Chase Sapphire Lounge Access Changes
Fewer people will be able to enjoy lounge-maxxing at Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations soon. New entry requirements are coming in August for some. The news comes as the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network has been growing rapidly across the country. Just this month, its newest lounge opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)—and more arrivals are on the way. And now, it's making a new effort to perhaps curb the overcrowding that's plagued airport lounges across the board in recent years. Let's look at who the Chase Sapphire Lounge access changes will impact.
New Entry Restrictions
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations are known for trendy decor, chef-created menus, craft cocktails and other amenities—if you can get inside. Lounge access is granted to select Chase premium cardholders. Priority Pass members and LoungeKey cardholders can currently also enjoy one visit per calendar year. Additional visits thereafter cost $75 per person, discounted from the standard $100 day pass pricing.
But starting Aug. 15, 2026, that's all shifting with the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge access changes. Priority Pass and LoungeKey members will no longer be able to enjoy their complimentary calendar-year visit to Chase Sapphire Lounges after that date. The changes were flagged by TPG and also confirmed with notices about network changes that are now showing in the Priority Pass app.
Instead, complimentary access will be limited to those who hold the below cards, subject to availability. Learn more about entry requirements and guest access in our guide to Chase Sapphire Lounge access. You can also find the current hours of each lounge here.
| Cards + Memberships | Eligible cardholders |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Primary cardmembers and authorized users |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve For Business | Primary cardmembers |
| Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card | Primary cardmembers and authorized users |
| J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card | Primary cardmembers and authorized users |
Another Change: Longer Access for Connections
Also beginning Aug. 15, 2026, eligible cardmembers can enjoy a new perk courtesy of the coming Chase Sapphire Lounge access changes. Starting that date, those who have a connecting itinerary may enter a Sapphire Lounge up to 5 hours before their connecting flight. This is an increase from the current 3-hour limit.
The access policy will remain unchanged for nonstop itineraries and before the first flight of a trip, which will continue to allow entry up to 3 hours before departure.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Access Changes: ToP Thoughts
This change was likely a long time coming. American Express and Capital One already restrict their own lounges to those who hold select premium cards, so it's not a shocker to see Chase follow suit. It's been nice for the Priority Pass and LoungeKey members who got to dip their toes into the Chase Sapphire Lounge experience—but it's becoming increasingly hard for them to get inside without a wait, anyway. On the other hand, the longer access window will be a welcome change for those with long connections at one of the major airports with a Chase Sapphire Lounge. But it also begs the question: Will that negate any reduction in crowds from the other restrictions? Do you think the Chase Sapphire Lounge access changes will make any significant impact on overcrowding? Tell us over on the ToP Facebook group.
