Chase is on a roll.
Only a week in the past, the issuer opened the doorways of its latest crown jewel, a surprising two-story Sapphire Lounge by The Membership at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
And now, Chase is again (on the opposite facet of Queens) with extra welcome information for New Yorkers and vacationers passing by way of one of many busiest airports nationwide, John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK).
On Tuesday, the Sapphire Lounge at JFK formally opened its doorways to vacationers, respiration new life into the previous Etihad Lounge that was vacant for a lot of the pandemic. And whereas Chase’s JFK lounge may not be as iconic because the area in LaGuardia, there’s nonetheless tons to like.
Listed below are the main points.
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Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK location
You will discover the brand new Sapphire Lounge by The Membership in JFK’s Terminal 4, which is dwelling to Delta Air Strains, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airways and a slew of different worldwide carriers.
After passing by way of safety, keep on the higher degree of the terminal and switch left. Maybe satirically, the brand new Chase Lounge is positioned proper subsequent to the American Categorical Centurion Lounge at JFK.
The area is almost inconceivable to overlook — ensure you do not take the escalator all the way down to the departures degree after clearing safety.
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The brand new Chase lounge at JFK is open day by day from 5 a.m. till 11 p.m.
Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK entry
Chase’s new JFK lounge is in contrast to another within the portfolio.
Thus far, the issuer has designed and constructed Sapphire Lounges from scratch, however this one occupies the area of the previous Etihad Lounge at JFK. (Etihad’s lounge has been closed for the reason that starting of the pandemic, so this marks the outpost’s first reopening since then.)
Chase and Etihad Airways are collectively working this “new” lounge, and as a part of that, the entry guidelines are a bit extra beneficiant than these of the opposite Sapphire Lounge by The Membership places.
As with all different Chase lounges, major and licensed cardmembers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve can enter the lounge without cost, and so they can carry as much as two visitors. Be aware that you’re going to have to have the (complimentary) Precedence Move related to the cardboard to enter the lounge. Extra visitors past the preliminary allotment will probably be charged at $27 per particular person.
The identical entry coverage applies to these with the J.P. Morgan Reserve card or the Ritz-Carlton Credit score Card (not out there to new candidates), although the latter card contains limitless visitor entry.
Even when you do not have one in all these playing cards, you would possibly nonetheless have the ability to enter the Sapphire Lounge. Vacationers with solely a Precedence Move membership (from another premium bank card) can go to one Chase Sapphire Lounge per calendar yr and buy extra entries for themselves and visitors for $75 per particular person.
Along with the aforementioned playing cards, choose Etihad vacationers can even go to the lounge earlier than their flight to Abu Dhabi. This contains these flying in enterprise or firstclass on Etihad-operated flights, in addition to the airline’s Gold and Platinum elite members.
The knowledge for the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card and Ritz-Carlton Credit score Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK structure
Chase’s JFK lounge may not be as opulent because the outpost in LaGuardia, however it nonetheless packs a mighty punch.
After coming into the lounge, you may shortly understand you’ve got stepped right into a Sapphire Lounge. From the colour palette to the timber lining the hallways, Chase’s design motifs are clearly on show. (And that is factor.)
The reception desk provides solution to the primary lounge space — there is a bar on the middle of the lounge with seating areas unfold throughout it. You will discover quite a lot of eating tables, couches and particular person recliners proper subsequent to the bar.
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To the proper of the bar (as you face the runways), you may discover one other smaller seating space partitioned off with some timber and room dividers.
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And simply reverse the bar, there is a slender hallway that is been became one other seating area. There are a handful of two-top tables and recliners right here. Given the shortage of pure gentle, these is likely to be the least widespread seats, so if the lounge is crowded, that is possible the place I would go first to search for a seat.
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The remainder of the lounge is comprised of a eating space with quite a lot of table- and booth-style seats, in addition to one other rest space with some particular person recliners and sofas within the nook of the area.
