seanp7

Polaris gets really packed around 4.30/5pm. Are you AirTraining to C? Does the bus B to C work or is it still just C United) to Term B? Curious about recent reports.

ISTFlyer

The bus only operates from C to B and stops at B upon request, not B to C ( unless special arrangements are made right now )

seanp7

Thank you! (Obviously I mixed up my directions, but you answered my question )

EWRAustrian

Any idea what time Austrian check-in counter opens for bag drop? Trying to get to Polaris Lounge as early as possible

oliver2002

Strange that they want MUC pax (dep 8.40pm) to go to the SAS lounge and the 6pm FRA to use the UA facilities in T1C. I guess SAS asked not to send anyone between 4 and 7pm as they have 3 flights leaving to CPH (5.35p) ARN (5.50p) & OSL (6.55p). EKs flight leaves at 11.45p, close to the TAP flight to LIS (11.55p) and OPO (0.10am).

Curiously no mention of Swiss (10p) and Austrian (5.55p).

tarheelnj

Was on EWR-FRA this past Thursday in F. I showed up around 2:00pm, then saw the sign that the counter opened at 2:30pm. That was later updated with a separate sign that the counter would open at 3:00pm, maybe because of the US holiday. I only had carry-on, so didn’t really need the counter, but I wanted printed BPs, in part to ensure no issues with my connection in FRA and access to the A13 Lounge, and I was curious how they would address the EWR lounge issue. When the counter opened, the agent asked me if I wanted an escort to the lounge. I asked, “isn’t the lounge closed?” She admitted it was a habit, and told me about access to the UA Polaris lounge in Terminal C, which I went to given the amount of time I had. I then took the bus to Terminal B so I wouldn’t have to re-clear security. There were two LH agents at the entrance to the Lounge. It appears they were explaining the Lounge situation to passengers who didn’t know, and directing people to either the UA lounge or the SAS lounge, depending on their destination. They mentioned that FRA passengers in F will sometimes be admitted to the SAS lounge depending on how busy it is. They had me and another F passenger wait in the seats outside the lounge until boarding time, when one of the agents escorted us onto the plane. No definite reopening date for the new LH Lounge, just “sometime in 2024.”

NYC1

I'd recommend anyone flying LHG F from the NY area to either avoid EWR or, if you're stuck with EWR, show up 1.5 (max 2 hrs) before the flight to avoid spending hours in a mediocre lounge for F (ie Polaris) to bad lounge for F (SAS) and commuting between terminals (for the privilege of spending time in a mediocre lounge).

gojko88

Is the F section of the JFK lounge really better than Polaris at EWR?

view

For sure, Polaris EWR is a circus every night, with 45 minute waits for tables, packed lounge and bartenders bordering on rude (and wanting a tip for it). You don't experience any of that at JFK LH F, but fine dining it is not.

Jensens

this nails it. JFK was always relaxed enough to feel nice, the food was not overly special but ok. Polaris on the other hand was always I was there crowded, so I decided to skip it. Now with the LH lounge closed, I may reconsider. But it‘s also a factor that might push me to JFK, at least for my next NYC visit, which will likely be in March.

oliver2002

Teaser about the EWR lounge in the business newsletter:

https://business.lufthansagroup.com/...h-lounges-2024

fbcooper

2/3 lounge is still closed and sas lounge was only for munich and one other destination which i think was zurich. But they had a person that was handing out $25 vouchers you could use at like 4 places in front of the closed lounge but only if you hadn't gone to the polaris lounge first. Not sure if they actually verified that or took your word for it.

Took that and bought myself a bunch of snacks which were better than what the lounge usually offers so win for me since i always get to ewr like 15 mins before my flight anyway.

sciprox1

Did Lufthansa set a date to reopen?

worldclubber

Officially "mid-2024", last time I was there they said June.

djsflynn

A surprise from today's Allegris launch event: LH is revising its lounge design with an all-new concept, which will debut at the EWR lounge in July and include a horseshoe-shaped bar plus a first class dining room. EWR will be followed by Washington DC and JFK T6 (to which LH is moving), and the new design will eventually sweep right across the LH lounge network, including FRA and MUC.

Here are some pics I snapped from a display at the media launch event.




More pics and info at https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...ark-ewr-lounge