Okay so,  the place feels old.  Even the newer concessions look run down and none of the people looked excited to be there.  The worst part is when you arrive though. I HATE waiting for my bags and getting asked 10x if I need a ride.  Look dude, if I need a ride, I'll go to the taxi stand...otherwise, leave me alone.  Newark, however, is cheaper than the other NYC airports though and its train connections are way better than LGA.

One saving grace is that Jet Blue provides ample service and serves as a worthwhile competitor to United, for the EWR-BOS route.  Since I don't have elite status with United, I'd much rather have the more pleasant flying experience in the air and at the gates with the Jet Blue staff.

If you use Newark Liberty International Airport Parking, there are long term lots that have bus pickups (but not as often as I would like). They also have short term parking infront of the terminals (which will run you about 9$/day).

Here is a general synopsis of warnings for your EWR experience:

* Layout and facilities. As others have mentioned, the non-secure areas have a confusing, multi-tiered layout, with baggage claim, check-in, security, and AirTrain on different levels. Once you get inside security, the United (formerly Continental) gates at Terminal C feel like an endless trek to purgatory, while Terminals A and B are rancid, aging throwbacks to what aviation was like when your grandparents were young.

* People. Every airline and TSA worker I've dealt with here has seemed really surly, even by liberally uncouth NYC or Jersey standards. Don't even get me started on the passengers.* Distance. Really far from Manhattan compared to the other airports, unless you're coming from Wall Street at an off-peak hour. The AirTrain connection to Penn Station via NJ Transit does work smoothly when (or if) the stars are aligned; during rush hour, it's far preferable to sitting and stewing in traffic aboard one of the buses to 42nd Street or in an expensive and nauseating taxi.* Delays. There's almost always some sort of delay here, which compounds into a spectacular nightmare when bad weather rolls through. This was the case in my most recent flight out of here, when a 3:20pm departure became an 8:50pm takeoff; most of the time was spent stuck on the tarmac. Chronic delays here are a fact of life.

*Always give yourself 1.5-2 hours of fluff time when going here. You could be in and out 9 times and then that 10th time you will get screwed and miss your flight. Security lines at peak hours are not to be messed with. I usually rather show up way early  than get stuck in an hour + line.  The only good thing I have to say about this airport is that the tickets are usually cheaper here than at LGA or JFK. That is all.

10/4/17