Flying in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has always felt like stepping into a crossroads of the world. Every time I’ve walked through its terminals, I’ve been struck by how seamlessly this airport connects New Jersey and New York to destinations across the globe. The buzz of travelers rushing toward long-haul flights, the announcement of boarding calls in multiple languages, and the sight of jets lining up for takeoff—it all adds to the sense that Newark is one of the great international gateways of the United States.
In this guide, I want to share my personal experiences with direct flights from Newark International Airport. I’ll highlight not just the practical details but also the little moments—the anticipation at the gate, the quiet relief of a smooth check-in, and the satisfaction of finding a good fare online.
The Ease of Flying Direct from Newark
There’s something liberating about stepping onto a plane in Newark and stepping off hours later in another country without worrying about connecting flights. Direct flights cut down on stress, missed connections, and long layovers in unfamiliar airports. For me, they’ve also been about comfort—I know I can settle in, order a meal, enjoy a film, and let the hours pass until I arrive at my destination.
Newark’s range of direct flights is wide: European capitals, Asian hubs, and Latin American gateways all show up on the departure boards. The airport’s three terminals (A, B, and C) handle different airlines, but Terminal C—United Airlines’ home base—is particularly rich with direct international routes.
Booking Platforms That Work Best
Before diving into specific flights, I should mention where I usually book. I’ve had the best luck with:
- Google Flights: It’s my go-to for comparing prices across airlines. The calendar view makes spotting cheaper days easy.
- Expedia: Occasionally offers bundled deals with hotels that shave a good percentage off the total trip cost.
- Kayak: Useful when I want alerts sent directly to my email.
- United’s official website (if I’m flying United): Often includes promotional offers or bonus miles for loyalty program members.
Checking at least two platforms has saved me money more than once.
Flight Option 1: Newark (EWR) to London Heathrow (LHR) on United Airlines
Flying from Newark to London has been one of my most memorable transatlantic experiences, not only because of the convenience but also because of the way this route captures the energy of two global cities. United Airlines operates multiple non-stop flights daily between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and London Heathrow (LHR), making it a reliable choice whether I’m traveling for leisure or work. The flight time hovers just under seven hours, which feels manageable compared to longer international hauls.
The Experience:
The journey begins at Terminal C, which is United’s hub at Newark. The check-in process has always struck me as orderly, with staff who seem accustomed to handling a steady flow of international travelers. I’ve used both self-service kiosks and traditional counters, and both options worked smoothly. Security lines can be long, but Global Entry or TSA PreCheck makes a noticeable difference if you have access.
Once at the gate, boarding is surprisingly efficient given the size of the aircraft. United uses widebody jets on this route, often a Boeing 767 or 777, which offer a range of seating options. In economy, I found the seats serviceable, with individual entertainment screens stocked with films, TV series, and even live flight data. When I upgraded to Premium Plus, the perks felt immediate: larger seats with generous recline, upgraded dining with real silverware, and attentive service that made the hours fly by. On one occasion, I splurged on Polaris Business Class, and lying flat with plush bedding made it one of the most restful flights I’ve ever taken.
Traveler Reviews:
Before booking my first flight on this route, I read countless reviews online, and many echoed my later impressions. Travelers often describe this route as a “workhorse”—not flashy, but consistently dependable. I noticed frequent mentions of early arrivals, especially thanks to favorable Atlantic tailwinds. Crew professionalism was another common highlight; many passengers appreciate that the staff seem experienced, knowing how to handle both small hiccups and big crowds with composure.
Cost and Booking:
In my own experience, economy fares range from \$450–\$650 roundtrip when purchased two to three months ahead. On one lucky occasion, I caught a fare dip flagged by Google Flights, which saved me nearly \$90 compared to the original price. Booking directly on United’s website sometimes came with added perks, like bonus MileagePlus miles, which made it worth checking even after comparing third-party sites like Expedia or Kayak.
Tips:
For anyone considering this flight, I strongly recommend booking a red-eye departure. You’ll leave Newark in the evening and land in London early in the morning, which maximizes your first day abroad. It also helps fight jet lag if you can get at least a few hours of rest on the plane. I also recommend pre-ordering meals if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, as the variety on board can be limited once service begins. Noise-canceling headphones and a sleep mask made my Premium Plus flight even more enjoyable, and I’d bring them again regardless of the cabin.
