Chase Sapphire Lounges Leave Priority Pass August 15, 2026: What Changes for Cardholders & Who Still Gets In
Primary sources: Priority Pass official lounge pages (DFW, LAS, PHL, SAN examples) + Chase spokesperson statements reported by Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, NerdWallet (July 31, 2026) and cross-checked with Frequent Miler, Doctor of Credit, AwardWallet.
Beginning August 15, 2026, every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location will exit the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks, ending both the once-per-year complimentary visit and the $75 preferential rate that miles-and-points travelers had previously used across the nine U.S. sites.
Primary cardmembers of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card retain unlimited complimentary access plus up to two free guests while also gaining an expanded five-hour entry window for connecting itineraries.
Non-eligible Priority Pass and LoungeKey holders lose both the free annual visit and the $75 rate entirely (a capacity-constrained $100 walk-up remains theoretically possible), while up to 49 alternative Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges stay available at the same airports; any unused 2026 complimentary Sapphire Lounge visit must be used before the cutoff.
Research-driven analysis as of August 08, 2026. Compiled exclusively from Priority Pass official lounge pages stating the exact removal language, Chase spokesperson confirmations reported by Forbes Advisor / The Points Guy / Upgraded Points / NerdWallet (July 31, 2026), and multi-source cross-checks with Frequent Miler, Doctor of Credit, AwardWallet and related trackers. All .
At a Glance: Chase Sapphire Lounge Priority Pass Ends August 15, 2026
- August 15, 2026 is the hard cutoff date when Priority Pass and LoungeKey participation ends at every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
- Prior access of one complimentary visit per calendar year (network-wide) plus $75 preferential rate for additional visits/guests disappears completely.
- Four card products retain unlimited complimentary access with no announced changes: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business (primary cardmembers), J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.
- Eligible cardholders keep the two-free-guest policy (children under 2 free in addition) with $27 charged for each additional guest.
- Connecting itineraries for eligible holders expand from a three-hour to a five-hour pre-departure window effective August 15; originating/nonstop flights remain at three hours.
- All nine currently open U.S. locations (BOS, DFW, LAS, JFK, LGA, PHL, PHX, SAN, IAD) are affected; Hong Kong closed earlier and is out of scope.
- Chase states up to 49 alternative Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges remain accessible at the same nine airports; overall network stays above 1,900.
- Non-eligible travelers may still attempt a $100 walk-up day pass subject to capacity and priority given to eligible cardholders; remaining 2026 complimentary visits should be used before the cutoff if travel is planned.
Real-World Examples
Example 1 — Leisure Priority Pass Holder (Amex Platinum / Capital One Venture X / Similar Non-Chase)
A traveler holding Priority Pass through a non-Chase card plans a summer trip through Phoenix (PHX) or Boston (BOS) and still has the remaining 2026 complimentary Sapphire Lounge visit available. The traveler books and uses that visit before August 15, 2026.
After the cutoff both the free annual visit and the former $75 preferential rate disappear completely at all nine locations, so the pre-cutoff visit secures the final high-quality lounge experience under the prior hybrid rules.
Takeaway: Time-sensitive use-it-or-lose-it for any remaining 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit to a Sapphire Lounge.
Example 2 — Chase Sapphire Reserve Primary Cardmember on a Multi-Leg Connecting Itinerary
An eligible Sapphire Reserve primary cardmember departs early morning and connects through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or John F. Kennedy (JFK) with a longer layover. Effective August 15 the cardmember may enter the Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before the scheduled departure of the connecting flight.
Unlimited complimentary access continues unchanged, two guests remain free, and the expanded window plus reduced Priority Pass traffic create more usable rest and meal time without the prior capacity pressure.
Takeaway: Eligible holders gain both continued unlimited access and a practical five-hour connecting-flight window expansion.
Example 3 — Family Traveler with Ritz-Carlton Credit Card or Sapphire Reserve (Two Adults + Child Under 2)
A family arrives at LaGuardia (LGA) or Philadelphia (PHL) with an eligible card. The primary cardmember brings two free guests plus a child under age 2 at no additional charge; any further guests pay $27 each.
Guest policy is unchanged by the August 15 cutoff, unlimited access continues for the listed cards, and the removal of Priority Pass traffic offers potential capacity relief at popular locations.
Takeaway: Guest rules stay favorable and capacity relief is a side benefit for core cardholders.
TL;DR – Verdict
- Hard cutoff: August 15, 2026 ends both the one complimentary Priority Pass/LoungeKey visit per calendar year and the $75 preferential rate at all nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations.
- Who keeps unlimited access: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business (primary), J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card retain full complimentary entry plus two free guests.
- New benefit for eligible holders: Connecting itineraries expand to a five-hour pre-departure window (originating/nonstop flights stay at three hours).
- Alternatives still exist: Up to 49 Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges remain accessible at the same nine airports; the broader network exceeds 1,900 options.
- Walk-up reality: A $100 day pass is theoretically available after the cutoff but is capacity-constrained and prioritizes eligible cardholders.
- Immediate action: Any remaining 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit to a Sapphire Lounge must be used before August 15 if travel through an affected airport is planned.
Verdict: The change prioritizes core eligible cardholders who lose nothing and gain both a longer connecting window and likely reduced crowding. Priority Pass and LoungeKey members without one of the four listed cards lose a meaningful high-end option they could previously access once per year or at $75. The residual $100 walk-up is not reliable. Travelers with planned 2026 travel through the nine airports should act before August 15 if they still hold an unused complimentary visit.
Last updated: August 7, 2026. All figures drawn exclusively from the verified fact sheet.
