Chase Sapphire Lounge Access Is Changing on August 15: Here's How to Get In
Chase Sapphire Lounges are changing who gets in starting August 15, 2026. Here's what's changing, and the simplest way to make sure you can still walk through the door.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Access Is Changing on August 15: Here's How to Get In
by Julia Portela
July 31, 2026 Reading Time: 4 min read
Advertiser Disclosure: Journey on Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products and may receive a commission at no cost to you.
Chase Sapphire Lounges are some of the best lounges in the US, and starting August 15, 2026, the rules for getting in are changing. The short version: it's becoming a Chase-card perk, plain and simple. Here's what's changing and, more importantly, how to make sure you can still get in.
In this post:
- What's changing on August 15
- What this actually means for you
- How to get into a Sapphire Lounge now
- More time before connecting flights
- A new Sapphire Lounge is coming to Miami
- Bottom line
What's Changing on August 15
Right now, if you have a Priority Pass membership from a non-Chase card (like a premium Amex, Capital One, or Citi card), you get one free visit to a Chase Sapphire Lounge per year, plus a discounted $75 rate for extra visits.
Starting August 15, 2026, that goes away. Chase Sapphire Lounges are leaving the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks. After that date, a Priority Pass from any non-Chase card no longer gets you a free visit or the discounted rate. You'd pay the same $100 day pass as everyone else, and only if there's space.
Nothing changes if you have access through an eligible Chase card.
What This Actually Means for You
Here's the honest answer: for most people, not much. These lounges have gotten crowded, and Chase cardholders have always been let in first. If you were trying to get in on a non-Chase card, you were usually the one waiting in line or getting turned away.
So this doesn't really take much away. It just makes it official: if you want reliable access to a Chase Sapphire Lounge, you need the right Chase card.
How to Get Into a Sapphire Lounge Now
There are a few ways in, but one is clearly the best:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business — this is the real way in. Either card gets you unlimited free access, and you can bring up to two guests for free. If you use these lounges even a couple of times a year, the card pays for itself in comfort. Both cards are also running strong welcome offers right now.
- The Ritz-Carlton Card — it comes with the same access, but Chase stopped accepting new applications for it years ago, so most people can't get it.
- A $100 day pass — anyone can pay $100 to get in, space permitting. Fine in a pinch, but if you travel even a little, a Reserve card is the smarter move.
More Time Before Connecting Flights
One nice change coming the same day: if you're connecting through an airport, you'll be able to use the lounge up to five hours before your connecting flight, up from three hours. If the airport is your starting point, the three-hour window stays the same.
A New Sapphire Lounge Is Coming to Miami
There's more good news if you're in my area: Chase is opening a Sapphire Lounge at Miami International Airport, in Concourse E. There's no official opening date yet, but it's coming, and it sounds special.
I posted a reel with everything we know about it so far. Link
Bottom Line
Starting August 15, Chase Sapphire Lounge access becomes a Chase-card benefit. If you were relying on a free Priority Pass visit from another card, that's ending. The simplest way to keep getting in, guests included, is the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve for Business, and both are worth a look while their welcome offers are elevated.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Advertiser Disclosure: Journey on Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products and may receive a commission at no cost to you.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
