How to Access Chase Sapphire Lounges for Free (2026)

How to Access Your Digital Priority Pass Card

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If you have a credit card that includes a Priority Pass membership, you can access your digital card through multiple methods:

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Via Chase App (for CSR holders):

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1. Open the Chase Mobile App
2. Go to the "Benefits and Travel" tab
3. Select "Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network"
4. Tap "Explore Lounges"
5. Scroll to the bottom: "See digital membership card."
6. Add to Apple Wallet or use the QR code directly

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Via Priority Pass App (for all Priority Pass members):

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1. Download the Priority Pass app
2. Register using your Priority Pass membership number
3. Access your digital membership card with QR code
4. This works across all Priority Pass lounge locations worldwide

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Setting Up Priority Pass Membership

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First-time setup is crucial and requires some advance planning:

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1. Activate through your credit card issuer (not directly with Priority Pass)
2. Allow 6 business days for Priority Pass to process your membership
3. Physical Priority Pass cards are mailed separately from credit cards
4. Digital access becomes available once processing is complete

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Travel Tip: If you're upgrading from Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to Reserve, activate your Priority Pass membership at least one week before travel to ensure digital access is ready.

Credit Cards That Offer Priority Pass Memberships

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Several premium credit cards include complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships:

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Cards with Unlimited Priority Pass Access

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Priority Pass Select plus 2 free guests per visit

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High-Value Perks"} ]]

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• J.P. Morgan Reserve Card - Full lounge access benefits

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1110", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Ultra-Exclusive Card"} ]]

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• The Ritz-Carlton® Credit Card - Chase Sapphire Lounge access included

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2310", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Airport Lounge Access" } ]]

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• American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) - Includes Priority Pass Select; guests may incur fees depending on the lounge

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "106", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Serious Points on Flights"} ]]

^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Priority Pass Select with unlimited visits

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2888", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Luxurious Travel Benefits" } ]]

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• Citi Prestige Card - Priority Pass Select membership included

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "556", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Higher Earners", "headerHint": "Generous Earning Rates"} ]]

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• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (See Rates & Fees) - Priority Pass Select access

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1066", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High Earning Rates"} ]]

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Guest Policies Vary

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 2 free guests per visit
• Capital One Venture X: Unlimited authorized cardholders get access
• Amex Platinum: Guest fees typically $35 per person
• Other cards may charge $27-$35 per guest

Complete List of Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations (2026)

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As of early 2026, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations are open at eight U.S. airports, offering premium dining, relaxation areas, and upscale amenities:

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Active Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations

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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

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• Location: Terminal B/C Connector
• Hours: Typically 4:30 AM - 9:30 PM daily

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Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

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• Location: Terminal 1, Concourse C (near Gate C23)
• This location reports frequent capacity issues during peak travel times

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New York JFK International Airport (JFK)

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• Location: Terminal 4 (near Gate A2)
• Important: Collaborative Etihad Airways partnership lounge
• Known for waitlists during peak hours and stricter capacity enforcement

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New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

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• Location: Terminal B (bridge before gates 40-59)
• Square footage: 21,850 sq ft with premium amenities
• Hours: 4:30 AM - 9:30 PM daily

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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

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• Location: Terminal D/E Connector
• Opened 2025

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

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• Location: Terminal 4 (near Gate D11)
• Capacity challenges: Reports of 30+ minute waitlists starting as early as 6 AM
• Consider arriving during off-peak hours

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San Diego International Airport (SAN)

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• Location: Terminal 2 West (near gates 46 and 47)
• Opened 2026

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Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

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• Location: Concourse A (near Gate A14)
• Branded as: Sapphire Lounge/Etihad Lounge (collaborative location)
• Similar capacity restrictions as the JFK location

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Future Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations

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Chase has announced plans to expand to additional major airports:

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• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - Opening date TBA
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Opening date TBA
• Additional locations in development for other major U.S. hubs

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International Locations

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• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) - Currently operational

Important Entry Restrictions & Challenges

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Peak Hour Capacity & Waitlists

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Critical to know: Multiple Chase Sapphire Lounge locations experience significant capacity constraints, particularly:

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• Phoenix (PHX): Reports of reaching capacity by 6 AM daily with 30+ minute waitlists throughout the day
• JFK Terminal 4: Frequent denials when "deemed full," Priority Pass members are especially affected
• Las Vegas (LAS): High volume during weekend and convention periods

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During busy periods, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive priority when lounges reach capacity. Priority Pass members may experience:

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• Extended wait times (30+ minutes reported)
• Denied entry if the lounge is at capacity
• Priority given to CSR cardholders over Priority Pass holders

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Best times to visit:

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• Mid-morning (9:00-11:00 AM)
• Early afternoon (1:00-3:00 PM)
• Weekdays vs. weekends

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Terminal Access Restrictions

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Chase has strategically placed lounges in specific terminals. You cannot access the lounge if your flight departs from a different terminal without going through security again.

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Verify your terminal and gate before heading to the lounge:

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• LGA: Only accessible from Terminal B flights
• JFK: Only Terminal 4 departures
• PHX: Terminal 4 only
• SAN: Terminal 2 West only

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Collaborative Partnership Lounges

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Two Chase Sapphire locations are collaborative lounges with Etihad Airways:

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• JFK Terminal 4
• Washington-Dulles (IAD)

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These partnership locations have been "notorious for denying entry to CSR holders when they deem it full," according to frequent travelers. Consider these locations less reliable than standalone Chase Sapphire Lounges.