Introduction
On August 15, 2026, every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location in the United States will exit the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks. The change ends both the one complimentary visit per calendar year and the $75 preferential rate that previously applied to these nine high-quality lounges, a development that directly affects miles-and-points travelers who had built strategies around that limited hybrid access.
The lounges had operated under a hybrid model developed in partnership with Airport Dimensions, the operator of “The Club” brand. That model deliberately prioritized Chase cardholders while still permitting limited Priority Pass and LoungeKey participation—specifically one free annual visit network-wide plus the $75 rate for additional visits or guests. The August 15 cutoff converts the network from hybrid to more fully cardholder-exclusive, aligning it closer to closed systems such as American Express Centurion Lounges or Capital One Lounges.
Timing is immediate. As of August 08, 2026 research date of August 7, 2026, the Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff sits only eight days away. Official Priority Pass lounge pages for locations such as DFW, LAS, PHL, and SAN already display the explicit notice: “Effective 15 August 2026, this lounge will no longer be part of the network.” Chase spokesperson statements reported by Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, and NerdWallet confirm that the preferential $75 rate will also no longer apply.
Two distinct reader groups face different outcomes. Primary cardmembers of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card retain unlimited complimentary access with no announced changes to guest policy. These eligible holders also gain a tangible operational improvement: the ability to enter a Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before the scheduled departure of a connecting flight, expanded from the previous three-hour window. Originating, nonstop, and first-flight-of-trip passengers remain subject to the three-hour rule, and a same-day eligible boarding pass is still required.
For everyone else—holders of Priority Pass or LoungeKey through American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X, certain Citi or U.S. Bank cards, and similar non-Chase products—the free annual visit and $75 rate disappear completely. A $100 walk-up day pass remains theoretically available but is capacity-constrained and prioritizes eligible Chase cardholders. At the same nine airports, Chase states that up to 49 alternative Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges continue to operate, and the global network still exceeds 1,900 options; however, sources consistently describe the Sapphire Lounges as higher-end in food quality, design, and amenities relative to typical network offerings, making the loss meaningful for those who planned around the prior rules.
The practical stakes are therefore asymmetric. Travelers who optimized around the once-per-year free visit or the discounted rate must decide whether any remaining 2026 complimentary access can still be used before August 15. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders experience no loss of Sapphire Lounge access and receive both continued Priority Pass Select membership for the broader network and the new five-hour connecting window. Crowding and wait times at popular locations such as Phoenix and Boston were cited across reporting as contributing factors to the decision to restrict access.
This post maps the exact mechanics of the Chase Sapphire Lounge Priority Pass ends announcement, the retained benefits under Sapphire Lounge access August 2026 rules, the inventory of the nine affected locations, remaining alternatives, guest policies, the Chase lounge 5-hour connecting flight window, and the capacity realities of any post-cutoff walk-up. Every claim is drawn solely from Priority Pass official lounge-page language and multi-outlet Chase spokesperson reporting cross-checked against Frequent Miler, Doctor of Credit, AwardWallet, and related trackers. The Section 1 overview badges, hero pills, and verdict provide the skimmable foundation; the sections that follow supply the full operational detail required for decision-making.
Research note as of August 08, 2026. All dates, rates, card lists, window changes, and based on direct Priority Pass page language and consistent Chase spokesperson statements reported July 31–August 3, 2026. No speculative claims are included.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Priority Pass Ends: Exact Details of the August 15, 2026 Cutoff
The Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff takes effect on a single, unambiguous date: August 15, 2026. On that day, every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location in the United States will cease participation in both the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks. The change is network-wide and covers all nine currently open U.S. airports; no location is exempted and no phased withdrawal is indicated.
Prior to the cutoff, Priority Pass and LoungeKey members—regardless of which bank or card issued the membership—were entitled to one complimentary visit per calendar year. That free visit applied network-wide rather than on a per-lounge basis and remained subject to availability and capacity at the specific location on the day of travel. Additional visits, including guest entries, could be purchased at a preferential rate of $75 per person, payable directly at the lounge. These rules were consistent across Priority Pass lounge-conditions language and reporting from Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, NerdWallet, Frequent Miler, and Doctor of Credit.
Effective August 15, 2026, both entitlements end completely. Priority Pass and LoungeKey memberships no longer grant any form of access—complimentary or discounted—to Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations. Chase spokesperson statements reported by Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, and NerdWallet explicitly confirm that “the preferential rate of $75 will also no longer apply.” LoungeKey is treated identically to Priority Pass; the same termination of free and discounted access applies to both programs.
Official Priority Pass lounge pages already reflect the removal. Listings for DFW, LAS, PHL, SAN, and other locations display the precise language: “Effective 15 August 2026, this lounge will no longer be part of the network. Please check the app or website for other options in this airport.” The notice is live as of August 08, 2026 research date of August 7, 2026, giving travelers a clear, primary-source confirmation that the Chase Sapphire Lounge Priority Pass ends on the stated date.
The cutoff matters because many miles-and-points travelers had timed visits or structured itineraries around the hybrid model that previously allowed limited Priority Pass participation. The once-per-year free visit and the $75 preferential rate created a predictable, low-cost entry point into lounges widely described as higher-end than typical Priority Pass offerings in food quality, design, and amenities. When that hybrid access disappears, any strategy built solely on the free annual visit or the discounted rate loses its foundation at these nine locations.
A common pitfall is the assumption that some residual discounted access will survive the cutoff. No grandfathering, transition period, or continued preferential pricing is indicated in official Priority Pass language or Chase spokesperson statements. After August 15, non-eligible members face a binary outcome: no free or $75 access at all. The only remaining paid option is the standard $100 walk-up day pass, which is capacity-constrained and prioritizes eligible Chase cardholders.
