Comparing Lounge Access: Chase Sapphire vs American Express

American Express and Chase Sapphire cards are two of the most popular options for those looking for travel credit cards with plenty of perks and benefits. And one of the most alluring benefits for frequent flyers is airport lounge access. Both Amex and Chase Sapphire card holders can enjoy complimentary lounge access when they travel, along with a host of different perks. But which is better? Chase Sapphire Lounge or American Express Lounge access?

In the article below, we will detail everything you need to know about American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Access to give you a clear idea of which card option may be more beneficial for you. So, let’s begin!

Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Access

Chase Sapphire Reserve holders are given access to Priority Pass lounges as a benefit of the card. And they will also be able to access the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club.

These lounges are being primed to compete with Amex centurion lounges and those on offer from Capital One. Here is what you need to know about these new lounges for Chase cardholders.

Complimentary Priority Pass Membership Gives Access to Over 1,300 Airport Lounges

You don’t have to wait for Chase Sapphire lounges to open to start enjoying airport lounge access. Using your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership as a cardholder will allow you to access any of their lounges and restaurants around the world and bring two guests in with you!

Some Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations Are Already Open

To increase the number of airport lounges available to cardholders, Chase has also partnered with Airport Dimensions to create their range of lounges. These new options are available to cardholders through the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club range.

Some of these luxury lounges have already been opened in global locations. For example, Sapphire Reserve card holders can access the Sapphire Terrace at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. This relaxing lounge features an integration of the indoor and outdoor areas of the airport with views of the southbound runway.

Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders can also enjoy dedicated lounge access when flying in or out of Boston. Another lounge has been opened in Hong Kong, with more Sapphire Lounges to be revealed throughout 2024. As of yet, there is no indication when these will be open, but here are the known locations:

· Boston

· La Guardia, New York

· JFK, New York

· Phoenix

· San Diego

· Hong Kong

· Las Vegas (Coming Soon)

You Simply Need to Show Your Chase Sapphire Reserve Card for Access to Chase Airport Lounges

To access a Chase Sapphire Lounge, you will simply need to produce your Chase Sapphire Reserve card with your boarding pass when checking in. You will then be able to enter the lounge and access all the amenities and snacks available while waiting for your flight in comfort.

Chase Sapphire preferred Holders Cannot Currently Access Complimentary Priority Pass Membership

Although holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can activate a complimentary Priority Pass membership and invite two guests along, Sapphire Preferred cardholders do not enjoy the same benefit.

Priority Pass Select members Can Access a Chase Sapphire Lounge Once a Year

If you aren’t a Chase Sapphire cardholder, then holding a Priority Pass Select membership will allow you to enter the lounge once a year for free. If you want to continue to visit then you will be offered a discounted rate of $75 per person for a day pass.

American Express Airport Lounge Access

American Express has its own range of airport lounges called The Centurion Lounge network, which is available to holders of the Amex Platinum card, the American Express Centurion card, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, the Amex Business Platinum card, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card.

Here are some of the key details you need to know about airport lounge access for Amex card holders.

You Need to Pay For Guests to Accompany You into Amex Airport Lounges

In contrast with Chase Sapphire Lounge access for cardholders, only Amex cardholders will be able to access Centurion lounges for free. If you want guests to accompany you into the lounge, you will be charged $50 for each adult and $30 for each child.

As an Amex Cardholder, You Can Access a Variety of Airport Lounges Domestically and Globally

Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounges are still in the process of being set up and opened, but Amex Centurion lounges are already open all over the world. Here is a breakdown of the US and international Amex airport lounges available:

US Locations:

· Atlanta

· Charlotte

· Dallas

· Denver

· Houston

· Las Vegas

· Los Angeles

· Miami

· New York (JFK and La Guardia.)

· Philadelphia

· Phoenix

· San Francisco

· Seattle

· Washington DC

International Locations:

· Hong Kong

· London

· Stockholm

· Mumbai

· Delhi

· Buenos Aires

· Sao Paulo

· Melbourne

· Mexico City

· Monterrey

· Sydney

As well as accessing Centurion lounges in the locations above, owning certain American Express cards will also give you access to more than 1,400 lounges around the world. Depending on the card you hold, you may also enjoy complimentary access to:

· Airspace

· Delta Sky Club

· Escape Lounges

· Lufthansa

· Plaza Premium

· Priority Pass

Different Amex Cars will Give You Different Levels of Access to Amex Airport Lounges

The premium cards from American Express, the Platinum and Business Platinum cards offer the best access to airport lounges with complimentary access to the Amex Centurion and Amex Global Lounge collections.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business card will give you access to both American Express Centurion and Delta Sky Club lounges. Hotel cards such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card and Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card won’t give you access to Centurion lounges but will give you complimentary Priority Pass Membership.

American Express Card Holders may be Able to Access Delta SkyClub Lounges

If there isn’t a Centurion lounge in the airport you are leaving or heading from, then chances are your card ownership will give you access to one of the available local lounges. For example, Delta and American Express partnerships mean that cardholders can access Delta Sky Club locations while traveling. This perk is available for those holding Amex Delta, Centurion, or Platinum cards.

There Are Different Requirements for Lounge Access

Whereas accessing a Chase Sapphire Lounge is a straightforward process, the Amex experience is a little more complicated. Different types of Amex lounges have different policies about how and when you can enter.

Centurion Lounges will let you enter if you are within three hours of your departure time. You will need to show your Amex card, your boarding pass, and a government ID to be granted access. If you want to take advantage of your complimentary priority pass membership, you will need to enroll in the scheme ahead of time.

Takeaway: Comparing Chase Sapphire and American Express Lounge Access

There is no doubt that frequent flyers can benefit from applying for a card with complimentary airport access. These spaces can provide a vital respite from the noise and chaos of travel and allow you to enjoy a comfortable and quiet space between flights.

In deciding which card provider offers the best airport lounge access for you, there are a variety of factors to consider. Chase Sapphire lounges are still a somewhat unknown quantity with limited spaces currently open, but if you are going to be flying to and from the locations detailed above, then the complimentary guest entry may be important to you.

However, if you are traveling all over the world for business, then flexibility of location may be key. If this is the case then an American Express premium card may be the best option, as you can access over 1,000 lounges.

Both card providers also offer a range of different valuable travel benefits including Chase TSA precheck credit, or Amex Global entry statement credits. These extra value benefits should also be included when you decide which offer is the best premium travel credit card for you.