For the first segment of my trip of downgrades, suspensions, and delays, I flew Lufthansa’s A350 Allegris first class from Newark to Munich. Prior to my flight, I had the chance to check out the Lufthansa Lounge Newark (EWR). This is also where I met up with my dad, as I was coming from Miami, while he was coming from Tampa.
In 2024, Lufthansa introduced its new long haul passenger experience, known as Allegris. As part of this, the airline is also rolling out a new lounge concept, and the location in Newark was the first to get an Allegris makeover. The airline reportedly spent €10 million updating this lounge, which seems like a lot.
How is this lounge? I’d say it’s reasonably nice, and in particular, there’s a solid first class dining section (which I’ll review in this installment as well). I wish the lounge had more natural light, but admittedly that’s something the airline has little control over, given the challenge with securing space at airports. I also think there’s room for improvement when it comes to food.
Now, I’d say that Lufthansa’s lounge changes are definitely more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so don’t expect anything like the world’s top business class lounges. But still, there are some nice design updates, compared to Lufthansa’s old lounge design.
In this post:
Lufthansa Lounge Newark location
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark is located in Terminal B, which is where Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian flights depart from. Newark has undergone a very nice modernization in recent years, but my goodness, Terminal B is a steaming pile of garbage. What a sad terminal in which to open a new lounge.
Note that Terminal B isn’t directly connected airside to any other terminals or concourses. However, over select hours there’s an airside shuttle service from Terminal A and Terminal C, to facilitate connections.
Once you’re in the portion of Terminal B with gates B60-68, just keep walking toward the gates.
Just before you get to gate B60, you’ll see the entrance to the Lufthansa Lounge hidden on the left, right across from the Scandinavian Airlines lounge.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark hours
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark is currently open daily from 2:15PM until 9:30PM, coinciding with the Lufthansa Group departures from the terminal. However, you can expect that schedule will evolve over time, based on flight schedules, as those are adjusted seasonally. Always check the Star Alliance lounge finder for the latest.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark entry requirements
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark follows standard Star Alliance lounge access policies. This means the lounge is open to Star Alliance first and business class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members. The first class dining section is open to Lufthansa and SWISS first class passengers, and to Miles & More HON Circle members.
In this terminal, you’ll find flights on Lufthansa Group carriers Austrian, Lufthansa, and SWISS, as well as Star Alliance partners LOT Polish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal.
It’s also possible to access Lufthansa Lounges with select Amex cards. However, note that this lounge doesn’t belong to Priority Pass.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark seating & layout
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark is roughly 6,500 square feet (600 square meters), with seating for around 170 guests. So it’s a decent size for an outstation lounge, but not huge, and it definitely gets crowded over peak periods (since some flights are timed close to one another).
As you enter, the centerpiece of the lounge is the bar area with high-top seating.
Past the bar area is one of the seating zones, which consists of a bunch of dining tables, with a combination of chairs and banquettes.
The buffet area is then off to one side, with several more dining tables, along with some high-top seating at three communal tables.
There’s a quote on the wall. “Flying is more than reaching a destination. It’s about embracing the journey.” I mean, true, but I can’t say that I found that to be particularly profound. While we’re on the topic, I love the Dr. Seuss bookmark that’s placed on the bed with turndown service in Etihad first class. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Cute.
The lounge has some more seating near the entrance and on the opposite side of the bar, with chairs and sofas.
Then the very back of the lounge has a bunch more seating, and probably offers the most overall capacity. The seating is nice and varied, and broken up into zones thanks to the use of some partitions. There’s everything from couches, to chairs, to little semi-private pods, to banquettes.
The very back corner of the lounge has what looks like a conference room table, though I guess it’s intended to be more of a communal workstation (since this space isn’t partitioned off from the rest of the lounge, so it’s not like you could actually have a meeting here).
The lounge also has two private offices, which I always appreciate, in case you’re just looking for some quiet, have a phone call to make, etc.
The major downside to the lounge is the lack of natural light and views. The very back of the lounge sort of has some views of the apron area. In reality, you’re overlooking a hallway of the immigration facility, so you’re really two sets of glass shields from outside.
All-in-all, it’s a nice enough space. While I prefer the decor a bit to Lufthansa’s old lounge concept, I still find the design to be rather sterile.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark food & drinks
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark has one main buffet inside the entrance and to the right, which has a selection of hot and cold food.
The cold options at the buffet included cold cuts, cheese, bread rolls, three types of salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
There were also four hot options, including charred pork and summer squash, long grain rice with blistered tomatoes, balsamic roasted vegetables, and green beans with tomato confit. I found it odd that the only meat option was pork, and then you had two types of vegetables and rice. That’s not exactly a huge selection.