Before / After Access Comparison
| Access Type | Pre-August 15, 2026 | Post-August 15, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Free annual visit (Priority Pass / LoungeKey) | One complimentary visit per calendar year, network-wide, subject to availability | Eliminated completely |
| Preferential rate for additional visits / guests | $75 per person | Eliminated completely |
| Unlimited access for eligible Chase / J.P. Morgan / Ritz cards | Unlimited complimentary for listed primary cardmembers | Unchanged — continues |
| Guest policy (eligible cardholders) | Up to two guests free; children under 2 free in addition; $27 each additional | Unchanged — no policy revision announced |
| Connecting-flight entry window (eligible cardholders) | Three hours before scheduled departure | Five hours before scheduled departure of connecting flight; three hours remains for originating / nonstop / first flight |
| Walk-up / day pass (non-eligible) | $75 preferential available in addition to free annual visit | $100 standard rate only; subject to capacity; priority given to eligible cardholders |
Table data drawn exclusively from Priority Pass official lounge conditions, Chase spokesperson statements, and multi-source cross-checks.
The practical implication is absolute for non-eligible members. There is no residual discounted pathway, no grace period, and no indication that the prior hybrid rules will be restored. Travelers who still hold an unused 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit and who plan to transit one of the nine affected airports must complete that visit before August 15, 2026. After that date, the Chase Sapphire Lounge Priority Pass ends for every non-eligible holder, and the only remaining paid option is the capacity-limited $100 walk-up.
Takeaway: The Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff is definitive. Both the free annual visit and the $75 preferential rate terminate on August 15, 2026 across all nine locations. LoungeKey is treated identically. No grandfathering or phased wind-down is indicated. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders are unaffected in their unlimited access; everyone else loses the hybrid pathway that previously existed.
Sapphire Lounge Access August 2026: Which Cardholders Still Get Unlimited Entry
Under the Sapphire Lounge access August 2026 rules, unlimited complimentary entry continues without interruption for primary cardmembers of exactly four products: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (primary cardmembers only), the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card. These are the sole cardholders who retain full, ongoing access to every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location after the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks depart on August 15, 2026.
Authorized-user treatment follows each card’s existing rules. For the majority of the listed products, authorized users receive the same lounge privileges as the primary cardmember when traveling with or independently of the primary, subject to the standard guest-policy limits. Sources note that The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card historically offered more flexible authorized-user rules; recent reporting indicates alignment toward the standard two-guest policy, yet unlimited authorized users remain a distinguishing feature in some coverage.
Critically, eligible cardholders continue to receive their complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the broader Priority Pass network outside the Sapphire Lounges. That benefit is unchanged by the August 15 cutoff. Access to the remaining more-than-1,900 lounges and travel experiences worldwide therefore persists exactly as before; only the nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations are removed from Priority Pass and LoungeKey eligibility.
Chase framed the change as prioritization of core cardholders to address capacity. Reporting across Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, and NerdWallet consistently cites crowding and wait times at popular locations—Phoenix and Boston are frequently referenced—as contributing factors. By ending the limited Priority Pass and LoungeKey pathway, the lounges shift from a hybrid model to a more cardholder-exclusive environment, reducing external traffic while preserving unlimited entry for the four listed products.
The practical difference is stark when compared with the pre-cutoff Priority Pass entitlement. Before August 15, any Priority Pass or LoungeKey member could claim one complimentary visit per calendar year (network-wide) and additional visits at $75. After the cutoff, that limited entitlement disappears entirely for non-eligible holders. The four Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz products, by contrast, never operated under a “one free visit” ceiling; their unlimited access simply continues, now with the added prospect of lower crowding as Priority Pass traffic is removed.
Eligible Cardholders Matrix — Sapphire Lounge Access August 2026
| Card Product | Unlimited Sapphire Lounge Access | Guest Policy Notes | Broader Priority Pass Select |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Yes — primary cardmembers (and AUs per card rules) | Up to 2 guests free; children under 2 free in addition; $27 each additional | Unchanged — continues for >1,900 lounges |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ | Yes — primary cardmembers only | Same standard guest policy as above | Unchanged — continues |
| J.P. Morgan Reserve Card | Yes — primary cardmembers (and AUs per card rules) | Same standard guest policy as above | Unchanged — continues |
| The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card | Yes — primary cardmembers (and AUs per card rules) | Historically more flexible AU treatment; recent reporting aligns toward standard two-guest policy; unlimited AUs noted as distinguishing feature in some sources | Unchanged — continues |
Matrix data drawn exclusively from Chase spokesperson statements reported by Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, NerdWallet, and Frequent Miler, plus continuing Priority Pass lounge-conditions language.
Primary-cardmember versus authorized-user distinctions matter in practice. A primary Sapphire Reserve or J.P. Morgan Reserve holder traveling alone or with guests enjoys the full unlimited entry and the two-free-guest allowance. An authorized user on the same account generally receives equivalent lounge privileges under the card’s existing rules, yet the precise mechanics for independent AU travel can vary by product. For The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card the historical flexibility around authorized users is the most frequently noted secondary detail, though recent coverage indicates convergence toward the standard guest framework. Travelers should confirm current authorized-user language on their specific card agreement rather than assume uniformity across the four products.
A common misconception is that every Chase card or every Priority Pass Select membership continues to unlock Sapphire Lounge access after the cutoff. That is incorrect. Only the four products listed above retain unlimited entry. Holders of other Chase cards, or of Priority Pass Select issued through American Express, Capital One, Citi, U.S. Bank, or any other non-listed issuer, lose both the free annual visit and the $75 preferential rate at these nine locations. The Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge changes therefore create a bright-line distinction between the core eligible products and the rest of the Priority Pass universe.
