I didn’t think I was that picky about airport lounges . . . until I started spending time in the Chase Sapphire lounges. Now I may be spoiled.

For years, I was just happy to have lounge access. Give me a comfortable chair, a Diet Coke, something to snack on, and a place away from the crowded terminal, and I was good. But the Sapphire lounges have completely raised the bar for me.

The first thing I love is the food. Instead of the typical lounge buffet that I sometimes walk right past, there are actually things I want to eat. Many locations offer made-to-order items along with a nice selection of smaller plates, snacks, desserts, and drinks. It feels much more like starting your trip at a restaurant than grabbing a few crackers before your flight. I love the made-to-order selections.

My personal favorite dish is the Sapphire sunrise melt for breakfast. Bacon, eggs, cheese, tomato chutney, avocado, and arugula on a soft brioche roll. That and my Diet Coke are perfect! I’m in the San Diego lounge as I’m writing this, and even though there was a waitlist, it only took me ten minutes to get in—and they game me cinnamon-sugar chips to munch on while waiting.  Treats all around!

 

Décor

I also love the overall feel of these lounges. They’re comfortable, they’re beautifully designed, and they make the airport experience feel like part of the vacation instead of something I just have to get through. Depending on the location, you may also find extras like wellness rooms, showers, or spaces where you can actually relax for a while.

 

Guest Policy

And what’s even better about Chase Sapphire lounges is that—unlike some other lounges—if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, you can still access them with up to two guests free of charge. 

 

Bottom Line

This is one of those benefits that reminds me why I’m willing to pay an annual fee for certain credit cards. If a card gives me benefits I use and enjoy regularly, I don’t mind paying for it nearly as much.

As of today, you will find Chase Sapphire lounges in Boston, LGA, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Philadelphia, Phoenix, JFK, and (soon) Los Angeles—all airports that I position or connect to on the regular. As more Chase Sapphire lounges open, I find myself checking whether an airport has one before I travel. I might even be guilty of arriving at the airport a little earlier just so I have time to enjoy it.

That’s when you know you’ve found a good lounge.