I took same flight as you last Christmas for last minute miliage run .
I used Airtrain PENN to EWR, and it was good choice for who travele alone.
I got there early, to get a FC seat, then rode airtrain within airport (couple round trips - FUN ).

Used EliteAccess for security, and boarding.


on the way back to NYC, I used coach bus. (maybe $1 cheaper??)