The buffet also had a selection of desserts, including cookies, and small slices of cake.
There was also a snack counter with a variety of sweets.
The lounge had two different stations with espresso machines and a selection of tea.
Alcoholic drinks were available from the bar, with a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. I appreciate the increasing trend of lounges having proper bars where bartenders can actually prepare decent drinks.
As Lufthansa introduces its new lounge concept, it doesn’t seem like much is being invested in the soft product… at least not yet. The food selection was virtually the same as I’ve seen in the past. I did miss pretzels, which are usually a standard offering at Lufthansa lounges.
As I’ve also already said, I thought the hot food selection was odd. The only non-vegetarian option was pork, and then you had rice and two types of veggies. That’s not exactly impressive.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark first class dining
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark has a first class section, called “First Class Wining and Dining.” It’s reserved specifically for Lufthansa and SWISS first class passengers, as well as HON Circle members. It’s not actually a fully separate lounge, but instead, it’s just off the main part of the lounge, with a bit of a partition.
I’ve gotta say, I found the design of this to be super sleek, and clearly the seating was intended to match the new Allegris first class seat, so I thought that was kind of cool. The first class section has a total of nine tables. There are five in a row, three in another row, and then one lonely table along the wall.
While this is intended primarily for dining, guests are also welcome to just hang out here, which is nice, given that the rest of the lounge can get absolutely slammed (I imagine there are some situations where it would be polite to move back to the main part of the lounge, if all tables are occupied, but that wasn’t the case during my visit).
Shortly after arriving in the first class dining area, we were presented with the menu and drink list, which you can find below.
As you can see, it’s a pretty small menu, with two appetizers, two main courses, and two desserts. The drink selection is elevated compared to the main part of the lounge, but nothing strikes me as being particularly first class.
To drink, I decided to order a negroni, which hit the spot.
As a starter, I ordered the crab arancini, which was absolutely massive, and portioned more like a main course.
For the main course, I had the burrata, pea veloute, and vignarola salad.
Funny enough, if you presented me with the above two dishes, I would’ve assumed the burrata was the starter and the arancini was the main, so don’t ask me to explain what’s going on here.
My dad, meanwhile, ordered the grazing board with meat and cheese, which was substantial, and he was happy he didn’t order a main course beyond that.
We then decided to split the two desserts, including the strawberry shortcake with mascarpone cream, and the affogato chocolate mousse.
The service was friendly, and I’d say the food was decent, but nothing special. I’m not trying to be jaded, but I sort of detest when people describe everything when flying in premium cabins as being Michelin-star quality. I’m not even sure they have a proper kitchen back there, so I suspect they’re just nuking stuff in the back. But accounting for that, I thought it was quite good.
Lufthansa Lounge Newark bathrooms
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark has a separate men’s room and women’s room, located inside the entrance to the lounge and to the left. The men’s room features two sinks, two stalls, and one urinal. That’s not exactly a huge amount of capacity if the lounge is full, but that’s a common issue at many lounges.
Unfortunately the lounge doesn’t have any showers.
Bottom line
The Lufthansa Lounge Newark is a reasonably nice outstation lounge. It’s not huge and doesn’t have great views, but that’s a limitation that’s largely beyond Lufthansa’s control.
What’s interesting is that this is also the first lounge with the new Allegris design. I’d say I prefer the new design slightly over the old one, but I can’t say that Lufthansa is going for some industry-leading lounge concept, suddenly.
The lounge’s soft product was fine. I thought the buffet could’ve been a bit better (particularly the hot selection), while it’s nice that there’s a first class section with a la carte dining (even if the selection is limited).
If you’re connecting from United and flying Star Alliance business class, personally I’d rather spend as much time as possible at the United Polaris Lounge, before heading over to Terminal B, as I think it offers a better overall experience.
What’s your take on the Lufthansa Lounge Newark?
Not a fan of the American style bathroom stalls with the openings top and bottom. Much prefer Euro-design bathrooms where the stalls are all little rooms.
I couldn't agree more regarding your comment about people who praise airport/airplane food was Michelin caliber/quality. I really hate it when people say things like:
-"Michelin star dining" (it was designed by a chef with a Michelin star, but prepared by a kitchen of people who are airport catering line cooks and then reheated in an airplane convection oven after having sit in a cart for multiple hours...the ingredients are probably also cheap bought...
