Your ultimate guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to gain entry

Credit card companies are competing on various fronts, but the most heated battle is in the realm of airport lounges. Chase has joined the fray with venues called "Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club." To enjoy unlimited access to these lounges, you'll need the right credit card, which we cover in this guide.

Currently, five lounges and one "terrace" are operational; the opening dates for most other lounges remain unannounced, with the latest update being for a lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

While American Express still reigns supreme with its Global Lounge Collection, Capital One has made its entry by launching its first airport lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in 2021 and has plans for two additional locations.

Here’s the latest information on existing and upcoming Chase lounges, what to anticipate, and how to access them.

Locations of Chase Sapphire Lounges

At present, six locations are operational:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD): Lounge opened in March 2024
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Lounge opened in January 2024
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Lounge opened in January 2024
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): "Terrace" opened in March 2023
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Lounge opened in May 2023
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): Lounge opened in October 2022

Moreover, there are confirmed plans for lounges at the following five airports:

• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Terminal 1 C gates
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Tom Bradley International Terminal
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Terminal D/E Connector
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Terminal 4 South 1
• San Diego International Airport (SAN): Terminal 2 West

Chase is collaborating with Airport Dimensions to expand its lounge offerings. Airport Dimensions currently manages over two dozen lounges globally, primarily branded as "The Club" or "Club Aspire," which are mostly accessible through Priority Pass membership.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) lounge in Washington, DC

The Etihad Lounge at Dulles is located in Terminal A near Gate A14. Similar to the lounge at New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), this Etihad Lounge has undergone renovations by Chase.

While compact, it boasts two levels with plenty of seating and outlets, gender-neutral restrooms, a reflection room, and a family area.

We’ll explain how to gain access to all of these locations below, but premium Etihad passengers can also enjoy this lounge without needing to hold a Chase card.

Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

The Sapphire Lounge is situated adjacent to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4. Similar to the one at Dulles International Airport (IAD), this area is a revamped Etihad Lounge rather than a new creation by Chase.

It’s slightly smaller than other Sapphire Lounges but offers a similar vibe, complete with showers, a facial bar, and massage chairs.

Additionally, similar to the lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD), Etihad passengers can use this lounge without needing a Chase card.

Lounge at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

This Sapphire Lounge is conveniently situated right next to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal B. It offers ample space with large seating areas, a bar, and family-friendly features, including a children's playroom and an arcade.

Moreover, it includes Reserve Suites, Chase's innovative lounge-within-a-lounge concept.

Terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

While not officially a Sapphire Lounge, this 5,000-square-foot area deserves mention. Primarily outdoors, it provides excellent opportunities for plane spotting. However, it's not the best choice during Austin's scorching summers or bad weather. Additionally, it can be quite noisy due to its proximity to the tarmac and parked planes at the gates.

Eighty percent of this space is outdoors, featuring various seating options, relaxation areas, games, and chances to watch planes take off and land at the airport. The Sapphire Terrace provides complimentary beverages and light snacks (including grab-and-go items) and is situated upstairs, close to Gate 1 and the Delta Sky Club.

We will discuss how to access Chase lounges shortly, but it's important to note that the Sapphire Terrace is distinct as it is not affiliated with Priority Pass. Access requires showing your Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

This location was the first Chase lounge to open in the U.S. and is easily accessible for travelers departing from any terminal. It features a spacious, well-lit environment with excellent views for plane spotting.

The lounge boasts a self-service buffet, an option to order from an à la carte menu via QR codes, a full-service bar featuring locally inspired cocktails, and a distinctive tavern offering craft beers.

Moreover, the lounge offers wellness rooms equipped with massage chairs and cozy loungers for ultimate relaxation.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) lounge

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at HKG opened its doors in October 2022, making it the inaugural Sapphire Lounge. It is located in the West Hall of the International Departures area, close to Gate 40.

Passengers leaving from the East Hall can access the lounge via a shuttle or a leisurely 10- to 15-minute walk.

Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) location

Chase's intention to establish a location in Las Vegas was first revealed in public board documents from the Clark County Commission.

