Question for anyone who has flown from Halifax to the USA

[Bea]

We are flying in August to Orlando on Continental. Our flight goes through Newark. I know we will clear customs in the Halifax airport but when we get through and are in the "holding area", what types of ammenities are available? Is there a cafe or some place I can buy juice and/or breakfast for the kids?

Our flight leaves at 6:40am. I don't think I will be able to bring through fruit, juice or cheeses (which would be a normally easy breakfast to pack in my bag) because we will be going through customs (and are inadmissable food items)

 

[Tinkershelly]

There is a "lunch counter" open with hot and cold offerings, not a large menu but pastries, sandwiches, yogurt, whole fruit, many beverages, including a bar service. There are cold pre-packaged food or you can sit at the counter or small tables and be served there. There is also one of those convenience stores with books, newspapers, snacks, beverages, souvenier items, and a duty free cart with alcohol, perfume, handbags. The area is not very large but it is well serviced.

There isn't a Tim's though so if you need one of those you'll have to get one near home and have it finished up before you reach security

When you arrive in Newark change terminals right away. You won't have to go through customs again, which is a bonus, but there are lots of services in terminal c, not so much in terminal a. And the last time we travelled we were unable to get duty free purchases at all!

Good luck. We'll be travelling that same way in September....POP Century and free dining and I was successful with making a great set of adrs yesterday

 

[Bea]

Thanks for the information.

Is it a huge pain to change terminals? Did you take the shuttle or is it walkable? How much time do you figure that would take up?

I guess that means we have to go through security again.

 

[Tinkershelly]

Thanks for the information.

Is it a huge pain to change terminals? Did you take the shuttle or is it walkable? How much time do you figure that would take up?

I guess that means we have to go through security again.

Changing terminals isn't that big of a deal. There is a bus (courtesy shuttle)that you must take, you can't walk because you drive along the tarmac between the planes! The bus entrances at both terminals are through gates, like if you were getting on a plane. Since you are going from gate to gate you don't go outside security, a big bonus!

The busses run quite frequently, about every 10 minutes or so. All the good shops and restaurants are in terminal c, so spend most of your waiting time there.

Very important....don't ever go outside the security area! When you arrive in terminal a find the gate for terminal c, don't head for baggage or ground transportation. If you can't find it right away ask an employee, but don't leave the security area. The same goes for the way back.

This should be easy. If I could do it cold then you will be able to as well, don't worry, and have fun.

I've attached the link to the Newark airport authority. There are maps of the terminals. The shuttles depart from near gate 72 in terminal c and near gate 28 in terminal a. http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/newarkliberty.html

 

[Bea]

Thanks so much for the advice. I am so glad we don't have to go through security in Newark (with 3 kids it would be a huge pain!).

 

[Tinkershelly]

You're very welcome. I get so much great info here from others I'm so glad I can help out when I can.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

thanks! we'll be going through newark in septemeber, we have an hr and a half and i was a little worried!!!!

does continental serve meals from newark to orlando? what about movies etc? free, pay for or theyre free but you have to buy the headphones?

sorry didnt mean to hijack youre thread bea!

 

[Northstar]

thanks! we'll be going through newark in septemeber, we have an hr and a half and i was a little worried!!!!

does continental serve meals from newark to orlando? what about movies etc? free, pay for or theyre free but you have to buy the headphones?

sorry didnt mean to hijack youre thread bea!

I just wanted to say, stay loose with Continental... they may or may not serve a meal, show free movies, and land in the terminal they were supposed to. They're, well, unpredictable that way. But nice. And reliable about getting you to Orlando and back without too many snags.

About the connection in Newark... when you land, listen to the pilot's announcement of what gate and terminal you're at. It is not necessarily the one that you were told you'd be going to. Then, when you get off the plane, head for one of the big arrivals/departures boards to check your connecting flight number. Check the time listed and the departure gate. It is not necessarily the same information that you were told before.

I don't think this is Continental's fault. Newark's a busy hub for them and stuff changes all the time. I've had them change my departure gate on me while I was sitting at the gate congratulating myself on getting there in plenty of time!

 

[Tinkershelly]

The meal that they tend to serve is technically a sandwich plate. It's a thin slice of meat on a dinner roll, a bag of mini carrots and a tiny chocolate bar. It'll be enough to occupy a bit of time and serve as a snack. I'm not sure when they decide to serve or not serve this snack but I get one more often than not.

Movies are shown on screens that drop down from above the seats, there isn't a screen on the back of the seats, so sometimes the view isn't great. The movie selection is posted in their magazine. Click on the month and it'll show the movies scheduled. Newark-Orlando is classified as North America westbound. http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/entertainment/films/default.aspx

 

[SplashMom]

We flew through Newark from Halifax a few years back and we didn't have to change terminals at all. In fact, it was probably the easiest flight we've had. We arrived in Newark, had an hour and a half to grab some lunch and then went to the next gate (wasn't far at all). On the flight, we were served a sandwich plate which wasn't bad and the flight arrived early--no problems at all. I would recommend Continental. Have a great time!

 

[dvcdisney]

We flew through Newark from Halifax a few years back and we didn't have to change terminals at all. In fact, it was probably the easiest flight we've had. We arrived in Newark, had an hour and a half to grab some lunch and then went to the next gate (wasn't far at all). On the flight, we were served a sandwich plate which wasn't bad and the flight arrived early--no problems at all. I would recommend Continental. Have a great time!

We've flown with them the past few years as well and had the connection in Newark. We've also never had to change terminals.

Newark has a great selection of food choices. We found that we had time to even look at the shops.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

thanks guys! this destresses me a small amount! i have been doing, well trying to do my research on it. i did find out that newark is the hub for continental, so the gate changing thing doesnt really surprise me. i was just worried with an hr and a half we wouldnt get to where we need to be.

we will be taking out portable dvd player along for the kids so thats even better, i just dont want to watch elmo or kids movies the entire trip! lol

 

[Bea]

On our way back we have just over an hour as well. The way down we have 2 hours and lets face it, as long as we get down there things will be good but if on the way back we don't make the connection so be it

I am also curious if we have to pay for headphones.

I think I will bring our portable DVD player as well. Can't wait to go!!!

 

[Tinkershelly]

Changing terminals is relatively recent, maybe less than one year ago. Small planes go through the smaller terminal a, larger planes through much nicer terminal c. I hope they change it but as of today you still need to change terminals for these flights, I just checked on the Continental flight status board for a set of Halifax-Newark-Orlando flights.

Headsets are advertised as costing $1 but I've never been charged for one.

 

[Tinkershelly]

Oh, yeah, if you've got a bit of time and are looking for a sit down meal try the Garden State Diner. Killer onion rings!

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

my ta wrote me back tonite and informed me that were coming in and departing from the same terminal. but as you guys have said things change there a lot.