Eligible holders experience no loss of Sapphire Lounge access. In addition, the removal of Priority Pass and LoungeKey traffic is expected to produce a secondary benefit of reduced crowding at the more popular sites. Combined with the expanded five-hour connecting-flight window that takes effect on the same date, the net result for these cardholders is continuity of unlimited entry plus two measurable operational improvements.
Clear takeaway: After August 15, 2026, only primary cardmembers of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business (primary), J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card keep unlimited complimentary Sapphire Lounge access. Their broader Priority Pass Select membership for the rest of the network remains fully intact. All other Priority Pass or LoungeKey holders lose both the free annual visit and the $75 rate at these nine locations. Confirming which of the four products appears on a traveler’s wallet is the single most important eligibility check under the new Sapphire Lounge access August 2026 rules.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Changes: Guest Policies and the New 5-Hour Connecting Flight Window
The Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge changes that take effect on August 15, 2026 leave the guest policy for eligible cardholders completely intact while simultaneously expanding the entry window for connecting itineraries. These two elements—stable guest rules and a longer pre-departure window—constitute the most immediate operational improvements for the four products that retain unlimited access.
Eligible cardholders may bring up to two guests free of charge on every visit. Children under age 2 are admitted free in addition to that two-guest allowance. Any further guests beyond the free allotment are charged $27 each. These figures and rules appear consistently across The Points Guy, Forbes Advisor, Frequent Miler, Upgraded Points, and Priority Pass lounge-conditions language. No revisions to the guest policy were announced in conjunction with the August 15 cutoff.
Guest Policy at a Glance (Unchanged)
| Free guests per visit | Up to two adults |
| Children under age 2 | Admitted free (in addition to the two-guest allowance) |
| Each additional guest | $27 |
| Policy change with August 15 cutoff | None announced |
Data consistent across TPG, Forbes Advisor, Frequent Miler, Upgraded Points, and Priority Pass lounge conditions.
Parallel to the stable guest rules, eligible cardholders receive a measurable expansion of the entry window for connecting flights. Effective August 15, 2026, a cardmember traveling on a connecting itinerary may enter a Chase Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before the scheduled departure of the connecting flight. The prior window was three hours. The three-hour limit remains in force for originating flights, nonstop flights, and the first flight of a multi-leg trip. Access still requires presentation of a same-day eligible departing boarding pass.
Entry-Window Rules Effective August 15, 2026
- Connecting itinerary: Up to five hours before scheduled departure of the connecting flight (expanded from three hours).
- Originating / nonstop / first flight of trip: Three-hour window remains unchanged.
- Universal requirement: Same-day eligible departing boarding pass must be presented.
The strategic value of the Chase lounge 5-hour connecting flight rule is clearest for travelers with longer layovers at the nine affected airports. A passenger connecting through Dallas/Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, Phoenix, or Boston can now enter the lounge earlier, convert more of the connection into usable rest or meal time, and still exit with adequate buffer before the onward flight. Because the expansion applies only to connecting itineraries, the benefit is targeted rather than universal; an originating passenger continues to operate under the familiar three-hour constraint.
Real-world application illustrates the distinction. An eligible Sapphire Reserve primary cardmember arriving into DFW or JFK on an early flight and continuing later the same day can use the full five-hour window, potentially gaining two additional hours of lounge access relative to the prior rule. The same cardmember originating a nonstop or the first leg of a trip remains limited to three hours before departure. In both cases the same-day boarding-pass requirement continues to govern entry; the window change does not alter that foundational condition.
A common pitfall is the assumption that the five-hour window applies to every flight type or to every Priority Pass holder. It does not. The expansion is restricted to eligible cardholders (the four products that retain unlimited access) and only to connecting itineraries. Non-eligible Priority Pass or LoungeKey members lose all free and discounted access on August 15 and therefore have no claim on the expanded window. Misreading the rule as universal can produce arrival-time miscalculations and denied entry.
Taken together, the unchanged guest policy and the new five-hour connecting window give retained cardholders continuity on one axis and a measurable operational gain on another. Families can still bring two free guests plus a child under two at no charge; connecting passengers gain earlier entry without any corresponding loss of privilege. These elements form the practical core of the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge changes for the cardholders who continue to enjoy unlimited Sapphire Lounge access after the Priority Pass and LoungeKey departure.
Takeaway: Guest rules for eligible cardholders remain exactly as before—two free guests, children under two free in addition, $27 for each further guest—with no policy revision tied to the August 15 cutoff. Simultaneously, the Chase lounge 5-hour connecting flight window expands entry for connecting itineraries only, while originating and nonstop flights stay at three hours. Same-day boarding-pass requirements continue. Retained cardholders therefore receive both continuity of guest privileges and a concrete access-window improvement.
The Nine Affected Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club Locations
As of August 08, 2026 August 2026, nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations operate in the United States. Every one of them is affected by the August 15, 2026 departure from the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks. The change is network-wide; no U.S. site is exempted. Terminal-level and gate-level detail matters because access logistics after the Priority Pass removal will hinge on whether a traveler is already airside in the correct terminal and whether an eligible card is presented at the door.
The complete inventory, drawn from Frequent Miler (updated July 31, 2026), One Mile at a Time, AwardWallet, NerdWallet, Upgraded Points, The Points Guy, Chase media releases, and live Priority Pass lounge listings, is as follows.
