One area travel credit card issuers compete is airport lounges.
Although Chase entered the airport lounge scene much later than American Express and Capital One, it's working quickly to grow its footprint.
On Jan. 16, 2024, Chase began welcoming guests to its third branded airport lounge, located at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Then, on Jan. 23, it will open its doors to a new lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Spread across two floors and over 21,800 square feet, the LaGuardia Chase lounge is decked out with an array of premium amenities, including a number of firsts for both Chase and the airport. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the new lounge has plenty to offer.
CNBC Select shares a first look at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport and how you can access it.
How to access Chase Sapphire Lounges
Something unique about Chase Sapphire Lounges is that you don't necessarily need a Chase card to get in. Access is available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) cardholders and anyone with a Priority Pass membership.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who have activated the card's Priority Pass Select membership receive unlimited access and can bring up to two guests at no charge.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
All other Priority Pass members receive one free visit per calendar year across the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club network in the U.S. and will pay a $75 fee for each subsequent visit.
Many premium credit cards come with a complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership. For example, the *American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, both come with a Priority Pass membership (Requires enrollment for Priority Pass™ Select) and grant you access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club® and Plaza Premium lounges as well. Terms apply.
*With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a premium business card loaded with statement credit offers for business services and travel that help justify its steep annual fee.
- Access to 1,550 airport lounges, including Priority Pass (Enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Hotel and rental car elite status perks
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned; Benefits may be subject to auto-renewal)
- High annual fee
- Limited bonus spending categories
- Some statement credit offers are earned in small increments or only apply to purchases from a single brand
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
- See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
If you're seeking a Priority Pass™ membership and access to Capital One Lounges, consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. With the card, you have unlimited access to Priority Pass, Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
- Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after every card anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations
- Long list of valuable travel and shopping protections, including return protection, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement (Benefit(s) only available to accounts approved for the Visa Infinite card. Terms apply.)
- Limited bonus spending categories compared to other premium credit cards
- High annual fee
- High credit score requirement (excellent credit)
Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
What to expect at the LGA Chase Sapphire Lounge
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport is located in the newly overhauled Terminal B, home to airlines like Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue. It's open from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
The splashy, reflective blue entrance is directly adjacent to the American Express Centurion Lounge, in the direction of gates 41 to 59. The lounge itself is down one level, but feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.
While the lounge doesn't have any windows or natural light, tall ceilings, tree trunk-like pillars and an abundance of greenery create an airy, garden-like feel.
To the right is a casual seating area with plush couches, oversized chairs and ottomans. As with the other seating options throughout the lounge, the couches have built-in power outlets, as well as USB-A and USB-C power ports, making it easy to charge your devices before your flight.
Just past this seating is an alcove that serves as a family area and is adjoined by a children's playroom.
Even if you're not traveling with little ones in tow, this area is worth a visit. Hidden behind a curtain is a photo booth that leads to a retro-inspired arcade, complete with a jukebox, pinball and shuffleboard, that can help you pass the time no matter what your age.
If you're looking for a quiet respite, the lounge offers dedicated wellness rooms with various complimentary 30-minute treatments from Face Haus, a women-owned facial bar.
Looking to catch some shut-eye? There are also two curtained-off rest pods you can reserve for 30-minute periods.
Back in the main room, there's a dedicated work area, consisting of a long table, semi-private workstation booths, two phone rooms and additional lounge seating. This area still feels relaxing thanks to an electric fireplace and curated artwork from the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection, drawing inspiration from the vibrant essence of New York City.
The centerpiece of the lounge is a chic 360-degree bar, featuring cocktails and mocktails by Apotheke Mixology, premium wine lists from Parcelle and made-to-order Joe Coffee beverages.
The menu includes signature drinks like the Sapphire, which is fruit-forward and includes ingredients like blueberry, goldenberry, lime, ginger and oregano. You'll also find locally-inspired creations like The Blackburn's Sour, which is a nod to LaGuardia's colorful history with ingredients like blackberry, raspberry, açaí, ginger, lime and golden pea shoots.
Just past that is the main dining area with plenty of tables and booth seating.
The buffet area has an open kitchen concept, allowing you to watch the chefs prepare the food. The menu was designed by the New York City bistro Joseph Leonard and includes a range of delectable hot and cold options, such as seared salmon with braised leeks and crème fraîche, a roast beef sandwich and the Sapphire burger.
While there are many ready-to-eat options, most entrees are available on a made-to-order basis, giving the lounge a more premium feel.
Additional seating and a snack and drink station are available upstairs. Dubbed "The Perch," this area almost feels like you've ascended into a (very comfortable) tree house.
Chase's exclusive Reserve Suites
Along with the new lounge, Chase also introduced the concept, "The Reserve Suites by Chase."
Tucked away on the second floor are three private rooms — two of which can be adjoined — that discerning Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers can book for more exclusivity.
Somewhat similar to the luxurious private airport terminals PS, guests enjoy a private entrance and a dedicated suite attendant for what Chase calls "the ultimate white glove travel experience."
Each suite is essentially a private living room, complete with a fully stocked snack and beverage bar, an in-mirror TV with video games and a spa-like ensuite bathroom and shower.
Guests can indulge in an exclusive menu from the New York City eatery Jeffrey's Grocery, featuring dishes like lobster rolls and latkes with lox and poached eggs.
The suite experience also includes a signature caviar service presented with a mother-of-pearl spoon, as well as a premium parting gift.
Overall, this is something you might expect to find at a large, international airport — not one where almost all flights are under five hours long. However, this service comes at a price.
While Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will need to head to the benefits and travel section on the Chase mobile app for full booking and pricing details, the starting price is north of $2,000 for a suite.
Other Chase lounges that are opening soon
In addition to New York's LaGuardia Airport, there are Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations at Boston Logan International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport. Chase has several more lounges in the works, including:
- New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Terminal 4 in the Mezzanine above Gate A2
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Terminal 4 South 1
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Terminal 1 near C Gates
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): Terminal 2 West
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Terminal D to E connector
The JFK location will open on Jan. 23, 2024 and be a joint offering with Etihad Airways, which previously operated the lounge before it was renovated.
While not considered a full-scale Chase Sapphire Lounge, Chase also offers the Sapphire Terrace at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, accessible only to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders.
Bottom line
Whether you're looking to work, play, dine or relax, you can do it all at the new Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport. This lounge surpasses the already high standard that Chase set with its locations in Boston and Hong Kong, giving it the ambiance of a private members' club in the heart of Manhattan rather than an airport lounge that's relatively accessible.
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card and airport lounge review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Read more
For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
