Got a Chase Sapphire card in your wallet? Good news: you’ve got lounge access you might not even know about.
But here’s the thing — it’s not exactly straightforward. Which lounges? Which card? Free or paid? Let me break down what you actually get.
The Quick Answer
Chase Sapphire Reserve = Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ lounges worldwide, including most Chase Sapphire Lounges)
Chase Sapphire Preferred = No lounge access included
That’s the fundamental split. For a deep dive on these two cards, check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve comparison. The Reserve’s $550 annual fee buys you into the Priority Pass network. The Preferred’s $95 fee doesn’t.
What Is Priority Pass Select?
Priority Pass is the largest independent airport lounge network in the world. Over 1,300 lounges across 600+ cities.
With the Reserve, you get:
- Unlimited visits for you
- Two guests free per visit
- Access to participating restaurants (in some airports)
- Digital membership card via the Priority Pass app
No per-visit fees. No blackout dates. Just walk in and show your card.
Chase Sapphire Lounges — The New Kid
Chase has been opening their own branded lounges in select airports:
| Location | Status | Access Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Open | Priority Pass accepted |
| New York JFK (JFK) | Open | Priority Pass accepted, Terminal 4 |
| New York LaGuardia (LGA) | Open | Priority Pass accepted |
| Boston (BOS) | Open | Priority Pass accepted |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | Open | Priority Pass accepted, Terminal 1 Concourse C |
| San Diego (SAN) | Open | Priority Pass accepted |
| Phoenix (PHX) | Open | Priority Pass accepted |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Open | Terminal D/E Connector, opened Feb 2025 |
The existing lounges accept Priority Pass, meaning Reserve cardholders can get in. Future lounges may have similar or enhanced access for Sapphire Reserve holders — Chase hasn’t confirmed the full details yet.
What You’ll Find Inside
Chase Sapphire Lounges aim to compete with Centurion and Capital One lounges:
- Food: Hot options, not just sad sandwiches
- Drinks: Full bar, craft cocktails
- Showers: Yes, when you need a refresh
- Quiet spaces: Work zones with outlets
- Vibe: Premium but not stuffy
Priority Pass lounges vary wildly. Some are legitimately nice. Others are… a room with pretzels. The Chase-branded ones land on the quality end.
Other Lounges You Can Access
Priority Pass gets you into more than just the Sapphire lounges:
- The Club lounges (multiple US airports)
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses (select locations)
- Plaza Premium (various international airports)
- Escape Lounges (growing US network)
- Restaurant credits at participating airport restaurants
That restaurant access is underrated. If there’s no lounge nearby, you might get $28-36 off at an airport restaurant instead. Check the Priority Pass app. For a comprehensive look at Priority Pass, see our Priority Pass complete guide.
The Guest Situation
Reserve cardholders get two free guests per visit. Additional guests cost $32 each if the lounge allows it.
One catch: some lounges restrict total visitors during peak hours. “Priority Pass access available, capacity permitting” is the line you’ll see. Popular lounges at busy airports sometimes hit capacity, especially during holiday travel.
What About Sapphire Preferred?
If you have the Preferred, you don’t get Priority Pass. But you’re not completely locked out:
- Pay-per-visit: Some lounges sell day passes for $40-65
- LoungeBuddy: Book specific lounges in advance
- Restaurant passes: Some airports offer credit programs
Or you could upgrade to the Reserve. The break-even math:
Reserve fee: $550 Preferred fee: $95 Difference: $455
If you travel 10+ times per year and would use lounges, the Reserve starts making sense — especially when you factor in the $300 travel credit. Both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards with the same transfer partners.
How to Actually Get In
- Download the Priority Pass app
- Link your Reserve card to get your digital membership
- Show the digital card at any participating lounge
- Done
Physical cards also work but take 2-3 weeks to arrive. Digital is instant.
Lounges vs. Priority Pass: The Competition
The Reserve’s Priority Pass competes with:
- Amex Platinum: Centurion Lounges + Priority Pass + Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta)
- Capital One Venture X: Capital One Lounges + Priority Pass
- United Club Infinite: United Club access
Chase Sapphire’s advantage? The $300 travel credit effectively drops the net fee below competitors. And if Chase continues expanding their lounge network, the value proposition keeps growing.
What’s Coming
Chase has expanded aggressively in 2025-2026, now operating 8 Chase Sapphire Lounges across major airports including the newest addition at Philadelphia (opened February 2025).
The network continues to grow. If Chase adds major hubs like LAX, ORD, and SFO, the Sapphire Reserve becomes significantly more valuable for domestic travelers.
The Bottom Line
Chase Sapphire Reserve = Priority Pass Select included, 1,300+ lounges worldwide, Chase Sapphire Lounges access, two free guests. Worth it if you travel frequently.
Chase Sapphire Preferred = No lounge access. Fine card, but lounges aren’t the reason you get it.
If lounges matter to you and you’re choosing between the two Sapphire cards, the Reserve is the obvious pick. The math works out once you use it a handful of times per year. For a full rundown of all credit card lounge options, see our complete airport lounge access guide.
Which lounges have you hit with Priority Pass? Drop a comment with your favorites — always looking for hidden gems.
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