Nine-Lounges Inventory — Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (as of August 08, 2026 August 2026)
| Airport Code | Full Name | Terminal / Gate Detail | Partnership / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | Boston Logan International Airport | Terminal B/C area | — |
| DFW | Dallas Fort Worth International Airport | Terminal D near Gate D25 | Opened July 16, 2026 |
| LAS | Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) | Terminal 1, Concourse C | — |
| JFK | John F. Kennedy International Airport | Terminal 4 near Gate A2 | Partnership with Etihad Airways |
| LGA | LaGuardia Airport | Terminal B | — |
| PHL | Philadelphia International Airport | Terminal D/E connector | — |
| PHX | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | Terminal 4 | — |
| SAN | San Diego International Airport | Terminal 2 | — |
| IAD | Washington Dulles International Airport | Concourse A near Gate A14 | Partnership with Etihad Airways |
Inventory confirmed across Frequent Miler (July 31, 2026 update), One Mile at a Time, AwardWallet, NerdWallet, Upgraded Points, TPG, Chase media releases, and Priority Pass lounge listings. All nine locations are affected by the August 15, 2026 network departure.
Two locations carry explicit partnership notes. The John F. Kennedy lounge sits in Terminal 4 near Gate A2 under a partnership with Etihad Airways; the Washington Dulles lounge occupies Concourse A near Gate A14 under the same Etihad partnership. These details affect wayfinding and airline co-location once Priority Pass and LoungeKey access ends. Travelers arriving on partner carriers or connecting within the same terminal will have the most straightforward path; those arriving in a different terminal must clear security or transfer procedures before presenting an eligible card.
The newest site is Dallas Fort Worth. The DFW lounge opened on July 16, 2026 in Terminal D near Gate D25 and is fully included in the August 15 cutoff. Because it is the most recent addition, capacity patterns and typical dwell times are still developing; eligible cardholders who retain unlimited access will be the primary users after Priority Pass and LoungeKey participation ends.
Scope notes clarify two locations outside the present change. The Hong Kong (HKG) Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club closed permanently on January 5, 2026 and therefore sits outside the Priority Pass departure discussion. Los Angeles (LAX) remains planned but is not yet open as of August 08, 2026 August 2026; it is not part of the nine-location inventory affected on August 15.
Terminal-level precision becomes more important once the Priority Pass and LoungeKey pathway disappears. Non-eligible travelers can no longer rely on a network-wide free visit or a $75 preferential rate; only eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, or Ritz-Carlton cardholders (and capacity-constrained $100 walk-ups) will be admitted. Knowing the exact terminal and gate cluster—Terminal B/C at Boston, Terminal D near D25 at DFW, Terminal 1 Concourse C at Las Vegas, Terminal 4 near A2 at JFK, Terminal B at LaGuardia, the D/E connector at Philadelphia, Terminal 4 at Phoenix, Terminal 2 at San Diego, or Concourse A near A14 at Dulles—allows a traveler to confirm airside position and avoid wasted movement between terminals after the cutoff.
Practical takeaway: All nine currently open U.S. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations leave the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks on August 15, 2026. Terminal and gate details listed above remain the operative logistics data for eligible cardholders who continue to enjoy unlimited access and for any non-eligible traveler considering a capacity-limited $100 walk-up. Hong Kong is closed and out of scope; Los Angeles is planned but not yet open.
Remaining Priority Pass and LoungeKey Options at the Impacted Airports
The Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff removes the nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations from the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks on August 15, 2026, yet it does not leave travelers without alternatives at those same airports. Chase states that up to 49 different lounges remain accessible via Priority Pass and/or LoungeKey across the nine impacted U.S. airports. The broader network continues to offer more than 1,900 lounges and travel experiences worldwide.
Exact per-airport counts are not static. Participation, hours, and guest policies can change, so sources uniformly direct travelers to the Priority Pass app or website for real-time verification on the day of travel. No exhaustive public list of the 49 alternatives appears in the announcement coverage from Forbes Advisor, NerdWallet, Upgraded Points, AwardWallet, or Thrifty Traveler; the “up to 49” figure is an aggregate statement rather than a published inventory.
Alternatives at a Glance
- At the nine impacted airports: Up to 49 different lounges still accessible via Priority Pass and/or LoungeKey.
- Global network: More than 1,900 lounges and travel experiences worldwide remain available.
- Verification rule: Exact participation, hours, and conditions must be checked in the Priority Pass app or website on the day of travel; counts can change.
High-level alternative categories referenced across reporting include airline lounges accessible by status or ticket class, American Express Centurion Lounges where present, Capital One Lounges where present, and other independent or partner lounges that continue to participate in the Priority Pass or LoungeKey networks. These categories supply the practical substitutes once the Sapphire Lounges exit, yet their availability is location-specific and subject to the same real-time confirmation requirement.
Terminal-specific considerations remain relevant after the cutoff. A traveler connecting through John F. Kennedy Terminal 4, LaGuardia Terminal B, or Dallas/Fort Worth Terminal D must confirm that any alternative lounge is located airside in the same terminal or is reachable without exiting security. The same logic applies at Boston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Dulles. Terminal mismatch can erase the practical value of an alternative even when the lounge itself remains in the network.
For Priority Pass holders the strategic implication is quality rather than pure quantity. Sources consistently describe the Chase Sapphire Lounges as higher-end than typical Priority Pass offerings in food quality, design, and amenities. The loss of those nine locations is therefore meaningful even though dozens of residual options exist at the same airports. The aggregate “up to 49” figure restores numerical access; it does not automatically restore the same experience level that the Sapphire Lounges previously provided under the hybrid model.
A common pitfall is assuming a specific alternative lounge will be open, accepting guests, or operating under the same conditions that applied on a previous visit. Because exact participation can change and because no exhaustive public list was released with the announcement, day-of verification in the Priority Pass app or website is the only reliable method. Arriving without that check risks discovering that the intended substitute is closed, at capacity, or no longer part of the network.
