Thoughts on Newark Airport Problems
 

I use Newark Airport as my home airport and have an international flight scheduled for end of next week. I have a strong feeling it is not going to be one of the flights canceled. I have been seeing the problems all over and yes it has me thinking I should consider alternative options. I am wondering what others are thinking as it doesn’t seem like anything is going to be resolved or fixed anytime soon.

Being on the West Coast I've never originated there but have avoided EWR for connections like forever - even before the recent ATC issues and UA announcing daily cancellations. PHL would be better for me but it partly depends on which airline / alliance you prefer.

Thank Janis. You’ve correctly identified my dilemma.

In the past, I always used PHL but haven’t in so long time due to cost, airline loyalty and number of connections. For me, the NYC area is a bit better but would add in other factors. My flight next week is fast approaching and I wasn’t that worried but today, I keep getting news alerts and flashes saying to avoid. I did read an article that asked an air traffic controller for their honest opinion. He said, it was still safe but wanted to know what others think in the short term.

Hello sassy. I only know what I've heard in the news, and I would be very concerned about flying from EWR right now. I would ask myself, how important is it to be there on the date you planned? I know delays and cancellations can happen anytime, any place, but it seems more likely at EWR right now.

The good news is that you're not flying with me. If you were, your flight would surely be delayed or canceled. And once you got there, you wouldn't see your luggage for a few days. But since I'm not with you, there's a much better chance you'll be OK. 😁

I have similar fears, flying into and out of Newark on Sat., May 10th on United. As I look into options, fellow travelers are concerned about changing planes in Europe. Why is this any issue? Thoughts welcomed.

Did you ask why they're concerned about changing planes in Europe?

Yes, short layovers so entering EU and then getting to domestic flights. We are doing carryon so can't aways "run". 75 year olds.

P_M You made me laugh. I always follow your trips as you have such interesting ones. I am visiting a childhood friend of mine who is like a sister, so lost luggage wouldn’t be an issue.

Virginia you leave in only few days. I hope it goes smoothly. I wonder why others are worried about connecting in Europe. Maybe they would rather connect in the US. I wouldn’t and there some airports in Europe I purposely avoid.

My concern is more about the recent safety at Newark. I know the air traffic controller job is very stressful and I work with technology. It’s great when it works but no words for when it fails. I also know, throwing more people at the problem doesn’t fix it and can introduce more problems. I really am curious to see what happens.

I'm glad luggage won't be an issue, sassy. After 12 incidents of delayed luggage, I'm much more surprised when I see my luggage on the carousel than when I don't.

Virginia, where is your connection and how much time do you have?

We fly RIC to EWR to ATH. We have a 6 hour layover in EWR. If they cancel our flight to EWR, we can drive there.

Good luck to both of you, I hope the travel gods are on your side.

My niece was on a cancelled Newark flight but was able to get out of JFK.

Flying from the US west coast/CA, we always strive to make the long hop to any European hub and then transfer there or take the train, usually AMS or CDG. We sweated the 90 min connection at AMS last month but it was well organized (no lounge time of course); CDD was next stop, plenty of time for transfer to Naples.

I want air traffic controllers to be well trained, well rested, and well paid.