Chase Opens Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia (& Another One is On the Way)

Nearly eight months to the day since its first U.S. lounge opened up in Boston (BOS), Chase is adding a second location in the states to its roster. And a third is opening next week at another New York-area airport just a dozen or so miles away.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York City-LaGuardia (LGA) officially opened its doors on Tuesday. It's a sprawling, 21,800-square-foot space spread across not one but two floors, with many of the same elements that made the Boston lounge such a standout. Expect top-notch cocktails, a la carte plates, relaxation rooms to catch a quick nap, and a chic, modern design.

It's the bank's second U.S. location but third overall, counting its first-ever lounge in Hong Kong (HKG). And travelers won't have to wait long for a fourth: A surprise location is coming next week over at New York City (JFK) – keep reading for more details!

The LaGuardia Sapphire Lounge is located in Terminal B – home to airlines including American, United, Air Canada, and Southwest – right next to Amex's LaGuardia Centurion Lounge. It's open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Oh, and then there's this: Ultra-exclusive “Reserve Suites by Chase,” three private suites within the lounge that offer an unparalleled VIP experience with a dedicated lounge attendant, private bathrooms and showers, an exclusive dining menu complete with caviar service upon arrival, and more. There are two suites with a capacity of up to eight people and a single suite with space for four guests.

There's nothing else quite like it among Chase's competitors, so no surprise – they won't come cheap. Even the smaller suite will set you back $2,200 while reserving the larger spaces costs $3,000 … for a three-hour stay. Cardholders can reserve and pay for their suite experience in Chase's mobile app. Just be sure to do so at least 72 hours before arrival.

Even for the rest of us, getting into the Chase Sapphire Lounge isn't exactly a cinch:

• You can only get in before departure – not upon arrival. And Chase restricts entry to just three hours before departure, though the lounge may make exceptions if you're making a connection through LaGuardia
• The bank's flagship *chase sapphire reserve* cardholders get unlimited complimentary visits to Chase lounges thanks to their Priority Pass memberships, along with up to two free guests each and every visit
• If you've got the no-longer-offered Ritz-Carlton Card from Chase, you'll also get free access to Chase Sapphire lounges for yourself and an unlimited amount of guests
• Travelers with a Priority Pass membership from other cards like *amex platinum* or the *venture x* will get one free pass into a Chase Sapphire Lounge each calendar year – and not at each Chase location, but one total across the entire U.S. network of lounges
  • After that one-time entry, travelers with Priority Pass can purchase day passes for $75
  • Priority Pass members won't get free guests, either – they'll have to pay $75 apiece, too
• Got a *chase sapphire preferred*? No luck: You'll have to pay the full $100 for a day pass
• Day passes to the Chase Sapphire Lounge in LaGuardia are available to any traveler for a steep of fee $100 per person – though that figure may vary as future locations open

Read more: Chase Sapphire Lounges: Where to Find Them & How to Get In

But once you're in, this lounge is something else. At nearly 22,000 square feet, it dwarfs practically any other lounge from a credit card company – and even many dedicated airline lounges, too. What the lounge lacks in natural light it more than makes up for with an inviting, homey design – this isn't your typical, stale airport lounge.

There's a ground floor with plenty of room to sit dine, and relax. And you'll find familiar amenities like phone booths and a wellness wing (complete with relaxation rooms as well as complimentary facial treatments from Face Haus) plus some new ones, like a small “arcade” with table games.

At the center of it all, you'll find the signature, circular bar. Talk about a cool space to sit down for a cocktail before your flight!

A grand, curving staircase takes you up to the open-air mezzanine level with plenty of additional seating. The support beams that mimic tree trunks are such a fun touch.

There's plenty in the food and drink department on tap, too.

Much like the Boston lounge, there's both a buffet setup and an a la carte menu with plates you can order via QR code. Chase is touting new dishes like a seared salmon, lentil ragout, and a tasty roast beef sandwich with raclette cheese on ciabatta at this LaGuardia location.

New York mixology specialists Apotheke have whipped up cocktails and mocktails. And there'll be beer, wine, coffee, and more on offer, too – including made-to-order espresso drinks behind the bar.

Yes, it's all complimentary once you're inside.

A Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK, Too?

Chase cardholders in the states might have been waiting a while for another lounge to visit, but they won't have to wait much longer – or stray far at all – for a third spot.

In a surprise move, Chase also announced it's taking over the long-shuttered Etihad Airways lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). That lounge is located in Terminal 4, just past security. And it's scheduled to open next Tuesday, Jan. 23, with standard hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

While opening day is just a week away, the exact details of who can get in (and when) are still unclear. It'll be operated jointly with Etihad, which flies twice a day to Abu Dhabi (AUH) – including the upcoming return of its Airbus A380 with “The Apartment” first class suites. We're betting the lounge will have some exclusive access policies for Etihad's premium passengers ahead of its early afternoon and late evening departures, but stay tuned for more details.

But make no mistake: This will be a Chase Sapphire Lounge. A Chase spokesperson confirmed the bank has redesigned and upgraded the space “so it will have that same signature Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club elevated experience and offerings.”

That addition could cement JFK's Terminal 4 one of the best airport terminals in the country for lounges. Consider this: The Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK complete with a speakeasy bar is just steps away, while the cheeky Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK isn't far, either. Delta has not one but two Sky Clubs at JFK after a second location opened last summer. Emirates also has its own lounge in the terminal, and there are a few Priority Pass lounges to boot.

So travelers will soon be spoiled for lounge choices heading out of Terminal 4. Delta is the biggest airline at Terminal 4, but plenty of other carriers operate there including Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, LATAM, El Al, and many more.

Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia is open. And by the looks of it, travelers are in for a treat.

It's the third and biggest Sapphire Lounge yet, with nearly 22,000 square feet to roam around – plus, big spenders and VIPs can reserve ultra-private suites with ensuite showers and caviar service. While we might not fork over $2,000-plus to check out one of those “Reserve Suites,” we're looking forward to checking out this new Sapphire Lounge for ourselves.

And soon, there'll be another one on the list. A fourth Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK jointly operated with Etihad Airways is expected to open next week.

All photos courtesy of Chase Sapphire