Currently undergoing major refurbishment, some delays
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I would firstly like to reassure the nervous traveler that, since the tragic events of September 11th 2001, security at this and other US Airports has vastly improved. I will write about the increased security later in this opinion.
Newark International Airport is one of New York’s major Airports supporting both International and Internal flights. I have used Newark many times, and whilst it is not the greatest of Airports that I have passed through, it is not the worst either.
Newark Airport is within the State of New Jersey and is New York’s 2nd largest airport. There are three terminals here, used for inbound and outbound flights, your terminal will depend upon which airline you are using. I have used both Terminals B and C, finding C to be the better to date, as B is currently the terminal most affected by construction. Terminal A offers much the same in facilities as C.
At present the Airport is undergoing major reconstruction in almost all areas, but surprisingly this does not affect the traveler or cause any great inconvenience during this construction period. Newark may not be one of the most eye pleasing places to fly in or out of right now, but the major work at minor disruption will undoubtedly vastly improve this gateway to the States. Overall, once the new $ 3.8 billion construction, refurbishment and expansion are complete, this will be a very modern Airport.
As you would expect, each terminal has a range of shops, financial facilities, restaurants and restrooms. Right now these too are under refurbishment in some areas. As you would expect you can pick up just about anything from these stores. However, the duty free section for those leaving the USA is not brilliant, but prices are excellent. A major advantage of the way Duty Free operates at this Airport is that once you have made your purchase you do not have to cart the items bought around with you until your flight. They are collected at the check out and delivered to you as you board the plane.
If you are a smoker, them I am afraid it’s outside for you into whatever elements the weather of the day is offering, as Newark is a No Smoking Airport.
My first experience of Newark was in May last year when I first made the trip out to visit the love of my life, Pelenya, in Virginia. Being my first point of entry into the USA it was at this airport that I had to clear both Customs and Immigration before my connecting flight to Norfolk.
I had flown with Continental Airlines, whom I can highly recommend, arriving at Newark at 2pm (EST). The first thing upon arrival, after alighting the aircraft is to clear Immigration or passport control for U.S. passport holders.
On arrival at immigration you have to wait in-line, in much the same queuing fashion as you would for a ride at a Theme Park. As you would expect, waiting time to be processed depends upon the time of day and the number of inbound flights that have arrived. My experience though, is that I have never had to wait longer than 15 minutes to be seen. Make sure you have your Passport, and other documents to hand and that you have correctly completed either your Visa Waiver form or Visa Entry form correctly; these are distributed to you on the flight. Should these documents not be correctly filled in, you will have to re-do them, causing you some delay.
Once cleared, you move from Immigration to the baggage claim before moving on to Customs. Like all airports, baggage claim is somewhat of a lotto as to how soon your baggage appears, but again, my experience is that it is off the plane and back in your possession within 30 minutes.
Customs is not usually a problem either, and consists of the usual two channels, red and green. Have your customs form ready (again given to you on the plane). Even though foot and mouth is officially over in the UK, you will still be asked questions regarding any visits to agricultural premises. Allowances of what you can bring into the USA are limited so always check first what the current personal and gift allowances are.
Parking is pretty spacious and prices are in line with most major UK Airports. Facilities such as Taxi Services, Hotels and other Transportation are easily available and all at reasonable prices.
As with any Airport, expect delays, Newark can get pretty bogged down, but they have a pretty good record when it comes to getting flights in and out. checkin time varies from Airline to Airline and time of year, but is reasonably quick, despite the new security measures.
Building work aside, the Airport is generally clean and tidy.
~ ~ AIRPORT SECURITY ~ ~
Prior to 9 11-airport security was sadly lacking at Newark, and I am sure the same can be said of all of Americas other Airports too. However, since the sickening events of that tragic day, much effort, money and time have been spent of increasing security at all Airports. To walk onto a plane with the minimum of checks was pretty much routine. Now though, it is much different.
The first and most noticeable difference is the constant presence of heavily armed uniformed Military and Police Personnel. That in itself is most reassuring. Secondly, baggage checks are much more thorough. My last visit back to the UK in late December 2001 involved my luggage being unpacked by a security officer and thoroughly checked before being relocked and sealed. This was upon first arrival at the airport and prior to my bags being checked in onto the flight. I was, at this point also searched and ‘patted down’, quizzed about the purpose of my flight and my hand luggage and laptop screened.
I was subjected to a further 2 ‘pat downs’ and searches of my hand luggage both before going ‘airside’ and before being allowed to board the plane. Again of great reassurance to a nervous flyer like me. However I did here many people complain of this inconvenience and invasion of their privacy. Personally, I think these measures necessary right now with the constant threat that hovers over us all. In fact my flight back to Pelenya on February 6th from the UK involved far less stringent searches and checks than at Newark.
Try to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight right now, mainly because of security.
I can say with all honesty, that I now feel safer in the air than I did before 911, due mainly to the increased security measures. There is however a small price to pay for this as there is a small additional airport tax to cover the expenses of these new security measures. With the advent of Air Marshals and Airport Security going over to Federal Control in the near future, we can only hope and pray that we do not see a repeat of that disastrous day back in September last year.
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
very helpful
very helpful
very helpful
helpful
