layover in EWR Newark

This is a great question for Google, so I copied and pasted it, and here is what Google said:

Generally, a connection time of 1 hour and 21 minutes at Newark (EWR) for a domestic to international United flight is considered quite tight, and likely not enough time.
Here's why:
Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for this type of connection at EWR is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Your 1 hour and 21 minutes connection time only provides a small buffer.
Potential Delays: Flights can be delayed for various reasons (weather, traffic, operational issues). A small delay on your incoming flight could jeopardize your connection.
Gate Locations: United primarily operates out of Terminal C at EWR. However, domestic flights can arrive at Terminal A, requiring you to transfer terminals.
Transferring Between Terminals: Even if staying in the same terminal, getting from your arrival gate to the next departure gate, especially a long walk, can take significant time.
Security & Boarding: You need to clear security again, and boarding for international flights typically closes 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This reduces your effective connection time.
While it's possible to make this connection if everything runs smoothly, there's a significant risk of missing your international flight.

Based on my experience with that airport, that is not enough time. Even if the trip is all on one ticket, if you miss the connection and United puts you on the next available flight. consider the hassle you'll go through. Strongly suggest you try to arrange flights with at least a two hour connection time. Two and one half hours would be better. You might be bored during that time, but you wont be stressed and hassled with all the rebooking and such.

As always, general info does not tell you what will happen on the day of your flight.

As long as both flights are on the same ticket, United is obliged to get you to your
final destination. I didn't say it would be pretty if you miss the original flight to Malaga,
but they have to get you there.

The buzz about EWR being all messed up seems to have died down in the last week,
but I suspect you're tied to EWR because that is where the flight to Malaga departs from.

Having said that, on the day of your flight, you need to be proactive in checking weather
conditions, departing gate in PHX and arrival/departing gates in EWR. When is the flight
from PHX to EWR before your current flight? Can you change or consider standing by
for it?

In general, if all is smooth, 1:21 is just fine. If things go off the rails on the day of the flights,
it pays to be prepared.

Note that you can get from Madrid to Malaga in about 3 hours by train. If you miss the
flight to Malaga but can get to Madrid that night, it's another option.

If you are a person with a problem with walking and requiring a wheelchair, you have a much better chance of making the connection. But that is, of course, a different situation entirely.

I would check to see which terminal you are flying into and which terminal you are flying out of, and how to get from one terminal to another.

But personally, I would never book a flight with that short of a layover. And sure, if you have it all on one ticket and you miss the connection through no fault of your own, United would be obligated to get you on the next available flight, but I have gone through that, and I wound up waiting 18 hours for the next flight.

It's a little tight for my liking, but should be doable. I recently had 50 minute layovers in much larger international airports and things worked out fine. But have others have said, sometimes the stress isn't worth it. Imagine missing that flight? Yikes

Newark is one of my least favorite airports, one reason I don't use it and don't take United.

I've transited EWR a number of times, domestic to international (and back again). That connection would be too tight for my comfort. Every time I've connected in EWR, a shuttle bus has been involved. IF your flight is early or on time, it might be enough. If there is another option for a longer connection, I would choose it.

EWR used to be my most common airport to Europe-- that is before United cut the number of daily connecting flights to Cleveland. Back then, I wouldn't sweat a 1hr 21 min connection. United is all terminal C (though Terminal C is a three pronged terminal with some big walks between worst case gates.)

I rarely use EWR now and we've all heard about their staffing issues at Newark so I'd be more cautious now. If there is a later backup flight to Madrid in case you miss Malaga, I'd probably still book the shorter connection if I were somewhat optomistic that the worst case scenario would be same day arrival albeit with an extra Madrid leg. Or if I didn't mind missing a day of my trip.

This is somewhat of a pick your poison (risk, that is). A direct to Malaga is nice and a short connection is also nice -- if it works. But skipping this flight may be a longer and more arduous trip.

Good luck!

We recently did the reverse. Landed in EWR on an international flight from Italy. Then needed to get to domestic terminal for our flight home. It was a mad dash because our flight left Milan late.

We took the train from international terminal to domestic terminal. But where the train drops you off is not actually at the terminal. You then walk 11 minutes to the actual terminal. Then go through security. Then a very long walk to our gate. We barely made it in little over an hour, rushing all the way. Never again.

We flew United all the way, too.

UAL thinks it can be done, or they wouldn't be selling the ticket. ( UA flt 782 then UA flt 350 ?)

Having to put you on another flight costs them money, so it is in their best interest to sell connections that have a high success rate.

But do the research to see what other flights go from EWR that can get you to your destination. Having the 'solution' available should something go sideways, makes it easier for the agent to get you on your way.

Thank you all for your insight. I think that layover is too short in the event of a problem so I will have to choose another itinerary esp since I am flying on points.

Hopefully a longer layover won't cost you more points and cash, that is usually case why people take the shorter lower priced connection.

After a quick review, I am not sure there is a better itinerary than the one with the 1:21 layover in
Newark.

You're limited by:

• United having the only transatlantic flight into Malaga
• you wanting to use United miles to book

Your other options are a different airline/alliance, or spending a night in Newark/New York, which
is on you (United won't pay for a hotel).

If using your miles and/or getting there as quickly as possible are your priorities, then I think you
may have to keep the original itinerary and hope for the best. As I said, if everything goes
smoothly you will be fine.

Also, I am not sure why you think booking with miles makes any difference in the risk of the short
connection.

I will have to choose another itinerary esp since I am flying on
points

Though you're using points, if you can't make the connection, United still has to get you on the next available flight within your class of service, (or better). I've flown often using points, missed a few connections, they just got me onto the next available flight. My one tip is while you may want to get in line if you get stuck, CALL UA while you're in line trying to rebook, they will likely service you more efficiently than the airport, IMO. And be sure you have the app downloaded with all your info on your phone! Good luck!