On the Ground: After arriving from LAX, I had plenty of time at Newark Liberty International Airport before my United Airlines flight 25 to Ireland, so I went straight to the Terminal C business-class lounge. This is the largest lounge at EWR and offers abundant seating, workstations, showers and a spacious bar area. I settled into a private cubicle, connected to the lounge Wi-Fi to check email and FaceTime with family, then moved to the main lounge to see the food offerings. The selection was mostly snacks—individually wrapped cheese and crackers, fruit and cereals—and I was disappointed to find very few gluten-free options despite requesting one for medical reasons. At boarding time I headed to the gate and boarded the Boeing 757-200 from the priority line.
Pre-Flight: Flight attendants offered beverages as passengers boarded, though the last of the pre-flight Champagne had been poured before I reached my seat. I was asked to change seats so a couple could sit together and agreed. Later, mid-flight, I had to move again to leave an empty seat next to the pilot’s rest area, a requirement under updated rest regulations. It was inconvenient, but understandable for safety and to ensure the pilots remain rested and focused.
In-Flight: The meal service began with a choice of sushi or salad, followed by entrees of chicken, beef, fish or pasta, then a cheese course with Port and ice cream sundaes for dessert. The gluten-free meal I had requested in my reservation and confirmed by phone twice was not available. On the outbound flight I received a gluten-free meal from the economy cabin that was quite good; the return flight’s alternative was less impressive. Still, the crew provided gluten-free side dishes and a selection of snacks and fruit during the flight.
The cabin’s 180-degree flat-bed seats made the roughly six-hour overnight flight comfortable. A small footrest beneath the entertainment console combined with the leg riser to create ample space for sleeping. Pillows and blankets were generous and of noticeably better quality than those in many other cabins, and power outlets for laptops and phones sat by the headrest. The three-pronged outlet at my seat would not run my laptop, but it kept my phone charged, and I arrived rested and ready.
The Experience: Despite a few service hiccups, flying direct to Shannon is exceptionally convenient for accessing western Ireland. I would take this United 757-200 again, provided the airline honors requested special meals. United operates this route from Newark year-round and from Chicago O’Hare seasonally.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly and helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Helpful and courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits[/item]
[item]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with three entrée choices[/item]
[item check=yes]Top-shelf wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]
United Airlines
united.com