Do you take flights with Air Canada? The Air Canada Terminal at EWR may be the exception to my general aversion to EWR. Compared to the rest of the airport, it is cleaner and more effective. The Wi-Fi functioned properly, there were actually good spots to sit, and there wasn't the usual chaos. If you can call a terminal that, it's sort of a hidden gem.
If you’re flying Air Canada into or out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), it’s a good idea to get familiar with your terminal before you travel. Newark is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., and knowing where you're going can save you a lot of time and stress. Whether you're heading to Toronto for business or connecting through Montreal on your way to Europe, this guide to the Air Canada Terminal at EWR will help you feel more prepared and confident.
Air Canada operates out of Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport. Recently renovated as part of a major $2.7 billion upgrade, Terminal A has transformed into a sleek, modern travel hub with expanded amenities, improved signage, and a much more passenger-friendly experience overall. If you flew through Newark a few years ago and had a less-than-stellar experience, you’re in for a pleasant surprise this time around.
Once you arrive at Terminal A, finding Air Canada’s check-in counters is pretty straightforward. They’re located on the departure level, near the entrance. Staff are usually available to help, and if you’re traveling with just a carry-on and have checked in online, you can breeze through using the self-service kiosks and head straight to security.
One of the best things about the Air Canada Terminal at EWR is how streamlined the security process has become. TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible travelers, and the new layout in Terminal A tends to move faster than it used to. Of course, peak times (early mornings and late afternoons) can still get crowded, so it’s smart to arrive at least two hours before an international flight.
Once you clear security, you’ll find yourself in a spacious concourse with a solid selection of places to eat, grab a coffee, or pick up last-minute travel essentials.
Terminal A at EWR doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food and drink options. You’ll find everything from quick bites like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Starbucks to sit-down options like Little Spain for tapas or Brooklyn Brewery for a pre-flight beer. The food court area has charging stations at nearly every seat—perfect if you’re topping up your phone or tablet before takeoff.
There’s also a great Hudson News store for snacks, reading materials, and souvenirs, and you’ll find plenty of clean bathrooms, water bottle filling stations, and even art installations throughout the terminal. It’s clear that the redesign of Terminal A was done with the modern traveler in mind.
Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Terminal A (at least, not yet). However, travelers with lounge access through other means (like Priority Pass or certain credit cards) can still take advantage of other lounges in the terminal. There’s also a new United Club in Terminal A, but keep in mind that access depends on your ticket and membership level.
If you need to get some work done or just want a quiet corner to relax, there are several designated seating areas with USB ports and outlets. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and it’s pretty reliable, which is always a plus.
If you’re connecting through Newark on an Air Canada flight, the experience is generally smooth. Air Canada flights are typically grouped in the same area of Terminal A, so it’s often just a short walk between gates. However, if you’re transferring to or from another airline (especially United, which operates out of Terminal C), you’ll need to take the AirTrain.
The AirTrain is Newark’s free monorail system that connects all three terminals as well as the parking garages and rental car center. It runs every 3-5 minutes during peak times and takes about 10 minutes to go from Terminal A to Terminal C. Just factor that into your connection time to avoid any last-minute sprints across the airport.