The residual network therefore functions as a fallback rather than a seamless replacement. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders continue to enjoy unlimited Sapphire Lounge access and are largely insulated from the quality differential. Non-eligible Priority Pass and LoungeKey members must treat the “up to 49” alternatives as a live, location-dependent inventory that requires confirmation each time they travel through one of the nine airports.
Takeaway: After the Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff, up to 49 alternative Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges remain at the nine impacted airports and the global network stays above 1,900 options. No exhaustive public inventory of the 49 was published; exact counts, hours, and conditions must be verified in the Priority Pass app or website on the day of travel. The Sapphire Lounges were higher-end relative to typical network offerings, so the quality differential is a practical loss even though numerical alternatives exist. Terminal location remains a decisive logistics factor.
Practical Impact for Priority Pass Holders vs. Eligible Chase Cardholders
The August 15, 2026 Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff produces sharply asymmetric outcomes. Non-Chase Priority Pass holders lose both the once-per-year complimentary visit and the $75 preferential rate at all nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders experience zero loss of access and gain both an expanded five-hour connecting window and the prospect of reduced crowding.
Travelers who hold Priority Pass through non-Chase products—American Express Platinum, Capital One Venture X, certain Citi cards, certain U.S. Bank cards, and similar issuers—forfeit the hybrid pathway that previously allowed limited entry. After the cutoff, neither the free annual visit nor the $75 rate remains available. Sources across The Points Guy, Forbes Advisor, Upgraded Points, Parade, From the Tray Table, Thrifty Traveler, and Eye of the Flyer describe the Sapphire Lounges as higher-end than typical Priority Pass offerings in food quality, design, and amenities. The loss is therefore noted as meaningful for travelers who had planned itineraries around that once-per-year high-quality visit.
By contrast, primary cardmembers of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card retain unlimited complimentary access with no announced changes to guest policy. These holders also receive the new five-hour entry window for connecting itineraries and stand to benefit from lower external traffic once Priority Pass and LoungeKey participation ends. Crowding and wait times at popular locations—Phoenix and Boston are the sites most frequently cited—were referenced as contributing factors to the decision to restrict access.
Impact Split: Non-Eligible vs. Eligible Cardholders
Priority Pass / Non-Eligible Holders
- Lose the one complimentary visit per calendar year
- Lose the $75 preferential rate for additional visits and guests
- No residual discounted access after August 15, 2026
- Higher-end lounge experience relative to typical Priority Pass options is no longer available under prior hybrid rules
Eligible Chase / J.P. Morgan / Ritz Cardholders
- Retain unlimited complimentary access with no change
- Keep two free guests (children under 2 free in addition)
- Gain five-hour connecting-flight entry window
- Potential capacity relief as Priority Pass traffic is removed
Split derived from Chase spokesperson statements and multi-source reporting (Forbes Advisor, TPG, Upgraded Points, NerdWallet, Frequent Miler).
Near-term action is uniform across sources: any remaining 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit to a Sapphire Lounge should be used before August 15, 2026 if travel through an affected airport is planned. Once the cutoff passes, the free annual visit and $75 rate disappear completely; the only residual paid option is the capacity-constrained $100 walk-up that prioritizes eligible cardholders.
Decision frameworks differ by traveler type. A leisure traveler whose only Priority Pass access comes through Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, or a similar non-Chase product faces a pure loss of the hybrid pathway and must decide whether an unused 2026 free visit can still be executed before the cutoff. A multi-card holder who also carries an eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, or Ritz product experiences no interruption and can simply continue using unlimited access while benefiting from the longer connecting window. A family traveling on an eligible card retains the two-free-guest allowance plus free admission for a child under two, with the added prospect of shorter waits once external Priority Pass traffic declines.
A common pitfall is delaying a planned visit past August 15 under the assumption that some discounted residual access will survive. No grandfathering or continued preferential pricing is indicated. Travelers who arrive after the cutoff without an eligible card will find neither the free visit nor the $75 rate available; the $100 walk-up remains theoretical and capacity-limited.
Strategic takeaway: The change is asymmetric. Core eligible cardholders are protected and slightly improved—they keep unlimited access, retain guest rules, gain a five-hour connecting window, and stand to experience reduced crowding. Pure Priority Pass optimizers who previously leveraged the hybrid model lose a premium, higher-end option at nine locations. Confirm card eligibility, act on any remaining 2026 complimentary visit before August 15, and treat post-cutoff walk-up access as non-guaranteed.
Historical Context of the Hybrid Access Model and Why the Change Occurred
Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club were developed in partnership with Airport Dimensions, the operator of the “The Club” brand. From the outset the network adopted a hybrid access model: unlimited complimentary entry was reserved for primary cardmembers of designated Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton products, while Priority Pass and LoungeKey members received a deliberately limited pathway—one complimentary visit per calendar year (network-wide) plus a $75 preferential rate for additional visits or guests.
That hybrid structure differed from fully closed networks such as American Express Centurion Lounges or Capital One Lounges, which never offered Priority Pass or LoungeKey participation. The Chase approach created a controlled external demand stream while still prioritizing core cardholders. The model functioned as a middle path: it generated incremental utilization and visibility for the lounges without granting the open-ended access that closed networks refuse.
Over time, crowding and wait times at several locations became visible pressure points. Sources including The Points Guy historical coverage, Upgraded Points, From the Tray Table, and Doctor of Credit commentary cite capacity strain—particularly at popular sites such as Phoenix and Boston—as contributing factors in the decision to restrict access. The hybrid pathway that once supplied limited external traffic had, in practice, added measurable volume at peak periods.
