For years, American Express dominated the world of airport lounges with its Centurion Lounges, offering an experience far superior to the competition … if there was any.
But those days are over. Chase Sapphire Lounges have redefined what a bank-branded lounge can be, setting a new gold standard — and honestly, it’s not even close.
Since debuting its first U.S. lounge in Boston (BOS) less than two years ago, Chase has been on a tear, opening another six U.S. locations … while there are just four Capital One lounges open over a much longer span. But it's not just quantity: Chase's latest — and arguably its best — addition in Philadelphia (PHL) is proof that Chase is elevating the entire airport lounge experience even as it opens additional locations.
Chase is pushing the envelope, introducing exclusive amenities and thoughtful details that set its lounges apart. Where else can you find a retro arcade and an Oktoberfest-themed beer garden in a credit card lounge?
Look, we’re not here to pick favorites … but who are we kidding, the winner is clear. Here’s why Chase is leading the airport lounge revolution.
How We Got Here
When the *chase sapphire reserve* debuted nearly a decade ago, it was the first true competitor to Amex's mighty *amex platinum*. However, it lacked one key benefit: its own network of lounges. Yes, the card included (and still does) a complimentary Priority Pass membership, but those lounges can be hit-or-miss, especially in the U.S.
Meanwhile, American Express was busy building out its network of Centurion Lounges, making the Platinum Card a practical must for any frequent traveler. These were comfortable spaces with great cocktails, hearty and delicious meals, and even some unexpected amenities like massage rooms or speakeasy bars.
Capital One beat Chase to the punch, opening its first Capital One Lounge in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in late 2021 alongside the launch of the *venture x*. But it didn’t just follow Amex's playbook — it improved it.
With an airy, well-designed layout, locally inspired food and drinks, and standout amenities like complimentary Peloton bikes, grab-and-go food options, rest pods, and dedicated nursing rooms for families, Capital One took what made Centurion Lounges successful and made it even better.
Finally, in mid-2023, Chase debuted its first lounge in the U.S. when it opened the Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Boston (BOS). Was it worth the wait? The answer has been a resounding yes!
Chase's Boston lounge is beautifully designed, offers plenty of seating alongside excellent amenities, and offers travelers good food and great drinks.
In less than two years since launching its first U.S. Sapphire Lounge, Chase has rapidly expanded its network, adding six more locations.
Securing prime airport real estate is both competitive and costly, but Chase found a more innovative way to do it. By partnering with Etihad Airways to take over and remodel its lounges at New York City (JFK) and Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) – though the latter isn’t technically Sapphire-branded – Chase was able to scale its footprint far faster than if it had built from scratch.
These lounges, once reserved for Etihad’s first and business class passengers, often sat empty for much of the day. Now, by teaming up with Chase, Etihad can enhance its premium customer experience at a lower cost — a true win-win.
Meanwhile, what has the competition been up to since Chase started dominating the lounge game?
To Amex’s credit, it continues to expand and open new Centurion Lounges … but the experience inside many of them has declined. Overcrowding, diminished food and beverage offerings, and even recent health inspection failures have taken their toll. While still better than many domestic airport clubs, Centurion Lounges have clearly fallen.
Capital One, on the other hand, delivers an experience largely on par with Chase. It just hasn't grown fast enough to be a real competitor.
This coming fall will mark the fourth anniversary of its first lounge in Dallas, and yet it's added just three more lounges in Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), Denver (DEN), and most recently, Las Vegas (LAS). In fairness, Capital One also introduced a hybrid lounge-restaurant concept, dubbed a Capital One Landing, at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA) late last year.
But even with this addition, Capital One cardholders have far fewer options than those carrying a premium Chase card.
Other banks, like Citi, have teased getting in on the airport lounge game but remain on the sidelines for now. With no other competition in sight, the battle for airport lounge supremacy is clearly Chase's to lose.
What Sets Chase Lounges Apart?