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Inconsistent Entry Requirements

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Travelers report varying experiences at different locations:

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• Some locations only require a Chase Sapphire Reserve card + boarding pass
• Others require a Priority Pass card/digital code to be scanned
• Requirements may vary even at the same location on different days
• Las Vegas opened, requiring onlya  card flash, but policies may have changed

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Best practice: Always have both your credit card and Priority Pass digital card ready.

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Authorized User Access

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If you're an authorized user on someone else's Chase Sapphire Reserve account:

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1. You'll receive your own Priority Pass card mailed separately
2. You need to activate your own Priority Pass membership
3. You cannot use the primary cardholder's Priority Pass account
4. Some locations have reported issues scanning authorized user Priority Pass QR codes from the Chase app - the Priority Pass app may work more reliably

What to Expect Inside Chase Sapphire Lounges

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Chase Sapphire Lounges offer luxury amenities, including:

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Dining & Refreshments

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• Complimentary restaurant with chef-prepared meals
• Full-service bar with signature cocktails
• Buffet options and coffee bars
• Local seasonal menu items

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Work & Relaxation

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• High-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations
• Private conference rooms and coworking spaces
• Peaceful relaxation suites
• Entertainment areas with games and activities

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Premium Amenities

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• Complimentary spa services (facials available at select locations)
• Showers and wellness facilities
• Private suites on second floors (select locations)
• Upscale design comparable to luxury hotel lobbies

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The LaGuardia location spans 21,850 square feet and features an Art Deco arcade with a vintage jukebox, extensive seating areas, and a mezzanine filled with plants.

Alternative Ways to Access Chase Sapphire Lounges

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1. Travel With a CSR Cardholder

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The easiest method: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can bring two guests for free per visit. Any additional companions cost $27 each.

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2. Get the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card

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The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card offers Chase Sapphire Lounge access through Priority Pass membership, with similar benefits to the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

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3. Buy Priority Pass Membership Directly

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If you don't have a credit card with Priority Pass:

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• Starting at $99 annually through the Priority Pass website
• Plans available for unlimited visits or per-visit pricing
• Grants access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide (not just Chase)

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4. Purchase Day Passes

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Some Priority Pass lounges offer day passes:

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• Typically $20-$75 per visit
• Can be purchased at the lounge or in advance
• Availability varies by location

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5. Fly Business/First Class or Have Elite Status

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Airlines may grant lounge access for:

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• International first-class passengers
• Business class travelers
• Elite status members on their network

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth It for Lounge Access?

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While you can access Chase Sapphire Lounges with Priority Pass from other cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee) offers significant advantages:

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CSR Benefits:

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "High-Value Perks"} ]]

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For frequent travelers who visit lounges 3+ times per year, the math often favors getting the Chase Sapphire Reserve directly rather than relying on limited Priority Pass access, especially given the widespread capacity issues at popular locations.

Tips for Successful Chase Sapphire Lounge Access

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1. Arrive during off-peak hours - Avoid 6-8 AM and 5-7 PM when waitlists are common
2. Download both apps - Have the Chase app AND Priority Pass app for backup
3. Activate Priority Pass early - Allow at least one week before travel
4. Verify your terminal - Confirm your flight and lounge are in the same terminal
5. Have backup lounges - Research other Priority Pass locations at your airport
6. Plan extra time - Allow 45-60 minutes for potential waitlists at PHX, JFK, LAS
7. Bring required documents - Boarding pass, ID, and digital Priority Pass card ready
8. Avoid collaborative lounges during peak times - JFK and IAD Etihad partnership locations have stricter capacity limits
9. Consider weekday travel - Weekend capacity issues are more severe
10. Call ahead - Some lounges post capacity status; check before security

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Location-Specific Tips

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• Phoenix (PHX): Arrive before 6 AM or after 10 AM to avoid the all-day waitlist
• JFK Terminal 4: Consider alternative Priority Pass lounges in other terminals if you have time
• Las Vegas (LAS): Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons when convention traffic peaks
• LaGuardia (LGA): Generally more reliable entry than JFK; plan your arrival around this lounge

Bottom Line

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You don't need the Chase Sapphire Reserve to enjoy Chase Sapphire Lounges - any Priority Pass membership grants you one free annual visit across the eight current U.S. locations. However, the experience comes with notable limitations: additional visits cost $75, you may face substantial waitlists during peak hours (especially at PHX and JFK), and entry requirements can be inconsistent.

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With Chase expanding to Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles, the network will continue growing. But capacity challenges persist even at existing locations, making the Chase Sapphire Reserve's priority entry increasingly valuable.

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For occasional travelers: Leveraging Priority Pass from another premium credit card makes sense for your one annual visit.

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For frequent flyers: The Chase Sapphire Reserve's unlimited visits, priority entry, and two free guests may justify the $795 annual fee, especially when you factor in the $300 travel credit.

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Action Steps:

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1. Check which credit cards you currently hold with Priority Pass benefits
2. Activate your Priority Pass membership before your next trip
3. Download digital cards to your phone for easy access
4. Plan to arrive at the airport with extra time for potential waitlists
5. Research which Chase Sapphire Lounge location you'll visit and note its specific terminal