JP Morgan Chase has been busy building out its own airport lounges. However, most of that has been focused on the U.S. East Coast and international destinations – that is, until now, as a Chase Sapphire Lounge is coming to LAX, LAS, SAN, and PHX.
If you’re not familiar with them, Chase Sapphire Lounges are Chase’s answer to American Express’ uber-popular Centurion Lounges. They provide a swanky respite from the chaos of the terminal, with amenities like private bathrooms that have showers, complimentary seasonal dishes, craft cocktails and wine, draft beer, local coffee, tea, spa treatments, rest pods, and work spaces, and more. Specific amenities vary by location.
It’s worth noting that Chase Sapphire Lounges are operated by The Club, which has its own network of lounges, such as the ones I’ve visited in Seattle and Las Vegas. However, these lounges are nothing like those. They’re much more upscale in ambiance, services and offerings. I’ve never been to one, but that’s what I’ve seen through others’ eyes. However, since a Chase Sapphire Lounge is coming to LAX, LAS, SAN, and PHX, that could change.
Chase Sapphire Lounge is Coming to LAX
There isn’t a whole lot of information available on the new lounge. However, we know that a Chase Sapphire Lounge is coming to LAX, and that it’ll measure 9,234 square-feet. That makes it a little smaller than the nearby Centurion Lounge, which measures 13,900 square-feet, but we’ll see how that impacts usability. And while we don’t know what amenities this lounge will have, I think it’s safe to assume that it’ll offer similar experiences as the U.S. locations that have already opened at BOS, JFK, and LGA.
That said, the rendering Chase did provide shows a space with massive windows looking out onto the tarmac. This is something the Centurion Lounge at LAX doesn’t offer, as its windows look out into the terminal.
The big questions, of course, is where the lounge will be located. Hawaiian Airlines passengers will be happy to learn that the Chase Sapphire Lounge LAX is going to be in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). No, unfortunately, it’s not going to be in the West Gates, which is where Hawaiian operates out of. Rather, it’ll be near gate 148, which at least places it near the gateway to TBIT West Gates. That makes it far more convenient than if you were flying, say, United, but still means you’ll have a bit of a hike to your gate.
Other Western U.S. Lounges
While news that a Chase Sapphire Lounge is coming to LAX is exciting, there are several others coming to the Western U.S. The one of most interest to Hawai’i residents is probably the one coming to LAS. Unfortunately, that one will be in Terminal 1, which is mostly occupied by Southwest Airlines – Hawaiian operates out of Terminal 3 in Sin City. This location will be quite a bit smaller at 4,500 square-feet.
The Phoenix location will be even smaller at 3,500 square-feet, and like the Vegas lounge, will be located closes to Southwest gates. Conversely, the San Diego location will be 11,000 square-feet, which will be the largest location out West, and will be in Terminal 2, which is where Hawaiian operates at the airport.
A Chase Sapphire Lounge is Coming to LAX, Final Thoughts
Again, I think that news that a Chase Sapphire Lounge is coming to LAX, LAS, SAN, and PHX is great! It’s worth reminding that Chase Sapphire Reserve, JP Morgan Select, and Ritz-Carlton credit card cardholders and their authorized users can access the lounge. All cardholders and authorized users may bring up to two guests each, and additional guests for $27 per person. However, Ritz-Carlton cardholders enjoy unlimited guests. Priority Pass members can access Chase Sapphire Lounges, too, but only once per year.