The lounge will be relatively compact at 4,500 square feet, particularly given the number of cardholders expected to use it.

The lease is for a space located just past security in the C gates of Terminal 1, which primarily serves Southwest's operations in Sin City. Passengers departing from Terminal 3 will need to take a train to reach the lounge in the C gates.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) location

Chase's latest announcement indicates that a lounge will be established at LAX, situated near the west gates of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, next to Gate 148.

All terminals at LAX are interconnected airside (after security), which means that theoretically any traveler could access this lounge, although the Tom Bradley Terminal may be slightly out of the way for some.

The upcoming lounge will span approximately 9,000 square feet, which is relatively small — particularly for an airport of LAX's size. Given the limited details Chase has released about this new lounge, it appears that opening day is still a considerable time away.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) location

In 2022, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) announced plans for a massive 20,000-square-foot Sapphire Lounge. It will be situated in the connector between Terminal D (serving Air Canada, Delta, Spirit, Alaska, and United Airlines) and Terminal E (which hosts Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines).

Although lacking in specific details, the announcement mentioned that Chase intends to showcase Philadelphia's culture by incorporating local art, food, and drinks into this venue.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) location

The Sapphire Lounge at Phoenix (PHX) will be situated within the new eight-gate facility in Terminal 4. This South Concourse will primarily serve Southwest Airlines. A connector bridge will link it to the North Concourses, which include gates for American Airlines.

As per documents from the Phoenix Airport board meeting, three major contenders vied for the 3,500-square-foot lounge space: Chase with its Sapphire Lounge, along with Capital One and Escape (in collaboration with American Express).

The competition for these types of spaces at bustling airports is intense, as evidenced by the number of applicants for this particular lounge. (It's worth noting that two Escape lounges and a dedicated Centurion Lounge are already operating in Phoenix.)

San Diego International Airport (SAN) location

In November 2021, Airport Dimensions, in collaboration with Chase, secured the contract to develop an 11,000-square-foot lounge in Terminal 2 West of San Diego.

Chase's proposal for the lounge outperformed other significant contenders, including Escape Lounge (in partnership with American Express), Plaza Premium Group, and Aspire Lounge.

According to documents from the San Diego Airport Authority (SDAA), the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club will showcase "locally inspired design, local food, beverages, and art collaborations."

These documents also reveal that the lounge will be situated on the mezzanine level between Gates 46 and 47, operating under a 10-year lease with a capital investment of $17.6 million once completed.

Who is eligible to enter Chase Sapphire Lounges?

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, J.P. Morgan Reserve, and the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (which is no longer offered to new applicants) can access these lounges. Primary cardholders and authorized users enjoy unlimited access to the Chase Sapphire Lounges upon activating their complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve can bring up to two guests for free with each card per visit, while additional guests can join for $27. Those with a Ritz-Carlton Credit Card can invite unlimited guests at no extra cost.

Beyond just benefiting cardholders, developing a lounge network seems to be a strategy Chase must adopt to stay competitive in the increasingly crowded market of premium rewards cards, as many of these are starting to offer access to more lounges.

The information regarding the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card and Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details of these cards have not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.

Is it possible to enter Chase lounges without a Chase card?

All Priority Pass members are entitled to one visit to a Chase Lounge each calendar year and can purchase guest access for a fee, regardless of whether their membership is linked to a different credit card. Additionally, entry to the Chase lounge in Hong Kong is not exclusive to Chase cardholders — anyone with a Priority Pass or Lounge Key membership can enter for free.

Select Etihad passengers, including Gold and Platinum elite members, as well as those flying in business or first class on Etihad-operated flights, can access the JFK and Dulles lounges prior to their departures.

Access to the Austin Terrace is exclusively granted to holders of a Chase Sapphire Reserve or J.P. Morgan Reserve card, or to one of the cardholder's two complimentary guests.

Key Takeaway

For many years, Amex's Centurion Lounges dominated the card-run lounge scene. However, it's clear that competition among major credit card issuers is heating up in the airport lounge arena. As this rivalry compels issuers to enhance their offerings, we, the consumers, stand to benefit the most.