nursing stations in terminals A and B after you pass through security.
Water Bottle Filling Stations – Since you can’t bring liquids greater than 3 fl. oz. with you through security, terminal B offers a water bottle refilling station for you. Now, you can bring your empty refillable water bottle through security and fill it up for your flight after you pass through the checkpoint. This convenience will save you the expense of purchasing water in the terminal and provide an eco-friendly travel option instead of choosing a disposable bottle.
Chapel – Terminal C offers an interfaith chapel for anyone who wishes to stop in before they go through security.
Pet Relief Area – Traveling with pets can be a bit stressful. Each terminal at Newark Airport has a pet relief area outside at the arrival zone. This allows your pets to get a bit of fresh air and relieve themselves before the long flight. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to go back through security if you decide to go out to the pet relief area once you reach your gate.
Currency Exchange – If you’re traveling abroad, all terminals have multiple currency exchange stores where you can exchange some of your U.S. dollars for the local currency of your destination. It’s usually a good idea to have at least a little bit of local currency upon arrival at your international destination in case you need to pay cash for cab fare or tip someone who is helping you with your luggage.
Parking Solutions
Newark Airport has a short-term parking lot, best for brief visits like picking up or dropping off a passenger when you want to go inside the airport with them. The rate is $4 for every 30 minutes, which isn’t ideal if you’ll be parked there for longer than a few hours.
Secure Newark Airport Parking, or SNAP for short, is located just two miles from Newark Airport. SNAP offers the only secure, all indoor parking in the area. You’ll never have to worry about your car while on your trip because the secure indoor garage is not accessible to the public at any time, and all parking is valet by the trained parking staff. Plus, the entire facility is gated and covered by electronic surveillance inside and out.
Daily rates at SNAP are much cheaper than you’ll pay when you park in the Newark Airport’s parking lots. The daily rates are $7.99 if you prepay your stay online, $8.99 with a reservation and $12.99 without a reservation. The on-demand shuttle takes you to the airport as soon as you arrive at SNAP, and it picks you up directly from baggage claim as you return. The experienced shuttle drivers will help you with your luggage as you enter and exit the shuttle.
While your car is staying at SNAP, why not take advantage of some of the great add-on services available to you? SNAP can take care of things for you like giving your car a wash, wax and full detail, performing an oil change, removing unsightly dents and dings and even filling up your tank before you leave. With all of these services available, your trip to Newark Airport is sure to be a smooth ride.
Reserve Your Spot With SNAP Today!
SNAP offers the most secure parking in the Newark Liberty International Airport area. We’re located just a few miles away from the airport and offer a complimentary four-minute shuttle ride to and from the airport when parking with us. We’ll drop you off right at your terminal so you can skip the monorail ride and get right to checking in. Call us today at 973-732-5856 to reserve your secure indoor parking spot, or make your reservation online.
