United Announces Plans To Close Newark Invite-Only Restaurant and Expand Polaris

Classified, the semisecret restaurant operated by United Airlines in Newark Liberty International Airport, will serve its final meals this week.

The Points Guy has reported that the airline plans to close the invitation-only restaurant, which is located inside Newark’s Terminal C.

In place of the restaurant, United will expand its Newark Polaris Lounge, per TPG. In particular, Polaris' dining capabilities will be increased thanks to the new space.

"United is expanding its Newark Polaris Lounge into the Classified space, adding a large dining area and making other enhancements to the customer experience," a United spokesperson shared with TPG. "We look forward to sharing more details as we get closer to opening.”

The expanded Polaris space will provide 60 more seats, increasing capacity to nearly 500 travelers, TPG reported. Work is expected to begin later in 2024 and the expanded Polaris dining area is slated to open in early 2025.

Classified’s final day of operation will be October 30. United Airlines opened the exclusive, invitation-only restaurant, which is hidden behind another restaurant called Saison, in 2017. The restaurant’s invitation-only dining concept allowed travelers to have a sit-down meal in a more intimate setting.

Invitations to dine at the restaurant were often extended to Premier and premium-cabin flyers. In order to get in, passengers would receive an invite via email from the airline, after which travelers could make a reservation.

When the restaurant first opened, Business Insider gained access and detailed the experience in a video showing the intimate setting of just 36 seats, tablet ordering, an extensive menu, high-end drinks, intricate desserts and more.

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