Guys, I've scanned the thread and apologies if I've missed a relevant post - SFO-based GS here, very rarely in EWR and never in the last 4-5 years. In the next couple of weeks I'll have an early Saturday AM departure from EWR for a (UA) vacation flight, along with 3 others who are not MP elites. They are concerned about allowing enough time for check-in/bag check and security at EWR - and at the moment they have scheduled a pickup in lower manhattan for 3 hours before flight time.
A couple of questions for you EWR GS veterans -
1. Is there a dedicated GS checkin lobby/line, does it provide front-of-line access to security (2 of the party are not US nationals; no pre-check), and should I expect it to be congested at 6:30 or 7am on Saturday?
2. Should I expect to be able to bring three non-elites with me through no.1 above? Haven't checked, but I'm betting this is likely not permitted as a matter of policy, and will depend on the kindness of the lobby agents. From what I've read here sporadically, I'm not expecting them to be the most gracious of UA agents, but have no personal knowledge.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate your sharing the benefit of your EWR experiences!