I couldn't agree more regarding your comment about people who praise airport/airplane food was Michelin caliber/quality. I really hate it when people say things like:
-"Michelin star dining" (it was designed by a chef with a Michelin star, but prepared by a kitchen of people who are airport catering line cooks and then reheated in an airplane convection oven after having sit in a cart for multiple hours...the ingredients are probably also cheap bought in bulk items aside from things like PDO cheese and caviar)
-"One of the best meals of my life" (even a fresh cooked meal at a chain Italian restaurant is probably going to be better than a meal prepared in an airplane galley)
-"This wine costs $XXX" (I get it...but also not the only indication of quality)
Rate your Lufthansa Lounge experience here:
http://t1p.de/LHG-Lounge
I am not trying to influence you, but I think the variety and presentation of food at the Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt could be better. It’s basically always the same 4 dishes (meat loaf, sausages, couscous, vegetables).
My hope is that this questionnaire has some impact on the Net Promoter Score and will lead to better Lufthansa lounges.
Net Promoter Score doesn't make the food taste better or Champagne more expensive.
I’m surprised the menu uses Entree for main course. How unfortunately American! Glad there is a separate F option but agree the food seems nothing special. I totally agree that many people overstate how good food is even in F cabins. I suspect many of those people don’t regularly dine at Michelin star restaurants.
You did not mention that LH Group Frequent Travellers (Silver) have access to the lounge as well.
One of the best lounges in the world.
Especially with the loner island table in the F dining section.
Looks great!
If you are Star Gold but flying domestically or not in Polaris business for a long-haul flight -- - and therefore cannot access the Polaris lounge - this lounge still has a more premium feel than the United Clubs in C and A. But you might have to reclear security - which can be annoying an time consuming.
On a different topic of *A lounges.
UC HKG is near opening. Was recently there and they expect to open in a few weeks.
Let's see if this will be better than the SQ cave. With TG permanently gone (hello Chase), this would be a nice addition.
Spending $10m on this lounge is a bad sign, indicates the terminal B is going away any time soon
*isn't
Agree. Makes no sense when they have a Vision Plan already. But I guess they realize nothing will move forward until a change in administration because of a lack of federal funding.
BA spent $65 million on renovating JFK T7 just two years before leaving it to join AA in T8... So who knows...
Lufthansa is just so astonishingly mediocre.
Be greatful the Newark Lounge lacked pretzels!
Yesterday I flew home from Germany to the States in Buissiness Class (United Economy on the last leg) and the pretzels at the Berlin and Frankfort Lounges (and with the second meal service on the plane in Buissiness Class) were excellet! the tiny cut-up morsel of what was labeled as a Bulvarian Pretzel in the Washington Lounge was awful. T
his lounge I had to access on my...
Be greatful the Newark Lounge lacked pretzels!
Yesterday I flew home from Germany to the States in Buissiness Class (United Economy on the last leg) and the pretzels at the Berlin and Frankfort Lounges (and with the second meal service on the plane in Buissiness Class) were excellet! the tiny cut-up morsel of what was labeled as a Bulvarian Pretzel in the Washington Lounge was awful. T
his lounge I had to access on my Priority Pass, after finding out no lounge access when getting off Lufthansa Bossiness Class to connecting to United Economy for a domestic connection. This feels insane to me, I have no Star Alliance status. I first Tried the United Club after clearing customs and immigration in the falling part connections area of the awful and temporary but older than me Concourse C. There was a sign saying no priority passes were being accepted in the Luftansa but the check-in agent took pity on me I was connecting to United Express out of A so it wasn't that out of the way.
Bossiness Class? Maybe you don't really belong there, buddy.
Can pax flying Air India F access this lounge and first class dining options?
Lounge yes, First Class dining options no. Those are reserved for LH/LX customers, as they are in MUC/ZRH/FRA
Well, it is better than the Swissport lounge at O'Hare...
But seriously, what abuot this is first class? Nothing. An AA Flagship lounge has better dining options.
Lufti is a very ordinary airline. I'm mystified as to why anyone ever expects them to be something more.
What I was thinking, well said.
Swissport and Swiss are different
Nobody is arguing otherwise.
I think it would be funny if 3/4 of the F part of the lounge were roped off and not able to be used because it hadn't passed Newark city regulatory approval yet.
The recent Wendover video on Newark was pretty well done, and even that could not fully illustrate just how awful EWR is. I realize terminal B is the stinkiest of the garbage heap, but even the new terminal A sucks.
Seriously? Terminal A is gorgeous!
I was laughing at the Jim Beam old-fashioned cocktail being offered in business class lounge. Then I saw it was also being offered in the first class lounge. How amazingly super premium.
They probably get it for $10 a bottle in exchange for prominence on the list. Still more than it's worth.
I think Ethiopia is also in B and Star Alliance Ben. Interestingly they have an earlier flight so I wonder if those passengers are out of luck on a lounge.