TAP Lounge Newark
 

TAP business class passengers are invited to use the SAS lounge at Newark, as they do not operate their own. The SAS lounge is so nasty, I'd argue that it might be more a better idea to skip it. Way overcrowded, poor quality liquor, meager selection of cold snacks. The place looks like an room full of Ikea reject furnishing. If you find a place to sit, it will not likely have a power outlet. WiFi so slow it is practically unusable. Really low rent.

Please tell us how you really feel inWDC... :D

I donno - I was in this lounge last month before taking a SQ flight. I can't argue with your assessments, but for us at least they brought out some better food (steak sandwiches and more) about 90 minutes before departure. And there were a few Apple computers available for internet access. And at least there were lavs in the club, plus an ok selection of reading material.

It did get pretty full right before departure, but the SQ flight was full, so that is 100 passengers who could potentially gain access. And there was another flight departing around the same time so there were some other passengers too, but I don't remember the airline or destination.

So while I would not give the club a rave review I would rate it a notch above the typical USA domestic club. And as is the case with the majority of airline clubs in the world I would normally not plan to spend an excessive amount of time there.


SunLover

How busy is the lounge before the 6pm TAP departure?

FWIW, I visited the SAS Lounge back in March and didn't find it nasty. Their liquor selections are pretty average as was the food, but the layout and decor are different in a good way. It does get pretty crowded at that time of day though. A few pictures for those who might be curious (These were taken around 4:45 PM on a Monday):

http://cmk10.smugmug.com/Other/Budap...DSCN1055-L.jpg

http://cmk10.smugmug.com/Other/Budap...DSCN1056-L.jpg

http://cmk10.smugmug.com/Other/Budap...DSCN1057-L.jpg

http://cmk10.smugmug.com/Other/Budap...DSCN1058-L.jpg

Very, IIRC. There are a couple SAS and LH flights out around the same time and using the same lounge.

Unless something has changed, I imagine most LH passengers will be at the LH Lounge, no?

The LH SEN lounge is inside the back of the SAS lounge. Business pax use the SAS lounge. Unless something has changed.

And, to be fair, something very well may have changed. It has been a couple years since I flew LH out of EWR.

Something has changed, there's now a separate Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounge. It's across the hall from the SAS Lounge. Looks like it opened Fall, 2013:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufth...unges-ewr.html

^ :cool:

I visited the LH and SAS lounges at EWR last month. The only thing the SAS lounge has going for it in the comparison is a better wifi connection. In every other aspect the LH lounges win hands down going away and then some.


SunLover

+1. We visited both in May and while the LH lounge was a little warmer than I like, we still preferred it a fair bit more than SAS.

Which lounge does TAP use? And I imagine that Star Golds can use either, right? Can you access this terminal via a bus from the American Airlines terminal or do you have to reclear security?

Any guidance as to Star Gold lounge access for TAP's EWR flights? I know they're in Terminal B, but that's a strange teriminal in that the various gate areas don't connect. Also, there's something on the Star Alliance website that talks about Star Gold Fast Track at EWR. Does such a thing exist for TAP's flights? I've had some bad experience getting through security at Terminal B at EWR (like for BA's flights). Thanks.

use the LH Sen lounge. There is pre-check lite in Terminal B.

I used the Senator Lounge last night - it gets very busy with Eurowings, Austrian and Lufthana's flights. Food was OK, service fine.
The TSA is shockingly bad - Priority Line only until you get to ID checkers when it's just one line. Three machines open, but took about 45 minutes to get through on Saturday evening.
No Pre-Check just keep on shoes and use metal detector.
Flight left late from gate 68.