Finally, San Diego (SAN) is getting a top-tier airport lounge.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge in San Diego is officially opening its doors to travelers Friday, Dec. 6 – the bank's seventh lounge since opening its very first location in Boston (BOS) last spring. We were invited to take a first look at the lounge yesterday and I can say, without a doubt, this will be a game-changer for San Diegans.
The 10,000-square foot space is a major improvement over other options at the airport – including an undersized Delta Sky Club and a fairly basic Aspire Lounge. Chase Sapphire Lounges are on another level. And as a San Diego resident myself, I'm excited for it to finally be open.
From an elegant bar with friendly staff and special amenities like a wellness room, spa treatments, a shower, private phone booth, and kids play room, there are plenty of places to relax, freshen up, or hang out and enjoy a drink or meal before you take off from San Diego.
Location & Getting In
The Chase Sapphire Lounge in San Diego is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. You'll find it located next to Gate 47 in Terminal 2.
It won't be hard to find. Just look for the Chase logo.
That location makes it easy for travelers flying Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and United – though it will be a bit of a further walk for those traveling on Alaska or American, which have gates on the other side of Terminal 2.
Those traveling on Southwest and budget carriers like Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country in Terminal 1 won't currently have easy access to this lounge as it's in a different building – and requires a separate security screening. But once the new T1 construction is complete, you'll be able to easily connect between terminals.
Getting in is another matter: These lounges are among the most restrictive in the country:
- Chase's top-tier travel rewards credit card – the *chase sapphire reserve* – is practically a must. Sapphire Reserve cardholders get unlimited complimentary access to the Sapphire Lounges – and can also bring up to two guests free of charge.
- Same goes for the Ritz-Carlton Card from Chase, though that card is no longer open for applications: You'll have to upgrade from another Chase Marriott card.
- If you have a Priority Pass membership from non-Chase cards like *amex platinum* or the *venture x*, you'll get one free visit to Chase Sapphire Lounges (including U.S. locations) each calendar year – and not each location, but one total. Afterwards, it'll cost $75 per visit with no guest access.
- Everyday travelers can pay $100 for a day pass, space permitting.
Just be warned: No matter how you enter the lounge, you can only get in three hours before your scheduled departure – unless you are on a layover.
Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Chase Sapphire Lounges
Inside the Chase Sapphire Lounge San Diego
After taking the elevator up to the lounge, I was immediately impressed with the elegant reception area and luxurious furnishings of Chase's newest lounge. I'll say it again: This lounge is a huge step above what has previously been available in San Diego.
Immediately to the left after you enter, you'll find a cool surfboard art display from local San Diego artist Hanna Daly. I liked the different images depending on which side you were viewing from.
You'll also find a drink station in this area with “Spa Water” and cold brew from San Diego's own Groundwork Coffee.
Rather than large open spaces, the lounge is set up like a long hallway with several different seating areas. Tucked behind the surfboard mural, you'll find a cool library.
Across from the library, there's another seating area with this interesting circular couch complete with a tree growing out of the middle. The plants throughout give it a laid-back, homey feel.
Behind the reception, you'll find couches and lounge chairs with a few more plants to create some ambiance.
The 360-degree bar is one of the highlights of the lounge. This is bound to be a popular spot to throw one back before boarding.
Beside the bar, you'll find dining seating with a long bench against the wall, which is decorated quite nicely.
Across from the buffet area, there's more dining-style seating with a view of the tarmac. The overhead lighting is a cool design along with some more local art on the wall.
Further down the hall, you'll find more seating with a neat fireplace. This area seemed to be a hit with most of the others there for this lounge preview. Don't worry, it's just water vapor – your kids are safe.
Across from this area, you'll find booth seating, which is a nice place to get some work done with outlets at each booth. There are also plenty of outlets in other seating areas as well.
Food & Drinks
Many travelers' favorite perk of lounge access is the complimentary food and drinks. And one of the best features of every Chase lounge is made-to-order meals, a rarity for most lounges you'll find in the U.S.
For this media preview, all the food was served buffet-style. But during normal times there will be a mix of buffet options you can grab yourself and other items to order through a QR code from your seat.
For breakfast, they had several choices ranging from a breakfast torta or bao bun stuffed like a taco to smoked salmon bites.
For lunch, they had a range of options including burgers, brussels sprouts with bacon, and a chicken tostada.
Many of the dishes, including the tostada, come from local San Diego restaurant Oscar's Seafood – one of my favorite spots for fish tacos in San Diego.
To drink, Chase has several cocktails on the menu. I tried the signature cocktail, which was gin or vodka and blueberry-based with several other ingredients like bee pollen and pearl dust, whatever that means. It was sweet and tangy.
One thing that's missing from the drink menu is a michelada. The popular San Diego beverage would be a great addition so I suggested it. Hopefully we'll see it on the menu in the future.
Extra Amenities
Another highlight of the lounge is the number of amenities available.
The wellness room will be a nice escape once the lounge inevitably gets busy. There's also a shower, spa treatment room, private phone booth, and even a play area for the kids.
The wellness room may be my favorite area of the lounge. The soft music and private spaces would be a great way to relax before taking flight.
Need to take a shower? There is just one shower room available, which can be reserved at the reception or through the QR code menu. It will likely be very difficult to reserve a time for the one single shower.
Want to get a facial before a long flight? There's a spa treatment room just for that purpose. You can reserve a 30-minute session at reception.
Need to take an important phone call? There's also a private phone room if you need a quiet space.
Parents will also be happy to know there's a small kids area where you'll find games and kid-friendly seating.
Bottom Line
The new Chase Sapphire Lounge in San Diego is a massive upgrade over previous options at the Southern California airport.
The large space with several separate seating areas combined with special amenities will surely make this a popular spot for travelers flying from San Diego.