First look: Etihad quietly reopens revamped Dulles lounge, collaborating with Chase
There is a newly reopened upscale lounge possibility for passengers flying out of Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD) close to Washington, D.C. It is now accessible, freed from cost, for vacationers who carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
Final week, Etihad Airways’ Dulles lounge quietly reopened following a significant face-lift — one which seems to deliver it into Chase’s rising portfolio of Sapphire Lounges.
Formally, the membership stays referred to as an Etihad Lounge. The airline’s emblem stays on distinguished show as you enter the area alongside Dulles’ A concourse.
However Etihad’s web site notes the area is a collaboration with JPMorgan Chase and airport lounge operator Airport Dimensions.
All through the two-level facility, you may discover loads of similarities to different golf equipment in Chase’s Sapphire Lounge portfolio, from spectacular food and drinks choices to a household room and reflection area.
In reality, the entrance desk itself is adorned with a emblem that claims “Sapphire Lounge by The Membership.” That is the official title of another Chase lounges, akin to those at Boston Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS) and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
In an uncommon twist, although, this lounge opened with little fanfare and no formal announcement from Chase, Etihad or Precedence Cross.
So, final weekend, I shuffled my journey plans and booked a flight by way of Dulles to take a look at the area for myself.
Here is what I discovered.
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Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles location
The brand new Etihad-Chase collaboration lounge is in Dulles’ Terminal A — particularly, close to Gate A14.
After you clear safety and take the AeroTrain to the terminal, the lounge is simply to the left as you enter the concourse.
The lounge’s location places it in shut proximity to many worldwide carriers’ gates at Dulles.
You must also have the ability to attain the lounge inside minutes in the event you’re departing from a B gate on one other U.S. provider like American Airways, Delta Air Traces, Southwest Airways or JetBlue.
Notably, the lounge is sort of removed from a majority of the gates utilized by United Airways, which operates a hub at Dulles.
You possibly can technically transfer between all Dulles gates airside, nevertheless it’ll be extra of a hike to get to the lounge from terminals C and D, the place a majority of United’s gates are.
The lounge is open each day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles entry
As with the opposite Sapphire Lounge places, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders obtain limitless complimentary entry for themselves and as much as two company per go to. Simply ensure you’ve activated your Precedence Cross membership by way of this card, as that is what they will test to confess you to the lounge.
You may additionally get entry in the event you’re flying in enterprise or firstclass on an Etihad flight or when you have Gold or Platinum elite standing with Etihad Visitor.
Moreover, vacationers who earn Precedence Cross by way of a distinct card will obtain one complimentary go to to any Sapphire Lounge per yr. That is an particularly nice possibility for Capital One Enterprise X cardholders who’re turned away from the Dulles Capital One Lounge when it is full.
Further visitor visits and any go to above the one allowed will price $75 every.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles structure
Regardless of the dearth of fanfare for this lounge’s reopening, it is a fantastic area.
It is a far cry from the huge 21,000-square-foot location at LaGuardia, however this did not come as an enormous shock. We anticipated this area to be comparable in measurement to the Sapphire Lounge at John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), which can be a revamped Etihad Lounge.
Nonetheless, it is a mere 5,200 sq. ft, based on the Washington Enterprise Journal, which means it is really a lot smaller than the 7,600-square-foot area in JFK.
Instantly upon coming into, it feels such as you’re in a Sapphire Lounge — in no small half due to the signal that claims so on the welcome desk.
The colour motif and seating areas are exactly what we have come to count on from a Sapphire-branded area.
From the reception space, you may discover the bar instantly to your proper.
Alongside the home windows straight forward, you’ll be able to select a comfy chair to settle in for some work or to do some planespotting. It was wet and darkish once I was there, however the floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the again wall imply you’ll be able to take pleasure in some nice airplane views from a number of areas within the lounge.
To your proper, you may see a stairwell that results in the second flooring and two entrances into the small eating space. Do not forget to show all the best way to your left to see the area’s most eye-catching, library-themed space.
The bathe, meditation room and loos are all on the far facet of the eating room.
Upstairs, you may discover varied seating choices, together with a big heart banquette with built-in shops to cost your gadgets when you work. It additionally has its personal small snack space.
In such a small area, overcrowding might change into a priority. Nonetheless, the distinct areas and ample seating all through the lounge will seemingly assist mitigate the problem considerably.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles facilities
There are fewer amenity choices right here than what you may discover within the Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia. Do not count on to make a facial appointment throughout your layover right here.
Nonetheless, the area presents a number of facilities to make your keep extra snug.
Simply by way of the eating room, you may discover three gender-neutral restrooms, a backlit self-importance with two stools, a mirrored image room and a bathe. The separate self-importance is very good for individuals who must refresh their hair or make-up, permitting you to take action with out taking over one of many restricted restrooms.
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EMILY THOMPSON/THE POINTS GUY
If you wish to use the bathe or reflection room, you may must make a reservation on the reception desk or by scanning the QR code on any of the tables.
Moreover, there’s a household space simply off the bar. It’s considerably small however consists of some video games and an space for youngsters to run round in a contained area.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles meals and drinks
As with its different lounge places, Chase presents a formidable number of meals and drinks on this lounge.
You possibly can order a drink on the bar or by scanning the QR code on any of the tables on the primary degree. There are a number of signature cocktails, together with the domestically impressed “In Bloom,” which is a cherry blossom tackle a mimosa.
As you enter the eating space, you may discover a grab-and-go part to your left with canned seltzers and gentle drinks, espresso machines, domestically roasted espresso and some snacks. Farther again is the recent bar, which presents a wide range of individually plated choices.
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EMILY THOMPSON/THE POINTS GUY
I used to be there throughout breakfast, and the choices included a cheese plate, in a single day oats, yogurt parfait, shakshuka, brioche French toast and curry potatoes. I extremely suggest the shakshuka, which has pomegranate seeds that add an surprising vibrant pop to the savory dish.
Moreover, you’ll be able to scan the QR code on any of the tables on the primary flooring to order a dish from the made-to-order menu. At breakfast, the alternatives embrace breakfast bao, salmon Benedict, gluten-free bagel and gluten-free muffin. That is particularly excellent news for individuals who simply wish to stroll in and settle within the bar or a nook seating space with out venturing into the eating room.
On the second degree, you may discover a smaller snack bar with water, espresso and some small bites. Nonetheless, you do not have the choice to order meals from the second degree. Chances are you’ll wish to get some extra substantive snacks and a drink to deliver up with you in the event you plan to settle up there.
The workers was extraordinarily pleasant and attentive with out being overbearing. In the event you’re like me and might’t determine what to order or need a advice on the most effective spot to get some work performed, do not hesitate to ask.
Backside line
This lounge opened quietly in early March. However regardless of the motive why Chase and Precedence Cross didn’t give it extra lip service, the lounge might be a welcome addition to flyers touring out of Dulles’ A gates.
In the event you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder or Precedence Cross member, do not skip it the following time you end up passing by way of.
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