In a significant shift aimed at curbing airport lounge overcrowding, Chase is officially removing its Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club from the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks, effective August 15, 2026.
While this marks an end to non-Chase cardholders using Priority Pass to access some of the country’s top-rated airport lounges, it brings welcome updates and extended perks for core cardholders.
1. Priority Pass and LoungeKey Access Is Ending
Until now, general Priority Pass and LoungeKey members—including those who received their membership through competing premium cards like the Capital One Venture X or Amex Platinum—were entitled to one complimentary visit per calendar year to a Chase Sapphire Lounge, with additional visits available for a discounted $75 rate.
- No more free annual visits: Priority Pass and LoungeKey passes will no longer grant entry to any Sapphire Lounge location.
- No discounted rate: The $75 reduced entry fee for Priority Pass holders will be eliminated.
- Standard day pass price: Non-cardholders or general travelers can still purchase a guest pass at the door for $100 per person, subject to space and capacity availability.
2. Extended Layover Stay Window for Chase Cardholders
To reward its primary cardmembers, Chase is rolling out a major positive update for connecting travelers on the same date:
- 5-Hour Layover Access: Starting August 15, eligible cardholders traveling on a connecting itinerary can enter a Chase Sapphire Lounge up to 5 hours before their scheduled departing flight (up from the previous 3-hour window).
- Originating Flights: For travelers starting their trip at an airport with a Sapphire Lounge, the access window remains capped at 3 hours prior to departure.
Who Still Gets Unlimited Access?
If you hold one of Chase’s premium travel cards, your lounge perks remain intact (and should come with shorter wait times at the podium):
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
- The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card
- J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
Primary cardmembers and authorized users continue to receive unlimited complimentary access, along with two free guest passes per visit.
"Airport lounge crowding has reached an all-time high, and Chase is following in the footsteps of American Express and Capital One by prioritizing its own cardmembers over network pass holders."
The Bottom Line
If you hold a non-Chase card with Priority Pass and haven't used your complimentary annual visit yet, be sure to drop in before August 15, 2026!
