Since opening its first location at Hong Kong International Airport in 2022, Chase has been growing its premium airport lounge network. And with the issuer’s opening of its newest, ultra-luxe Sapphire Lounge on Jan. 16, 2024 at LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) in Terminal B, it’s making other lounges pale by comparison.
The Sapphire Lounge’s latest location is a much-needed reprieve for travelers who can’t access or are shut out due to overcrowding in the terminal’s other airline lounges. Notably, the most well-known of luxury airport lounges, the American Express Centurion® Lounge, is also located in this terminal.
However, this iteration of Sapphire Lounge seems designed to challenge the Centurion Lounge’s sparkle as it will attract those who want to avoid the often-long lines at the luxury lounge competitor, which has been known to turn away cardholders during peak hours due to overcrowding.
Amex also began restricting Centurion Lounge guest access in 2023 to cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply) who spend $75,000 or more per calendar year on their card. American Express Centurion Black Card
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The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
(terms apply) cardholders do not have this restriction.
By contrast, the Sapphire Lounge is more accessible, allowing Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders and eligible Priority Pass members (enrollment required) to bring up to two guests with them into the lounge.
Open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the newest Sapphire Lounge is designed to dazzle. Features include a wellness space where guests can get complimentary facials and travel kits from Face Haus, a women-owned open concept facial bar, a family area with an arcade, shuffleboard and photobooth and workstations for business travelers. Food options include a buffet and an a la carte menu in partnership with New York City drinking and dining notables.
The firm ICRAVE handled interior design on the new Sapphire Lounge.
Extra luxury perks available for a price
Anyone eligible for access to the lounge can appreciate the luxurious experience that doesn’t cost anything extra outside of holding the right credit card. But Chase chose to up the ante and offer an experience so over the top, it’s sure to be a hit among those with deep pockets.
“The Reserve Suites by Chase” are private bookable rooms where Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can have a dedicated suite attendant, signature caviar service, a selection of curated food and drink and a private ensuite bathroom and shower. The price for this pre-flight pampering? Parties of four or fewer will pay $2,200 and parties of up to eight guests are $3,000.
Notably, you’re normally restricted to two guests with your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Priority Pass access upon enrollment — but if you reserve a suite, you can bring up to three or seven guests at no additional cost, depending on which size suite you book. Be aware you must book at least 72 hours in advance of your flight, and can book up to a year out.
How to get access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA is open to select Chase cardholders and Priority Pass members upon enrollment. Chase customers with a Chase Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve
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The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
(invitation only) receive unlimited entry to Sapphire lounges, for the primary cardholder and up to two guests. Additional guests can visit for $27 per person. Authorized users also get complimentary access, making it a terrific option for getting lounge access on a budget. Holders of the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card (which is no longer open to new applicants) can bring an unlimited number of guests.
The lounge is also accessible to Priority Pass Select members, which is available on a wide variety of credit cards from a number of issuers upon enrollment.
If you have a Priority Pass Select membership from any of the following cards (enrollment required), you can visit up to one Sapphire Lounge annually without charge, after that you’ll have to pay $75 per visit. No additional guests are included with either the free or paid access for Priority Pass members.
American Express
Bank of America
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card
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The information for the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One
Citi
- Citi Prestige® Card (no longer accepting applications)
U.S. Bank
Other Chase airport lounges
Chase currently has two other Sapphire airport lounges open. One is at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and one in Hong Kong (HKG)’s Terminal 1. Another location is set to open in New York’s JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 in late January 2024. Additional Sapphire lounges are planned for Las Vegas (LAS), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and San Diego (SAN) in the future.
While the list isn’t extensive, it focuses on major U.S. airports with the most traffic. The San Diego location will be a welcome addition for West Coast travelers with limited options at that particular airport.
*The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card, Capital One Venture X Business Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card and U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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