I’ve taken to flying in and out of Newark Airport when I visit the NY metro area.
When I lived in Hoboken in the early 1980s, areas of New Jersey were undergoing a renaissance. Jersey City is unrecognizable and now Newark has been making some bold moves.
But the biggest shock and surprise was the airport, which used to be a total dump. Seriously!
Not only is the airport itself now clean, modern, efficient, and high-tech, but the new Admirals Club Lounge is pretty amazing.
It’s part of AA’s new brand model.
The decor is sleek and modern, with all manner of comfy seating, including the giant swivel chairs in the top middle of the photo.
A wall of faux cherry blossoms festoons the wall by the bathroom. Perhaps the architect thought it would bring a little zen to the lives of people who may have to wait to relieve themselves.
I’m writing this while sitting in a little work nook, complete with outlets (a must for Bleisure Living!)
It was pretty much empty when I arrived, and the vibe is relatively calm even as it’s filled up. Not a screaming toddler in sight! (But someone DOES have a giant service dog. I hope they can keep it away from the pastrami. See below.)
The lounge overlooks both the tarmac and the concourse, so one feels in the heart of the action while awaiting their flight time.
And who doesn’t love a fake fireplace?
The array of goodies is impressive — pastrami sliders, charcuterie, individual snack bags, and upgraded cookies.
Well done, American Airlines!
(My only complaint is the loud announcements — including specific boarding announcements for individual flights and a periodic ear-piercing screeching sound) that disrupt phone calls. But I suppose I could find a little soundproof space somewhere in here!)