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Right here, you may even discover two open-style workstations. It is simply too dangerous Chase could not discover a solution to enclose them with some glass for added privateness.
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Whereas the JFK outpost would possibly seem like the opposite Sapphire Lounges, this one is certainly on the smaller facet. It measures 7,600 sq. ft, and whereas the issuer did not share most occupancy numbers, I can already envision this area getting very crowded.
In any case, not solely do Chase’s prime cardmembers get entry, however so do premium passengers flying on Etihad.
With the upcoming resumption of Airbus A380 service to JFK, there will probably be roughly 100 eligible Etihad flyers passing by way of the lounge every day. Mix that with all of the Sapphire Reserve cardholders flying by way of one in all JFK’s busiest terminals, and this area would possibly function on a waitlist all through the day.
That mentioned, one thing is definitely higher than nothing, and because the bank card lounge wars warmth up, it is nice to see Chase getting artistic in opening an area as quickly as doable in one of many nation’s busiest airports.
(If the Chase lounge is just too crowded, remember there’s at all times the two-story Amex Centurion Lounge subsequent door.)
Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK facilities
A key part of each Sapphire Lounge is a protracted record of facilities, equivalent to a facial bar and therapeutic massage chairs.
This outpost is lighter on the facilities, however it nonetheless checks the containers for the whole lot you’d anticipate for a top-tier airport lounge.
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There are two reflection rooms close to the again of the lounge. These can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation, and so they double as prayer rooms.
The lounge additionally has three bathe suites — one is designated as all-gender, after which there may be one for males and one for girls. The latter two are positioned within the restroom space.
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Talking of the restrooms, they characteristic snazzy vainness areas (identical to earlier than the renovation), and so they’re stocked with Apotheke facilities.
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Different facilities embody quick and free Wi-Fi, energy shops, USB-A and USB-C ports at practically each seat, and unimaginable airside views for the aviation lovers within the room.
The lounge overlooks the apron space between the A and B piers of gates and runways 4L and 4R within the distance. On a transparent day, you may possible have the ability to see for miles.
Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK meals and drinks
One space the place the Sapphire Lounge excels is with the meals and beverage choices.
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There is a buffet space proper subsequent to the eating tables, and it options an assortment of cold and warm plates. I attempted the curry cauliflower, hummus and heat focaccia and thought the whole lot might’ve handed for restaurant-quality meals in Manhattan. I particularly loved the apricot glaze on the cauliflower; it was a pleasant distinction to the curry seasoning on this dish.
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Be aware that most of the dishes are halal, and kosher meals decisions can be found on request.
Other than the buffet, you’ll be able to order a number of signature dishes, such because the Sapphire burger or lamb meatballs, through an internet a la carte menu. Every desk has a QR code to scan to open the lounge hub, the place you’ll be able to order meals and drinks and even reserve a bathe suite.
By way of drinks, the bartender will probably be glad to whip up your traditional favourite or craft a cocktail from the signature menu. The gin-based Concrete Jungle was refreshing and hit the spot.
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For these trying to nibble, there’s a giant refreshment station separating the primary lounge space from the eating room.
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That is the place you may discover the espresso machines pouring Joe Espresso and an assortment of canned gentle drinks, together with Olipop and Spindrift. Do not go up the salted chocolate chip cookies or the biscotti on this space — I promise they’re effectively definitely worth the energy.
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Backside line
In only a week, Chase went from having zero to 2 Sapphire Lounges within the nation’s largest metropolis.
With the opening of the JFK outpost, Chase’s lounge community continues to blossom, giving potential and present cardmembers extra cause to enroll in or preserve the Reserve card.
The JFK outpost is exclusive as a result of it occupies an present area and is collectively operated with Etihad. Do not essentially anticipate the entire Sapphire Lounge amenity expertise, however the lounge nonetheless checks all of the containers.
It is a welcome new choice for cardmembers passing by way of JFK and a harbinger of fine issues to come back for the Sapphire Lounge community, which is getting greater and higher than ever earlier than.
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