Effective Aug. 15, 2026, Chase Sapphire Lounges will no longer participate in the Priority Pass or LoungeKey networks. This marks a clear shift after years of steady expansion that brought these distinctive airport spaces to more travelers across the country. At the same time, the issuer is introducing a targeted improvement for its own cardholders on connecting itineraries.
Why the Networks Are Parting Ways
Chase has built a reputation for creating lounges that stand apart from standard airport offerings. Travelers have come to appreciate the quality of the food and beverage selections, along with thoughtful extras such as wellness services at select locations. As more people discovered these spaces, demand naturally rose, prompting the issuer to refine access rules.
Until now, Priority Pass and LoungeKey members could visit a Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year at no charge when space allowed, with paid entry available at a reduced rate for additional visits. That arrangement gave a broader group of travelers a chance to experience the lounges without holding an eligible Chase card. Beginning Aug. 15, both the complimentary annual visit and the discounted paid option will end.
Access Remains Steady for Eligible Cardholders
Cardmembers who qualify through their Chase products will continue to enjoy unlimited complimentary entry. The change primarily affects those who previously relied on Priority Pass or LoungeKey for their single annual visit. Priority Pass members will retain access to more than 1,900 other lounges and experiences worldwide, including alternatives at the same airports that host Sapphire Lounges.
Eligible cards include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and Ritz-Carlton Credit Card. The complimentary Priority Pass Select membership tied to these cards is unaffected, and the existing guest policy stays in place. Cardholders may bring up to two guests at no charge per visit, along with children under two, with additional guests permitted for a fee.
A Practical Improvement for Longer Layovers
Alongside the network change, Chase is extending lounge access for travelers on connecting itineraries. Eligible cardmembers will now be able to enter a Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before their scheduled connecting flight, an increase from the previous three-hour window. Access before the first flight of a trip or on nonstop itineraries remains limited to three hours prior to departure.
This adjustment directly addresses the needs of passengers facing extended connections. It provides more time to rest, work, or enjoy the lounge amenities without rushing between flights.
Before-and-After Overview
| Aspect | Before Aug. 15, 2026 | After Aug. 15, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Pass / LoungeKey access | One complimentary visit per year plus discounted paid entry | No access |
| Connecting-flight window | Up to 3 hours before departure | Up to 5 hours before departure |
| Cardholder access | Unlimited complimentary entry | Unlimited complimentary entry (unchanged) |
| Guest policy | Up to two guests free, plus children under 2 | Up to two guests free, plus children under 2 (unchanged) |
What Travelers Should Consider Now
Those who still hold Priority Pass access through other means and have been planning a Sapphire Lounge visit may want to use that benefit before the Aug. 15 cutoff. For Chase cardholders, the policy adjustments are designed to help maintain a comfortable experience as the lounge network matures. The extended window for connections offers a tangible benefit for anyone whose itineraries include longer layovers.
Airport lounge policies continue to evolve as issuers balance demand with capacity. These particular updates reflect a focus on preserving access for the cardmembers who support the program while clarifying boundaries for external networks. Travelers can review their specific card benefits and upcoming itineraries to make the most of the spaces that remain available to them.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.