Although Terminal A, where Alaska Airlines EWR Terminal is based, isn't the airport's newest or most ostentatious terminal—that distinction goes to the recently renovated Terminal A—it does have advantages. About two hours prior to my departure, I got there early enough to get through security and check-in without having to hustle, but not so early that I would be stranded at the gate. 

Check-In: Efficient and Friendly

I generally use the app to check in because I don't want to deal with kiosks until it's absolutely essential, but this time I had to check a bag. To my surprise, there wasn't much of a line at the Alaska check-in desk, which is on Terminal A's top level. In contrast to the often terse exchanges one has in crowded East Coast airports, the personnel was actually warm and helpful.

I was on my way in less than ten minutes after the agent tagged my bag and offered me some pointers regarding the gate area. An excellent travel day is greatly influenced by that level of efficiency.

Security: Faster Than Expected

Terminal A's security setup is a bit dated, and depending on the time of day, it can get backed up. I hit the TSA checkpoint around 11 a.m. on a weekday, and the line moved quickly. There was a separate line for TSA PreCheck, but even the regular line wasn't bad.

Within 15 minutes, I was through and looking for coffee.

Gate Area: Simple, But Comfortable

Alaska’s gates in Terminal A aren’t in a super modern wing, but they’re functional. There were plenty of seats, some with charging ports, and the area was clean. It’s not one of those terminals with expansive shopping or trendy eateries, but it has the basics: coffee, sandwiches, snacks, and a couple of sit-down options.

I grabbed a coffee and a muffin from a little café near the gate. The prices weren’t outrageous (by airport standards, anyway), and the staff was surprisingly chipper. There were also clean restrooms nearby, which—let’s be honest—is something you don’t always get in older terminals.

Boarding: Organized and On-Time

Alaska Airlines is known for being pretty efficient when it comes to boarding, and this flight was no exception. The gate agents were clear and proactive, calling out boarding groups in a calm and orderly manner. Everyone lined up without much fuss, and we boarded right on time.

I was in Group C and still managed to find overhead bin space—small miracle! The flight attendants welcomed passengers with genuine smiles, which always goes a long way in making you feel like more than just a seat number.

Onboard Experience: Classic Alaska Airlines

Once on board, the familiar charm of Alaska Airlines kicked in. Clean cabins, friendly crew, and that signature blend of West Coast casual with professional polish. I was flying economy, but the seat had decent legroom and came with a USB charging port, which is all I really need for a domestic flight.

We pushed back on time and were in the air with zero delays. Flying out of EWR can be hit or miss when it comes to runway congestion, but this time the travel gods were on our side.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the ease with which things went truly pleased me. Although Terminal A at Newark isn't particularly impressive, Alaska Airlines manages to make it work. Three factors may make or ruin a trip: the personnel were friendly, the check-in procedure was easy, and everything happened on schedule.

I was pleased to see the same degree of service offered to Newark, even though I've previously flown Alaska out of airports with a more "home base" vibe, like Seattle and San Diego. If you are flying Alaska out of EWR, know that Terminal A will not impress you with its opulence, but it will certainly do the job well, and with a little bit of that distinctive Alaskan hospitality, it may even surpass your expectations.