We got to Newark Airport at 9AM for our 1:15PM flight to Tel Aviv. This was my first time flying EL AL, so I had no sense of how long security would take, etc.
Newark Airport Terminal B exterior
Terminal B was quite empty at this hour, though at the far left of the terminal I saw some activity, and figured that was EL AL’s check-in area.
Newark Airport Terminal B check-in hall
There was a separate queue for economy passengers to undergo their security questioning, and then once that was complete they’d direct passengers over to the actual check-in desk.
EL AL security questioning Newark Airport
The business class check-in counter was located at the far left of the check-in area.
EL AL business class check-in Newark Airport
While there wasn’t anyone there, there were two of the security podiums, so I figured we didn’t have to get in the main line. One of the EL AL agents saw us there, and sent over a security officer to question us. I shared my experience with the overall EL AL security process in a separate post, so if you’re interested, check out that post.
EL AL business class check-in Newark Airport
Soon enough we were issued stickers (for both our passports and carry-ons) presumably based on our security interview, as well as EL AL boarding passes and lounge invitations.
EL AL security questioning Newark Airport
EL AL security questioning Newark Airport
At Newark Airport, EL AL uses Art & Lounge as their contract lounge, which is also part of Priority Pass. The number of Priority Pass members has increased greatly the past couple of years, since now there are quite a few credit cards with lounge access. As a reminder, if you want to access Priority Pass lounges, the following are some of the popular cards that come with access, along with their guesting privileges:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
American Express Platinum Card®
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
This lounge is located landside (before security), between concourses B2 & B3, near gates 50-60. The lounge is open from 9AM until 10:30PM on Sundays through Fridays, and from 1:30PM until 11:30PM on Saturdays
Newark Airport Terminal B
As you can see based on the exterior, in addition to EL AL, the lounge is also available to select passengers on La Compagnie, Norwegian LOT, etc. The lounge is less than a minute walk from EL AL check-in.
Art & Lounge exterior Newark Airport
The lounge was cuter than I was expecting. It was a decent size, with plenty of different seating areas. The below several pictures should give you a good sense of the layout of the lounge.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
Art & Lounge Newark Airport seating
In one of the corners was a semi-private area with a computer and a printer.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport business center
At the far end of the lounge was the dining area, which included dining tables, a bar with high-top seating, and a buffet.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport dining area
Art & Lounge Newark Airport dining area
Art & Lounge Newark Airport bar
The lounge had a special “kosher corner” fridge, with egg salad, green salad, sandwiches, cans of soda, etc.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport snacks & drinks
Then there were several types of juice, flavored water, a coffee machine, tea, and a fridge with beer.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport water & juice
Art & Lounge Newark Airport coffee
Art & Lounge Newark Airport beer
The breakfast selection included cheese, fresh fruit, egg salad, cookies, croissants, muffins, oatmeal, and cereal.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Art & Lounge Newark Airport cookies
Art & Lounge Newark Airport snacks
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Then there were waffles, omelets, and another type of egg dish.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast selection
For a contract lounge I’d consider this to be a pretty good breakfast offering. I had an omelet, which was quite good.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport breakfast
Back near the entrance was some reading material, as well as a couple of model EL AL airplanes.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport magazines & newspapers
This is also where the bathrooms were located; this lounge doesn’t have showers.
Art & Lounge Newark Airport bathroom
I spent the time in the lounge working, and fortunately the Wi-Fi was fast. It’s a bit annoying that the lounge is before security, though I guess it makes sense at Newark Airport, given how small each of the airside concourses is. The good news is that security lines never get too crazy, since there are at most a few flights leaving from each of the concourses at any given point.
Boarding was scheduled for 12:45PM, though we headed towards security at around noon.
Walking to gate Newark Airport
The security process took about 15 minutes, and by 12:20PM boarding started at gate 62. After answering just one more security question it was time to board. I was oddly excited for our flight on EL AL!
Art & Lounge Newark Airport bottom line
As far as US airport contract lounges go, this is one of the better ones out there. While the fact that it’s landside isn’t ideal, it’s understandable due to the layout of the airport. I also didn’t love the lack of natural light, given that the lounge has no windows. Other than that, though, I was pretty impressed by the lounge. The decor was sort of cute and quirky, and the food selection was better than you’ll find at most lounges in the US.
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and American Express Platinum Card® (Rates & Fees).
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