Chase beefs up New York profile with a new JFK Sapphire Lounge—Here’s what you need to know
Chase followed up the opening of the Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport with a Lounge at JFK’s Terminal 4: Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways. The lounge opened on January 23rd and represents the 4th Chase branded lounge in their portfolio. The Lounge may not have the bells and whistles of the LGA location, however it is still a great place to relax before a flight.
JFK Sapphire Lounge hours and location
The Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK is located on the security level (Level 4), above gate A2. As soon as you pass security, turn left and walk to the end—do not go downstairs. The lounge is just past the Amex Centurion Lounge.
The space checks in at 7,600sq ft, representing a smaller footprint than its counterpart at LGA, but still large enough to host over 100 guests. The lounge is open daily from 5am – 11pm.
Tell me about the lounge
When you pass reception, you will be met with a window that runs the length of the lounge and overlooks the tarmac. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of planes and boarding gates visible from most of the lounge’s seating areas.
The lounge’s branding matches Chase’s color palette and continues the ‘nature’ theme found at the LGA lounge. Chase Artwork from the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection adorns the walls and is a pleasing addition to the lounge. An additional feature that is rarely found in lounges is the inclusion of Reflection Rooms that are available for all travelers to use.
Given the lounge’s relatively small size, I was impressed with the layout as there seemed to be ample seating and room to maneuver without being on top of other guests. The lounge has a few different seating areas to meet the needs of different styles of travelers.
Visitors have access to three showers, one in each restroom and one for all gender use. The restrooms were spacious and had large vanity areas.
Lounge sips and bites
The coffee is supplied by Joe Coffee Company and the lounge maintains a well-stocked bar ripe with beer, wine, and signature cocktails and mocktails. Lounge visitors have the option to grab food from a well-stocked buffet and drinks from the bar. Visitors can also order food and drinks using QR codes posted on each table.
I grabbed the cauliflower, foccacia, and buratta and also ordered french fries, a grilled cheese, and a brownie. The buratta was creamy and delicious and the brownie was the right amount of chocolate chewiness. I would be happy to enjoy all of these items if I find myself in that lounge in the future. Next to the coffee bar is a dessert area with trays of cookies, brownies, and lemon squares.
How can I access the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club With Etihad Airways?
The easiest way to access the lounge is to have a Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ritz-Carlton Card, or JP Morgan Reserve card. With one, you can access the lounge for free with an active Priority Pass membership. Setting this lounge apart from the neighboring Amex Centurion Lounge is the ability for cardholders to bring up to two guests for free.
As with the LGA lounge, members of Priority Pass that do not have one of the above cards are limited to one complimentary visit per year; any additional visits cost $75 each.
Since the lounge is in partnership with Etihad, you also gain access by having Gold or Platinum status with Etihad or flying in First/Business class on an Etihad flight. Travelers flying Etihad in economy can also purchase a pass to access the lounge.
Bottom line review
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways is a welcome addition to the New York airport lounge landscape. I enjoyed the ample outlets/USB ports, the food choices, and the drink options and am excited to visit this lounge again on an upcoming flight out of T4. But, lounges at JFK’s terminal 4 often reach capacity and I am concerned that this lounge will fall victim to overcrowding and long wait times, especially in the hours before an Etihad Airways flight.