This Newark-to-London flight has become a staple in my travel experiences: reliable, well-staffed, and always a little magical when the lights of London come into view just before landing.
Flight Option 2: Newark (EWR) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) on All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Flying directly from Newark to Tokyo with ANA felt like stepping into another culture the moment I boarded. The journey takes around fourteen hours, but ANA has perfected the long-haul experience.
The Experience:
From the second I walked into Terminal B for check-in, the efficiency was striking. The ground staff were polite and quick, and boarding happened without chaos. Onboard, the cabin was immaculate. Even in economy class, the legroom was decent, and each seat came with a personal entertainment system loaded with Japanese and international films. The meals stood out—carefully presented trays of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, or Western-style pasta dishes.
Traveler Reviews:
ANA consistently ranks among the best airlines for service, and reviews confirm it. Travelers praise the attentiveness of the crew and the clean, organized cabins. One review I read before my flight even said, “The flight felt like a preview of Japan itself,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Cost and Booking:
- My ticket cost around \$1,150 roundtrip, booked four months in advance through Expedia.
- On Kayak, I saw alerts where prices dipped under \$1,000 for limited dates.
- ANA’s own site occasionally offers promotions that include bonus checked baggage allowances.
Tips:
- Bring a neck pillow—the flight is long, and even the best seat can get uncomfortable.
- Try to choose a window seat on the left side; sunrise views over the Pacific were unforgettable.
Flight Option 3: Newark (EWR) to São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) on LATAM Airlines
Heading south to Brazil from Newark on LATAM Airlines was a vibrant experience. This overnight flight is about nine and a half hours long, making it perfect for sleeping and waking up in another hemisphere.
The Experience:
The moment I checked in at Terminal B, I felt the energy—groups of travelers chatting excitedly in Portuguese, families hauling extra luggage, and the colorful branding of LATAM everywhere. Onboard, the crew exuded warmth. Dinner included a hearty Brazilian-inspired option (beef with rice and vegetables), and the wine selection was surprisingly good. Entertainment had both Hollywood blockbusters and Brazilian films with English subtitles.
Traveler Reviews:
Online feedback highlighted the comfortable seats in LATAM’s newer aircraft. Many passengers liked the overnight timing, which helped minimize jet lag. A few mentioned delays, but the in-flight service often softened any frustration.
Cost and Booking:
- My roundtrip ticket cost about \$750, booked directly through LATAM’s official site.
- On Google Flights, I noticed occasional deals closer to \$650 during off-peak months like May or September.
- Expedia sometimes lists packages with hotels in São Paulo that bring the airfare cost down when bundled.
Tips:
- Bring a light sweater; the cabin tends to get chilly at night.
- If you can, book seats toward the front for quicker deplaning at GRU—it’s a busy airport.
Advice for Finding the Best Direct Flight Deals
Through trial and error, I’ve developed a few habits that consistently save me money and hassle:
- Book Early: For international flights, three to five months in advance is the sweet spot.
- Use Alerts: Kayak and Google Flights both let you track routes and get notifications of drops.
- Consider Nearby Dates: Shifting your travel by even one day can shave off \$100 or more.
- Check Airline Sites: After comparing prices on aggregators, I always check the airline’s official page. Sometimes, they offer loyalty bonuses or small discounts.
- Travel Off-Peak: Mid-week flights are almost always cheaper than weekend departures.
While Walking Through Newark’s Terminals
Each time I roll my suitcase through Newark Liberty International Airport, I feel that mix of excitement and curiosity about where the next direct flight will take me. Whether it’s the businesslike efficiency of United to London, the meticulous hospitality of ANA to Tokyo, or the cultural warmth of LATAM to São Paulo, Newark makes the world feel just a bit smaller.
And with the right booking strategy—whether on Google Flights, Expedia, Kayak, or an airline’s own website—the journey becomes not just about the destination but also about the sense of value and preparation that carries me smoothly from Newark to wherever I’m headed.