The August 15, 2026 change converts the lounges from hybrid to more cardholder-exclusive. Both the free annual Priority Pass/LoungeKey visit and the $75 preferential rate terminate completely. Official Priority Pass lounge pages already display the definitive removal language, and Chase spokesperson statements confirm that the preferential rate “will also no longer apply.” There is no indication of a temporary or reversible policy; the language across primary sources is absolute.
Sources frame the decision as prioritization of core cardholders to manage capacity. By ending the limited external pathway, the network reduces non-cardholder traffic while preserving unlimited access, guest rules, and the newly expanded five-hour connecting window for the four eligible products. The result is a clearer separation between retained cardholders and the broader Priority Pass population.
The episode carries forward-looking relevance for lounge-access strategy. Hybrid models can be tightened when demand exceeds design capacity. What began as a controlled opening to Priority Pass and LoungeKey traffic proved sustainable only while utilization remained within intended limits. Once crowding surfaced at multiple sites, the operator and card issuer elected to withdraw the external pathway entirely rather than expand physical capacity or introduce more complex tiering. Travelers who build strategies around hybrid access must therefore treat such arrangements as conditional rather than permanent.
The prior limited Priority Pass access was never unlimited. It was always capped at one complimentary visit per calendar year plus a paid preferential rate, and it always remained subject to availability. The August 15 cutoff simply removes that capped pathway. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders continue under the original priority rules; everyone else loses the hybrid option that had existed since the lounges opened.
Takeaway grounded in verified facts: The Chase Sapphire Lounges operated under a hybrid model that granted Priority Pass and LoungeKey members one free annual visit and a $75 rate while prioritizing core cardholders. Crowding at several locations contributed to the decision to end that external pathway on August 15, 2026. The policy language is definitive; no temporary or reversible arrangement is indicated. The prior limited access was never unlimited and has now been fully withdrawn. Future hybrid lounge strategies should be evaluated with the understanding that they can be tightened when demand exceeds capacity.
Walk-Up Day Pass Options and Capacity Realities After the Cutoff
After August 15, 2026, non-eligible travelers—including former Priority Pass and LoungeKey users without a qualifying Chase, J.P. Morgan, or Ritz-Carlton card—may still attempt to purchase a day or guest pass at the standard rate of $100 per person. This residual paid option is the only remaining pathway into a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location once both the free annual visit and the $75 preferential rate have ended.
The $100 walk-up is subject to availability and capacity. Priority is given to eligible Chase cardholders. Sources including Chase spokesperson comments reported by Upgraded Points, Doctor of Credit, and From the Tray Table consistently describe walk-up availability as limited and not guaranteed, especially during peak periods. The residual option is therefore framed as theoretical rather than reliable.
Former Preferential Rate vs. Residual Walk-Up
| Pre-August 15 preferential rate | $75 per person (available to Priority Pass / LoungeKey members for additional visits and guests) |
| Post-August 15 residual option | $100 per person day / guest pass |
| Availability after cutoff | Subject to capacity; priority given to eligible cardholders; limited and not guaranteed, especially at peak times |
| Reliability assessment in sources | Theoretical rather than reliable |
Data from Chase spokesperson statements via Upgraded Points, Doctor of Credit, From the Tray Table, and consistent secondary reporting.
The contrast with the former $75 preferential rate is decisive. Before the cutoff, Priority Pass and LoungeKey members could purchase additional visits or guest entries at a predictable discounted price. That preferential pricing is eliminated entirely on August 15. The $100 rate that remains is both higher and unconstrained by any network-level commitment to accept walk-up guests. Capacity management, not network membership, now governs entry for non-eligible travelers.
Practical advice implied across sources is straightforward: do not plan travel that depends on walk-up entry. Because priority is reserved for eligible cardholders and because availability is explicitly limited, a non-eligible traveler who arrives expecting to purchase a $100 day pass risks finding the lounge full or closed to walk-ups. Peak travel periods amplify the risk. The residual option therefore functions as a last-resort possibility rather than a dependable backup.
A common pitfall is arriving without an eligible card under the assumption that payment alone will secure entry. After the Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff, payment is necessary but not sufficient. Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders receive priority; non-eligible travelers occupy the residual capacity, if any remains. Discovering at the door that the lounge is prioritizing cardholders or has reached capacity leaves the traveler with no further discounted or free pathway into these nine locations.
The $100 walk-up does not restore the previous Priority Pass value proposition. The hybrid model that once combined one free annual visit with a $75 preferential rate has been withdrawn. What remains is a higher-priced, capacity-constrained, non-guaranteed option that sources describe as theoretical. For travelers who previously optimized around the hybrid pathway, the residual day pass supplies neither the cost structure nor the reliability of the rules that existed before August 15, 2026.
Takeaway: After the cutoff, non-eligible travelers may attempt a $100 day or guest pass subject to availability and capacity, with priority given to eligible Chase cardholders. Walk-up access is limited and not guaranteed, particularly at peak times, and is characterized in sources as theoretical rather than reliable. The former $75 preferential rate is eliminated. Do not plan travel that relies on walk-up entry. The residual $100 option does not restore the prior Priority Pass value proposition at these nine lounges.
Conclusion / Final Thoughts
The August 15, 2026 Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff produces a clearly asymmetric outcome. Eligible cardholders—primary members of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card—keep unlimited complimentary access, retain the existing guest policy, and gain an expanded five-hour connecting-flight window. Priority Pass and LoungeKey holders without one of those four products lose both the once-per-year complimentary visit and the $75 preferential rate at all nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations.
