blackllotus

Apologies for the new thread if so. EWR sucks because (1) UA does not open premier security lines (2) The security line monitors will make you to go to the security checkpoint closest to your gate number regardless of the load at that checkpoint and (3) checked baggage can easily take 45 minutes+ to receive on arriving flights. Here's a hint for point (2): if you book your tickets in advance and have your boarding passes emailed to you then your boarding passes will say "Not Yet Assigned" for your gate. This magic value allows you to get through any of the security lines at will. Enjoy.

awu25

The people who direct you to a security line are contractors. Just ignore them or say you prefer to go to X checkpoint and they'll let you through

emcampbe

To your points:
(1) I've been through the premier security line, so as a generic rule, UA doesn't open Premier security lines is false
(2) that's not IME. Though I don't typically originate at EWR unless I am returning from a trip to NYC, it's typically UAX and my standard is to use the C checkpoints even when I'm departing from A (and take the shuttle over - food options are much better on C and they have a real pre-check) and I have never been refused.
(3) I've seen worse - like over an hour for the first bag to come out at YYZ, and that's not necessarily out of the ordinary there.

scottpenderson

I can't really comment on your first two points, as I have not had similar experiences (other than TSAPre being closed). Point 3, however, is a fact of life flying UA into EWR. I just plan added time into my schedule if flying into EWR and go straight to the Dunkin Donuts in baggage claim rather than to the baggage carousel.

LaserSailor

You can quickly claim your bag and then be 4 cars ahead of me on the I95. Welcome to NY/NJ.

Of all the major airports in the world, it's far from the worst.

bmwe92fan

True - Manilla is worse, but has better weather....

halls120

True, but like most major U.S. airports, it's a {mess} on a good day. The simple reality in this country is that we don't do large airports well, which is an embarrassment for a first world country.

goodeats21

I would add:

The rude, unhelpful, downright nasty United staff based at Newark

The crappy, overpriced, no staff OTG food experience

Perpetual flight delays, exacerbated by the rude, unhelpful, downright nasty United staff based at Newark.

EWR sucks on every level.

rrohio

I totally agree EWR staff are Rudest in the world!!!!!!!!

TennisNoob

Service at EWR has always been bad.

I've always had Premier access passing through security.

Antonio8069

EWR is owned & operated by the Port Authority. I suggest you re-direct your concerns there (they have a WEB feedback form on their WEB site).

dmurphynj

Points 1 is patently false.

There is absolutely a premier line - in fact it's a Star Alliance Fast Track line as well. See checkpoint C-2.

Point 2 - those 'crowd control' people think they're helping keeping the lines balanced but they're really useless. Just go where you want; they have no authority. Tell them you want to use this checkpoint since you're meeting a coworker or something.

Point 3 - it's no worse than luggage anywhere else. I've had an hour wait for bags at friggin SNA; so it can happen anywhere.

Maybe I'm a little jaded because EWR is my home airport but with 75+ segments that have either started or terminated at EWR this year, I really haven't had a problem.

Weez_1000

Are there any type of rules about which checkpoint you can/must use in EWR Terminal C?

The C2 checkpoint is by far the least used and usually can fly through in a few minutes but has no pre-check lane. I sometimes use it even with pre-check because its so quick to get through at times but recently the redcoats have been pushing hard at making you use the checkpoint closest to your gate. I usually just tell them I am going to the UC close to C2/C3 and they will wave me through.

Yesterday, I was traveling with a few non elites non pre-check and told them to use C2 because there was a very small line and I would meet them outside the UC. The redcoats would not allow them to use C2, the passengers said we are going to the UC right there and they said nope go down to C1 and walk back.

Trying to determine if there is a valid reason for it or if its just people making up rules.

aacharya

Making up rules.

bmwe92fan

+1000 - I have even gone through security in terminal A when my flight leaves from C....