Chase’s new Sapphire Lounge is now open at New York LaGaurdia airport. Chase’s airport lounges are managed by Airport Dimensions, which is part of the same company as Priority Pass. And they’re accessible to:
- anyone with a Sapphire Reserve-issued Priority Pass (unlimited access plus two guests), as well as anyone with a JP Morgan Reserve-issued Priority Pass (unlimited access plus two guests) or a Ritz-Carlton Rewards cardmembers (unlimited guests)
- anyone with a non-Chase Priority Pass, one complimentary visit per year
I was invited by Chase to a preview of the lounge but was unable to attend. I’ll have to wait to see it until I pass through LaGuardia, which I’m excited to do because this new space in terminal B is huge and with some interesting features.
At almost 22,000 square feet it is twice the size of the Centurion lounge. It is also twice the size of Chase’s outstanding Boston lounge.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Boston
Chase Sapphire Lounge Boston
Opening of this lounge should reduce crowding pressure on other lounges in the terminal, especially the American Express lounge. Also nearby are an American Airlines Admirals Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and United Club (as well as a Minute Suites).
This is a two story lounge with plenty of seating, bar, dining room, kids play area and private suites with bathroom and shower (and gaming devices) that are reservable for a fee through the Chase mobile app up to a year in advance (but that must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance).
Update: There are three suites. The smaller one costs $2,200 for 3 hours, while the two larger ones cost $3,000 for that time period. This is insane.
It seems to me it is a lost opportunity – American Express sets aside space for Centurion cardholders, Chase should be offering priority here to their JP Morgan Reserve cardmembers (or at least to Private Bank or Private Client customers). In Hong Kong that’s a dedicated Centurion dining room for Black Card customers. Do better, Chase.
Unfortunately the lounge space – while bright – lacks natural light. It’s probably a tradeoff I’d take for getting this much space inside an airport terminal, but it’s perhaps the only downside to the lounge.
Meanwhile, next week the Chase Sapphire lounge opens at New York JFK. That one is a quick open, because it’s the old Etihad Airways lounge – and it still will be.
- Etihad has turned over management of its lounge to Airport Dimensions
- That lounge re-opens January 23
- It will be both the Etihad lounge for their two daily flights, and the Chase Sapphire lounge (“Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club With Etihad Airways”)
Etihad Airways Lounge JFK
Etihad Airways Lounge JFK
It is not a large lounge, and so I expect that it will be crowded. I look forward to seeing how they’re using the old Residence lounge living room and private bathroom space.
Etihad Airways Residence Lounge JFK
Access rules will be the same as other Chase lounges (aside from access as an Etihad passenger, based on status or class of service when flying with the Abu Dhabi-based airline).
“There are three suites. The smaller one costs $2,200 for 3 hours, while the two larger ones cost $3,000 for that time period. This is insane.”
Nope – this is New York. There are plenty of celebrities who will happily pay that for the privacy, especially if the promised improved food and drink (caviar service, etc) comes through. LHR charges US$4500 with VAT for some better service like private transfers to the plane BUT only up to 3 people at that price. This is half the price for up to 4 or a third less for up to 8.
JPM Reserve and Chase Private Client are too “low-end” (in a relative sense) for this. JP Morgan Private Bank starts getting to it, but my guess is that Chase wants those who will use the service to almost always have a private room available at the last minute. They can always open up a free visit or two to their best clients if bookings are not what they expect or if they want to market this to some high net worth individuals.
Also, it’s bothering me that I just said celebrities and didn’t include “people who love to blow money on exclusive experiences”. There are plenty of people in NY with high salaries or net worths that would love to show off to their friends by dropping 3K on a private lounge suite experience if flying to Miami with 6 others for a bachelor party, for example.
As a CSR card holder I can’t wait to check these out. Also glad to see more lounges opening. I expect the whining to come quickly from non-Chase PP members when they realize the 1 visit a year is not per club but instead 1 visit across all the clubs. Personally I like the fact it is limited. I’d actually prefer no regular PP members and limited to CSR (or equivalent/higher cards) similar to Amex Centurion lounges w access only for Platinum and Black card holders but I understand Chase wants to offer a teaser to get people to then buy up for the CSR. Also wonder how often someone tries to get in showing their CSR (or other eligible) card instead of first setting up the associated PP account then using that card for entry.
Which terminal is the JFK lounge in?
@Joe – 4
Phoenix has had “Coming Soon” signs up for months….. Any word on that location?
So the downside to the new JFK lounge is unless your flying Delta airlines with the worst FF program in history you can not access the lounge unless flying abroad.Oh great 🙁
Phoenix would be a welcome addition if it ever opens
Though its coming soon 😉
@dwondermeant – I look forward to checking it out before my flight on Singapore Air in February. Frankly probably makes more sense to put in in a terminal with a lot of international departures instead of being essentially captive to one of the domestic airlines. Can’t work for everyone but does for me