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Chase Sapphire Lounges Are Cutting Priority Pass Access for Non-Chase Cardholders

Written by Matthew Justice on Aug 13, 2026
people waiting in front of the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Las Vegas to get in.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Sapphire Lounges will leave the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks on August 15, 2026.
  • Priority Pass and LoungeKey members without an eligible Chase card will lose complimentary access to nine U.S. Sapphire Lounges.
  • Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Reserve for Business, J.P. Morgan Reserve and Ritz-Carlton cardmembers retain access, while connecting-flight access expands to five hours.

Chase is updating access rules for those who visit Chase Sapphire lounges with Priority Pass and LoungeKey membership. Starting August 15, 2026, non-Chase card Priority Pass members will no longer have "free" access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. Previously, those with a Priority Pass (or LoungeKey) membership from American Express, Capital One, Citi, U.S. Bank, or other card issuers could visit once per calendar year for free, with additional visits at $75 per person. The Priority Pass and LoungeKey access option is going away entirely. Travelers without an eligible Chase card may still be able to purchase a $100 Sapphire Lounge day pass, subject to availability and the lounge's capacity.

In addition to these changes, there is a positive update for travelers with connecting flights. Starting August 15, eligible Chase cardmembers traveling on a connecting itinerary will be able to enter a Sapphire Lounge up to 5 hours before their scheduled departure, an increase from the previous 3-hour limit.

Eligable Chase Credit Cards

The following four Chase credit cards offer Priority Pass are still eligible for unlimited Chase Sapphire lounges, including authorized users.

  1. Chase Sapphire Reserve
  2. Chase Sapphire Reserve Business
  3. J.P. Morgan Reserve
  4. The Ritz-Carlton

Lounges Affected

The following nine lounges will be affected by the policy change.

Reasons for the Change

The changes were announced without much heads up, causing some who have been saving their one annual visit without any time to use it before it expires. But the changes are for sure aimed to help reduce crowding and make the lounges feel more exclusive. It is worth noting that other lounges, such as Centurion and Capital One, have already implemented similar changes.

I have also previously noted signs that Chase was restricting Priority Pass access at some locations before the August 15 policy change, including this sign at the Las Vegas Sapphire Lounge.

sign showing the lounge only able to accommodate Chase Priority Pass credit cards at Las Vegas Sapphire Lounge.

Closing Thoughts

To me, these changes are all positive, even though I understand the frustration for non-Chase cardholders. I personally have had to wait almost every time I visit Chase Sapphire Lounge, and the 5-hour connecting flight change is also really nice. Also, considering the small size of the PHX Chase Lounge, this should help there as well.