My Summer Vacation in Europe – Part 2, Flying to Amsterdam via Copenhagen

Even though I’ve flown from EWR dozens of times, I hadn’t flown from Terminal B in recent memory, so I’d taken a trek up a couple weeks before to do some recon, and to find out what time SAS’s check in counter opened.  They open at 1:30 which was about 4 hours before my flight so that was perfect!  I’d have time to check out a couple airline lounges.

 The shuttle dropped me off around 1:15 so I waited until it was time to check in and drop off my bags.  I did use the self-serve kiosks that are adjacent to the check in counters.   With that task accomplished, it was time to head over to Terminal C via the AirTrain to check out United’s Polaris Lounge.  Handy fun fact, UA and SAS are part of the Star Alliance so if you have a business class ticket, you can use both UA’s and SAS’s lounges. 

AirTrain

AirTrain station

 While I could have booked my air directly with one of the carriers, I opted for air through Royal Caribbean as it was a significant savings for my business-class ticket.  Full disclosure, I’m a travel advisor so I know the pros and cons of cruise air and I chose to accept the slight loss of control in favor of being able to save money on a more expensive ticket.  Caveat Emptor of course, and ask your travel advisor about the pros and cons.  Also, I booked this whole trip almost exactly one year out (in fact, I had to wait about a month to even add the air since it was too early - airlines usually open their schedules 330 days out and I’d started planning this whole thing about 355 days ahead!)

 Speaking of planning early, the price of my cruise skyrocketed in the months ahead of my sailing!  While sometimes you can score a last-minute cruise deal, European itineraries do not always offer such savings.  My mantra has been, since I started cruising, book early, book often!

 Once I got to Terminal C, I went to the CLEAR kiosks and then through TSA PreCheck.  I simply told both the CLEAR rep and the TSA officer that I was going to use the lounge in Terminal C and then take the airside bus to my gate later.  Both CLEAR and PreCheck are paid services and while CLEAR is pricey, in my mind, time is money.  After you have scanned your fingerprints or eyes at the kiosk, the CLEAR rep escorts you to the front of the TSA line.   Plus, you can get a discount or credit with many frequent flyer programs or credit cards!

 United’s POLARIS lounge is designed for those who have long haul business or first-class tickets and it’s one of the nicest lounges I have used.  The nice thing is that they have both a buffet and a complimentary sit-down restaurant.  The lounge also offers quiet rooms, showers, restrooms, a nice bar, WIFI, outlets and plenty of seating overlooking the airport.   Located just a short walk from TSA, you’ll find the POLAIRS lounge on the connector between C102 and C120.

Restaurant in Polaris Lounge

Restaurant in Polaris Lounge 

Polaris Lounge

I like to sit in the restaurant and get something to eat as opposed to hitting the buffet.  The Polaris burger is delicious and do not sleep on the chocolate chip skillet cookie. Washed down with a glass (or two) of prosecco and you’ll be a happy camper.   Don’t forget to stop by the full-service bar with premium liquor either.  The signature cocktail, United Polaris Star is a perfect mix of sweet and tart combination of gin, sparkling wine, berries and more.  Other frequently ordered choices are espresso martinis (with freshly brewed espresso!) and popular old fashioned.  You’ll also find a large selection of beer, wine, sparkling wine, and your favorite spirits.

Fizz

YUMMY burger

Do not miss the skillet cookie

About 90 minutes before my flight, I walked over to gate C71 area to take United’s complimentary airside shuttle bus over to Terminal B.  Note that while there is an escalator at Terminal C, there are only stairs when you get to Terminal B so keep that in the back of your mind.  You DO have the option to leave the secure area, take AirTrain back to Terminal B and clear security again but I made it up the stairs.

 After being in the large, comfortable Polaris lounge, I will admit that I was disappointed by the tiny, packed SAS Lounge over in Terminal B.  They do offer a small buffet and beer, wine, and other beverages but to be honest, so many people were swarming the food and beverage area that I didn’t see everything that was available, and it was somewhat picked over.  If you can access another lounge based on class of service and airline alliance, I would suggest that you do.  I did have a soft drink and there are some restrooms here and I managed to entertain myself watching people until it was time to board!

SAS Lounge EWR.  Very small. Very crowded

Some of the spirits offered

Beer

Not a large selection

We began boarding around 5 PM and I located my seat, 6H.  I really need to take better images of my seats, but it was very comfortable although the bedding left a lot to be desired.  Don’t get me wrong, a lie flat seat is always preferred but the “mattress” (or mattress pad more accurately) could have been a step up from mass retailer basic.  And I’m kind of spoiled by the memory foam pillows on UA.

 

Seat and light controls

And again!  

Amenity kit (not too exciting)

Comfy!

The entertainment system worked well, I managed to get a little sleep and the food selection was good.  As usual, I presented the flight crew with a few big bags of Lindt truffles and the door wasn’t even closed before they ripped into the treats!  My favorite parts of the entertainment system were the front and ground facing cameras on the outside of the aircraft! 

Outward facing camera #1

You can watch take off live!

Menus with our food choices were at our seats and while the photos I took probably ended up on the cutting room floor, we had a choice of braised short ribs, roasted chicken thigh, sea bass and linguini with mushrooms.  The short rib was tasty and came with salad, rolls, roasted vegetables and cheesecake.  It was quite tasty.  SAS also offers a nice selection of wine, spirits, and soft drinks.   I was also happy that a PDB of champagne was offered! 

Warm nuts

Grass

Bread, the pretzel roll was a bit hard :(

Short rib.

Yum

For breakfast we were served yogurt and granola, a croissant, juice, coffee, and a selection of cold cuts.  I wasn’t hungry but managed to graze a little bit.  I know the experts say not to drink airplane coffee but the caffeine addict in me felt otherwise and it was good coffee!   Snacks were also available from the crew if you got hungry during the night.  I snacked on some chips but for the most part, I rested, watched a movie, napped, and listened to music on my phone.  There were nice headphones at each seat as well, but they all give me a headache, so I roll with my own in ear headphones.  I also have ear buds and I invested in a pair of old-school, wired 3.4mm headphones to use on the plane too just in case! 

Cold cuts

Juice, yogurt, fruit, granola

Croissants

Godmorgen København

Once we arrived in Copenhagen, I knew I’d have to keep it moving as I had just about an hour to connect.  While I was stalking the arrival time of my EWR-CPH flight, I noticed that it arrived anywhere from 35+ minutes early up through and hour late.  Oops.  I was VERY happy when we got to the gate about 20 minutes ahead…….And I even wound up with time for a quick cappuccino in the SAS Lounge in CPH!

Headed toward passport control

Didn't have time to check out 7-11

Duty Free Anyone

SAS Lounge at CPH is MUCH bigger!

I’ll cover CPH-AMS in the next post!