NEWARK- Chicago-based United Airlines (UA) has expanded the dining room at its Polaris Lounge in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), adding 60 seats to improve the experience for long-haul business class passengers.
The move strengthens United’s competitive position against Delta Air Lines (DL), particularly in the New York City market, where Delta recently opened its Delta One Lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
United Expands Newark Lounge
United Airlines opened its newly expanded dining room at the Polaris Lounge at Newark (EWR) on June 21, 2025. This enhancement adds nearly 60 new seats—a 10% increase in lounge capacity—catering to solo travelers and groups alike, flagged Live and Let’s Fly.
The refreshed space, now part of the 30,000-square-foot lounge, offers sweeping views of the New York City skyline and features a variety of a la carte dining options.
Breakfast items include avocado toast, blueberry crepes, and omelets. The lunch and dinner menus offer elevated options, such as crab cakes, scallops, eggplant Milanese, and the signature Polaris burger, with a plant-based patty option available.
According to Aaron McMillan, United’s Managing Director of Hospitality Programs, the expansion is part of a broader effort to provide a seamless and premium pre-flight experience:
“We’re bringing an elevated dining experience to Newark… 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.”
The added space came from the former “Classified” invite-only restaurant, previously operated by United at Newark.
A Strategic Response to Delta’s New JFK Lounge
This expansion follows the recent launch of the Delta One Lounge at New York JFK (JFK), which boasts a 39,000-square-foot space and a dining area that seats 125. In contrast, United’s Polaris Lounge at Newark now measures 30,000 square feet with a 60-seat dining section—smaller but more personalized.
Where United stands out is its all-day a la carte dining, compared to Delta’s limited lunch and dinner offerings. Although direct food comparisons await further review, United’s culinary reputation at the Newark Polaris Lounge remains strong, with consistently high marks from past visitors.
This development is also United’s second Polaris Lounge refresh after Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and introduces more muted tones and updated branding aligned with its evolving lounge design language.
Lounge Access and Competitive Advantage
Polaris Lounges are exclusive to United Polaris business class passengers, offering access at both departure and arrival airports.
For example, a United business passenger flying Lisbon–Newark–Los Angeles can access the Polaris Lounges at both EWR and LAX. However, those arriving on a Star Alliance partner like TAP Air Portugal do not have arrival lounge access.
This exclusivity and elevated experience have made Polaris Lounges a key factor for loyalists when choosing United over Star Alliance carriers such as Lufthansa (LH) or SWISS (LX).
United’s move signals a long-term strategy to compete head-to-head with Delta’s premium international offering and elevate its reputation in one of the most competitive airline markets in the world.
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