Credit card issuers are constantly competing to offer the best perks and benefits to their cardholders, and one area that has seen a lot of activity recently is airport lounges. American Express has long been the leader in this arena with its Global Lounge Collection, but other issuers are now getting in on the game. One such issuer is Chase, which has recently opened its own lounges called “Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.” In this guide, we will detail how to access these lounges and what to expect.
Currently, there are four Chase Sapphire Lounges and one “terrace” open, with more locations planned for the future. The current locations are:
– New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) lounge: Located next to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4, this lounge was previously an Etihad Lounge and features showers, a facial bar, and massage chairs.
– New York LaGuardia (LGA) lounge: Located next to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal B, this spacious lounge features large seating areas, a bar, and dedicated family-oriented spaces, including a children’s playroom and an arcade.
– Austin (AUS) terrace: While not technically a Sapphire Lounge, this outdoor space offers excellent plane spotting opportunities and complimentary drinks and light bites. Access to this terrace is exclusive to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders.
– Boston (BOS) lounge: The first Chase lounge to open on U.S. soil, this lounge offers a spacious and well-lit environment with great views for plane spotting. It features a self-service buffet, a full-service bar, and wellness rooms with massage chairs.
– Hong Kong (HKG) lounge: The first Sapphire lounge to open, this lounge is located in the West Hall of the International Departures area near Gate 40. It is accessible for passengers departing from the East Hall as well.
In addition to these locations, Chase has confirmed plans for lounges at Dulles International Airport (IAD), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). These lounges are currently in the works and opening dates have not yet been announced.
Chase is partnering with Airport Dimensions, a company that operates lounges worldwide, to build out its lounges. Most of Airport Dimensions’ lounges are branded as “The Club” or “Club Aspire” and are accessible via Priority Pass membership. It’s worth noting that the Sapphire Terrace in Austin is unique because it is not part of Priority Pass and can only be accessed by showing your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
To access Chase Sapphire Lounges, you need to have the right credit card. Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve, or the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (no longer available to new applicants) cardholders can enjoy unlimited access to these lounges once they activate their complimentary Priority Pass membership. Chase Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders can also bring up to two guests per visit for free, while Ritz-Carlton Credit Cardholders can bring unlimited guests at no additional charge.
Overall, Chase’s entry into the airport lounge game is a significant move that shows their commitment to providing premium benefits to their cardholders. The lounges offer a variety of amenities and a comfortable space to relax and unwind while traveling. As the competition among credit card issuers continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see how Chase’s lounges stack up against the established players in the industry.