The deadline is hard. As of August 08, 2026 research date of August 7, 2026, only eight days remain. Any unused 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit to a Sapphire Lounge must be completed before August 15 if travel through an affected airport is planned. After that date both the free annual visit and the discounted rate disappear completely; no grandfathering or transition period is indicated.
The four listed products continue to receive their complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the broader network of more than 1,900 lounges and travel experiences outside the Sapphire Lounges. That benefit is unchanged. At the nine impacted airports themselves, Chase states that up to 49 alternative Priority Pass or LoungeKey lounges remain accessible; exact participation and hours must be verified in the Priority Pass app or website on the day of travel because counts can change.
Sources across Forbes Advisor, The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, and related trackers frame the decision as prioritization of core cardholders to address capacity issues observed at popular locations. The hybrid model that once permitted limited Priority Pass participation has been converted into a more cardholder-exclusive arrangement. The policy language is definitive.
The balanced judgment is therefore straightforward and aligned with the Section 1 verdict. The change is protective for core eligible cardholders, who lose nothing and receive a measurable operational improvement in the five-hour connecting window plus the prospect of reduced crowding. It is restrictive for pure Priority Pass strategies that previously leveraged the hybrid model to access these higher-end lounges once per year or at the $75 rate. The residual $100 walk-up remains capacity-constrained and non-guaranteed.
Strategic takeaways limited to the verified facts are clear. Confirm whether a traveler holds one of the four eligible products. Act on any remaining 2026 complimentary Priority Pass visit before August 15 if itinerary and airport align. Understand that the new five-hour window applies only to connecting itineraries for eligible cardholders. Treat the $100 walk-up as a theoretical last resort rather than a reliable fallback. Day-of verification of any alternative Priority Pass lounge remains essential.
Final synthesis: Eligible Chase, J.P. Morgan, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders keep full Sapphire Lounge access and gain a longer connecting window. Non-eligible Priority Pass and LoungeKey members lose the free annual visit and $75 rate at nine premium locations. The August 15, 2026 cutoff is absolute. Confirm eligibility, use any remaining 2026 free visit if travel is planned, and plan alternatives with live Priority Pass data rather than assumptions about residual access.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address the most common operational and eligibility points raised by the August 15, 2026 Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff. Every answer is drawn exclusively from Priority Pass official lounge-page language and Chase spokesperson statements reported by major outlets and cross-checked trackers.
When does the Priority Pass Sapphire Lounge cutoff take effect and what exactly ends on August 15, 2026?
The cutoff takes effect on August 15, 2026. On that date every Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location in the United States ceases participation in both the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks. The one complimentary visit per calendar year (network-wide) ends completely, and the $75 preferential rate for additional visits and guests also ends completely. LoungeKey is treated identically to Priority Pass. Official Priority Pass lounge pages already display the removal notice: “Effective 15 August 2026, this lounge will no longer be part of the network.”
Which cards still get unlimited Chase Sapphire Lounge access after the Priority Pass change?
Unlimited complimentary access continues for primary cardmembers of four products only: Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (primary cardmembers), J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, and The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card. Authorized users follow each card’s existing rules. These eligible cardholders also continue to receive their complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the broader network outside the Sapphire Lounges; that benefit is unchanged.
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge changes affect my Priority Pass Select membership for other lounges?
No. Eligible cardholders continue to receive their complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for the rest of the network. Access to the more-than-1,900 lounges and travel experiences outside the nine Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations remains fully intact. Only the Sapphire Lounges themselves are removed from Priority Pass and LoungeKey eligibility on August 15, 2026.
What is the new Chase lounge 5-hour connecting flight rule and who qualifies?
Effective August 15, 2026, eligible cardholders traveling on a connecting itinerary may enter a Chase Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before the scheduled departure of their connecting flight. The prior window was three hours. The three-hour window remains in effect for originating flights, nonstop flights, and the first flight of a trip. A same-day eligible departing boarding pass is still required. The expanded window applies only to the four eligible card products; it does not extend to non-eligible Priority Pass or LoungeKey members.
Can I still visit Chase Sapphire Lounges with Priority Pass or LoungeKey after August 15 by paying?
No free or $75 preferential access remains. After the cutoff, non-eligible travelers may attempt a $100 walk-up day or guest pass. That option is subject to availability and capacity, with priority given to eligible Chase cardholders. Sources describe walk-up availability as limited and not guaranteed, especially during peak periods. The residual $100 rate is characterized as theoretical rather than reliable.
How many alternative Priority Pass lounges remain at the nine affected airports?
Chase states that up to 49 different lounges remain accessible via Priority Pass and/or LoungeKey at the nine impacted airports. The broader global network continues to offer more than 1,900 lounges and travel experiences. Exact participation, hours, and conditions can change, so travelers must verify current options in the Priority Pass app or website on the day of travel. No exhaustive public list of the 49 alternatives was published with the announcement.
What are the guest policies for eligible Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders at these lounges?
Eligible cardholders may bring up to two guests free of charge per visit. Children under age 2 are admitted free in addition to the two-guest allowance. Additional guests beyond the free allotment are charged $27 each. No changes to the guest policy were announced in conjunction with the August 15 cutoff. These rules apply uniformly to the four products that retain unlimited access.
Are there any special notes on authorized users for The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card regarding Sapphire Lounge access?
Unlimited access continues for The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card. Sources note that the card historically offered more flexible authorized-user rules. Recent reporting indicates alignment toward the standard two-guest policy, yet unlimited authorized users remain a distinguishing feature in some coverage. Travelers should confirm current authorized-user language on their specific card agreement.
Last updated: August 7, 2026. All answers drawn exclusively from the verified fact sheet.
Written by JP
Miles & Points Expert and Enthusiast | 200,000+ Points Redeemed in 2026
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