What's the book corporate America doesn't want you to read? Find out now -- or you could get scammed.

Is Newark Liberty International Airport infested with rats?

January 14, 2008

Last week, it was mice on a plane. This week, is it rats in the terminal? I just received e-mail from passenger John Murdoch, who is waiting for a flight this morning at Newark Liberty International Airport, and it seems he has some unwanted company.

I’m sitting in Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport — in the gate area for gate A14. I’m supposed to be a couple of gates down, but when I went to sit down I was alarmed to see a small, dark brown rat peeking out from under the seat. I figured I’d go someplace else.

Alas, the intrepid rodent has family in this gate area as well. I can see two rats right now. I’m not the shrieking, stand-on-a-chair type — but I’m also not willing to just ignore them. Who should I call?

John, I would call the non-emergency number for the Port Authority police, since the presence of rodents would be a hazard to passengers. The cops would be able to pass your concerns along to someone who can deal with this apparent infestation.

Has anyone else seen rats at Newark airport?

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

4 comments

  • Joe F.

    well, perhaps they need a few hungry cats . . . but then that’ll cause a whole nuther problem with the animal rights activists. . . .

  • Katie

    I haven’t seen any recently, but I’m not at all surprised. I saw a dead rat just outside one of the doors leading to the taxi stands a few years ago. It *was* outside, but a bit too close for comfort.

  • Amber

    Haven’t been at Newark Liberty recently, but saw a mouse in the United Red Carpet Club near Gate 17 at IAD a couple weeks ago… and evidently they’ve had them there for awhile. When I reported it, she said they’d told the airport, but nothing was being done. At least it was a cute, shy little thing.

  • Ronda

    you should’ve call ghost busters!! they’d go in there with they’re leaf blowers and get all the mice out of there (and probably freak out/entertain everyone)((which by the way is fun when your waiting for your flight)

Previous post:

Next post: