United Quietly Transforms Polaris Dining at Newark—Here’s What’s New
With more seats, full table service, and a refined design, United quietly upgrades its Polaris Lounge dining room at its Newark hub
Photo: Courtesy of United
United Airlines has expanded its Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a larger à la carte dining room, increasing lounge capacity and enhancing the pre-departure experience for long-haul business-class passengers.
The upgrade, which went live on June 21, adds approximately 60 seats to the dining area—boosting total capacity by about 10 percent and addressing a key pinch point in one of the airline’s busiest Polaris hubs. The expansion brings the total lounge footprint to more than 30,000 square feet.
Photo: Courtesy of United
“We’re bringing an elevated dining experience to Newark with the opening of a larger dining room at our Polaris Lounge,” said Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs. “Newark offers business class travelers ample opportunity to travel across the Atlantic, and we’re excited to offer them more room to dine before or after their long-haul flights.”
Reclaiming Classified
The additional space comes from the former “Classified” restaurant—United’s invitation-only dining concept—which quietly closed in late 2024. Its reintegration into the main Polaris Lounge signals a shift in how the airline is prioritizing its premium offerings: fewer exclusivity barriers and more thoughtful service for all eligible Polaris and Star Alliance business class guests.
The redesign is subtle but deliberate. Low lighting, dark wood accents, soft upholstery, and residential-style finishes replace the colder corporate design of earlier Polaris lounges. Frosted-glass partitions provide privacy without sacrificing sightlines, while mirrored panels and ambient lighting add depth and warmth.
Photo: Courtesy of United
Strategically, the space also includes window-side seating with tarmac views and, in some cases, skyline glimpses of Manhattan—an uncommon feature at Newark and a likely draw for international travelers accustomed to flagship lounge standards.
Dining Room Adds Capacity—And Value
The new dining room now seats about 160 guests and is separate from the lounge’s buffet area. This section is dedicated to full-service, sit-down dining—a feature that has grown in importance as business travelers increasingly seek more refined experiences on the ground.
United’s decision to prioritize added capacity in this space is both practical and competitive. Demand for table service has consistently outstripped supply during evening departure banks to Europe and long-haul destinations. The added space should alleviate long wait times and improve the overall flow within the lounge.
The seating arrangement has also been optimized. Tables are now sized more thoughtfully, accommodating both solo travelers—common among United’s business clientele—and larger groups.
Menu and Service
Dining service runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a full printed menu offered throughout the day. In the morning, guests can choose from made-to-order omelets, avocado toast, and blueberry crêpes. In the evening, options include seared scallops, crab cakes, eggplant Milanese, and the signature Polaris Burger—now available with a plant-based Impossible patty.
Photo: Courtesy of United
Cocktails and wine are served directly at the table, further distancing the experience from traditional buffet models. Offerings include espresso martinis and a “Red Snapper” Bloody Mary, part of a curated menu aimed at business travelers looking to unwind before boarding.
Importantly, access to the dining room—and the lounge overall—remains limited to United Polaris business-class passengers and Star Alliance business-class travelers on eligible international itineraries. Unlike many competitor lounges, Polaris also permits entry on arrival, offering flexibility for travelers seeking a post-flight meal or space to freshen up.
Competing in a Crowded New York Market
United’s move comes as competition intensifies across New York-area airports. Delta recently opened its sprawling Delta One Lounge at JFK, with a significantly larger footprint and its own full-service dining program. Yet United appears less interested in matching scale and more focused on curating atmosphere.
Photo: Newark Airport Terminal A. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
Rather than replicating Delta’s size, United is refining intimacy. The Newark Lounge’s layout and service model aims to foster exclusivity, pace, and personalization—qualities that resonate with experienced travelers seeking consistency and comfort on the ground.
“This isn’t a dramatic overhaul,” wrote The Design Air, which previewed the space. “It’s a considered refinement of what United already does well—elevated pre-flight service with a design sensibility that leans more residential than corporate… a quiet step forward: one that shows a steady hand and an eye for detail.”
A Glimpse of Polaris’ Future
The Newark lounge is only the second Polaris location to reflect United’s updated design language, following similar enhancements in Chicago. Most Polaris lounges continue to operate under the original 2016 aesthetic, but Newark now offers a more forward-looking model.
Photo: Courtesy of United
“For years, we’ve been investing in our club and lounge portfolio at Newark,” McMillan added, “and it’s our first hub to fully reflect our new designs and amenities.”
United’s approach in Newark may not turn heads in the same way a grand opening would. But for the business traveler seeking efficiency, quiet luxury, and a proper meal before a long-haul flight, it’s a meaningful upgrade—and a clear signal of United’s evolving premium strategy.
