Airport lounges are supposed to be an escape from the terminal crowds. But as premium travel cards have exploded in popularity, finding a seat in a lounge has become almost as challenging as finding overhead bin space. And now Chase is making it harder for some travelers to even get through the door.

Beginning August 15, 2026, you won’t be able to use a non-Chase-issued Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership to access a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club. Instead, access will be reserved and having an eligible Chase card will be your only ticket in.

Here’s what you need to know. 

 

What’s Changing?

Until now, if you had a Priority Pass membership from another premium card—such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or premium cards from certain other issuers—you could generally visit a Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year. That benefit disappears on August 15.

If your only way into a Sapphire Lounge was through a non-Chase Priority Pass or LoungeKey membership, you’ll need to look for another participating lounge in the airport instead.

If you carry an eligible Chase card, though, nothing changes. You’ll still access Sapphire Lounges through the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership that comes with your card, and your existing guest privileges remain intact.

Eligible cards include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• J.P. Morgan Reserve
• The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card

Eligible cardholders will also receive one small improvement. Starting August 15, you can enter a Sapphire Lounge up to five hours before a connecting flight, rather than three hours. The existing three-hour entry window will continue to apply before your originating flight.

 

Why Chase Is Making the Change

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Since Chase began opening Sapphire Lounges, they’ve quickly become some of the most sought-after airport lounges in the U.S. Long waits have become increasingly common at busy locations, especially during peak travel periods. Many travelers have reported Priority Pass members being quoted much longer wait times, or being turned away altogether when lounges reached capacity.

By limiting access to its own premium cardholders, Chase is likely hoping to reduce overcrowding and preserve a better experience for the customers who pay for access through its flagship cards.

The silver lining? If you already have an eligible Chase card, your access isn’t getting worse—and it may actually get better if shorter waitlists become the norm.

Related: The Lounge Crackdown Continues: Amex Tightens Centurion Access for 2026

 

Bottom Line

This change won’t affect you if you access Sapphire Lounges with an eligible Chase card. But if you’ve been relying on a non-Chase Priority Pass membership, say, the Capital One Venture X credit card, you’ll lose that option on August 15, so be sure to check what other lounges are available in your airport before you travel.