When I was a kid, my family would travel between Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at least once per year. Because of this, I have plenty of distinct memories from both hubs — but especially EWR. I still think about the signs at baggage claim warning travelers about unauthorized cabbies, which featured a sketchy-looking guy asking, “You need a ride?”
Even more vivid is my memory of the airport’s monorail as it announces “Please stand clear, the doors are closing. Please hold on while the train is moving.” My dad and I still randomly say this in a sing-songy way that’s only slightly exaggerated. But, the reason I bring up these childhood airport memories today is because American Express has just formally announced plans to open a Centurion Lounge at EWR in 2026.
According to a press release, the new lounge will be 17,000 square feet. For context, the expanded Las Vegas location is 13,4000 square feet, the new SeaTac lounge is 14,000 square feet, and even the recently expanded SFO one is 16,000 square feet. In other words: it’s big. In terms of location, the lounge will be found in the new Terminal A.
Amex says that the new location will feature locally-inspired design as well as a menu made up of local cuisine. Being from New Jersey, I can joke that this must just mean pizza, bagels, and Taylor Ham. Yes, South Jersey people — I said Taylor Ham.
Anyway, the lounge will also include a 1,400-square-foot terrace that will not only overlook the airfield but will also offer a view of the Manhattan skyline. Elsewhere, a jazz bar and piano lounge will feature live music and cocktails. Lastly, a “quiet reprieve” will feature artifacts and antiques celebrating the history of the Garden State.
Even if I don’t travel through Newark Liberty as much as I used to when I was a kid, there’s no doubt I’ll be traveling to/from the airport in the future as much of my extended family is still back East. Therefore, I definitely look forward to checking out this new Centurion Lounge location once it’s open.
By the way, if you too would like to be able to visit this or any other Centurion Lounge, you may want to look into the American Express Platinum Card. While it does carry an annual fee of $695, that fee is offset by a number of monthly or yearly credits. Plus, with the card, you’ll have complimentary access to Amex Centurion Lounges as well as Delta SkyClubs (when flying Delta) and other airport lounges via Priority Pass Select.
And, although the fee for authorized users did recently rise, you can still give a travel companion this same lounge access by paying $195 a year to make them an authorized user. Personally, even as someone who only travels a few times a year, I think the card has been worth it — and having access to Centurion Lounges and SkyClubs has been game-changing.
So, with all of that said, I’m excited to check out the Newark Centurion location circa 2026 and can’t wait to see what else Amex has in its plan for the years ahead.