From the upscale finishes to the thoughtful amenities and even the sheer size of some locations, it’s clear Chase is spending heavily to make these lounges special.
By partnering with top local restaurant groups, Sapphire Lounges serve food and drinks that rival what you’d find at a solid mid-tier restaurant in each city. We’re talking about dishes worth paying for, not the dried-out chicken thighs and uninspired salad bars you’ll find elsewhere.
In addition to the usual buffet full of self-serve items, Chase also lets you order plates a la carte via QR codes throughout the main dining area. The ability to order a fresh-made meal is an option you typically only see in exclusive business class lounges, like Delta One lounges and United Polaris lounges – not one run by a credit card company.
On the drinks front, you'll find a wide range of locally inspired cocktails and beer to go along with the lounge's curated list of wines … and all the other offerings you'd expect.
However, Chase takes things a step further in a couple of its locations by offering travelers an alternative to the traditional bar setting. In Boston, you'll find a taproom with even more local beers. Its newest lounge in Philadelphia has a full-blown German beer garden, serving up a variety of craft brews and local bites, like Philly cheesesteak sliders.
Chase gets more than just food and drinks right, though. Added amenities like Face Haus-branded spas, offering travelers complimentary facials and a game room with retro arcade games like Pac-Man and NBA Jam continue to differentiate Chase lounges from the rest.
Chase also partners with local coffee roasters for top-quality brews and commissions local artists to bring each space to life. While every Sapphire Lounge maintains a signature aesthetic, these thoughtful, city-specific touches elevate the experience—setting them apart from the competition and making each visit feel uniquely premium.
All the Chase Lounge Locations (So Far)
As of publication, Chase has 10 Sapphire Lounge locations already open or in the works:
- Boston (BOS) between Terminals B and C: Now open
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in Terminal D by gate 35
- Hong Kong (HKG) in Terminal 1: Now open
- Las Vegas (LAS) in the C Concourse is Coming soon
- Los Angeles (LAX) in the Tom Bradley International Terminal
- New York City-LaGuardia (LGA) in Terminal B: Now open
- New York City (JFK) in Terminal 4: Now open
- Philadelphia (PHL) in Terminal D/E connector: Now open
- Phoenix (PHX) in Terminal 4: Now open
- San Diego (SAN) in Terminal 2: Now open
While it's not officially dubbed a Sapphire Lounge, Chase also shares a space with Etihad at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD).
Are These Lounges Saving the Sapphire Reserve?
Just last year, we questioned whether the Sapphire Reserve was due for a refresh. Suddenly, we're not so sure.
Since its 2016 debut, the card has seen only minor tweaks (and a $100 annual fee increase). With growing competition, it was starting to feel … well, stale.
But in just the past year alone, Chase has changed the game, opening five new Sapphire Lounges across the country. While it’s not the only card that grants access, the *chase sapphire reserve* remains the best way in for most travelers. Cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access plus two free guests per visit —which Amex scrapped back in 2023. Even better, authorized users (which cost an additional $75 per year) get their own lounge privileges, including guest access.
If you regularly travel through any of the seven airports with a Chase lounge (or eight, counting Washington-Dulles), carrying the Sapphire Reserve is a no-brainer. These lounges are that good. And they might just be the card’s saving grace.
At $550 per year, the Sapphire Reserve is far from cheap. However, an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit helps offset the cost. Add in the fact that the card earns 3x points on travel and dining and has some of the best travel protections of any card on the market, and the value becomes clear.
When you factor in Chase’s growing lounge network, making a case for the Sapphire Reserve is suddenly feeling much easier than just a year or two ago.
Bottom Line
Chase Sapphire Lounges have set a new gold standard for bank-branded airport lounges.
With sleek designs, premium amenities, top-tier food and drinks, and just the right touch of local flair, they’re more than just a place to relax — they’re a reason to arrive early. Heck, I might even intentionally work in a layover at one of these airports just to check more of them out.
Between the quality and the quantity of these lounges, Chase has clearly upped its game. And it shows.