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First Look: Chase Sapphire Opens Stunning Lounge at New York JFK Terminal 4

The airport's newest lounge is open to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers and premium Etihad passengers

by Lauren Smith

February 6, 2024

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

Just days after opening a space at New York’s LaGuardia (LGA), Chase cut the ribbon on another lounge across town at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

The newest Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is in JFK’s Terminal 4, previously occupied by Etihad’s short-lived lounge.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

The Etihad lounge shut its doors during the pandemic, and with airport space in high demand, Chase has partnered with the airline on a replacement lounge and will welcome some of its passengers.

At 7,600 square feet, JFK’s Chase Sapphire Lounge is smaller than others in the network. The nearby LaGuardia space has nearly triple the floor space.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

The JFK lounge doesn’t fit in all the perks the LGA space does: you’ll have to head across town for Face Haus treatments at the facial spa and the hotel-style bookable Reserve Suites, for example. But guests will still find restaurant quality food, a well-stocked bar, a homey electric fire, and a range of seating options, from loungers to workstations.

Expanded Menu

The lounge has a hot and cold buffet operating all day. At breakfast, guests will find salmon benedict, bao packed with turkey bacon, egg, cheese, and gluten-free bagels. Coffee is provided by West Village roasters Joe Coffee.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

Lunch and dinner buffet options include apricot burrata and braised beef with citrus wild rice.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

Visitors can also order freshly prepared food by scanning QR codes at each seat. Chase’s signature dishes again make an appearance: the Sapphire Burger, with tomato confit and arugula, and Sapphire Noodles, with smoked tofu and shiitake mushrooms.

Upscale Cocktail Bar

At the bar, bartenders pour wines from a curated list, mocktails with alcohol-free whiskey and gin, and bespoke cocktails inspired by the local area.That includes “Upstate and Sour,” a twist on the classic New York Sour with bourbon whiskey from locals Do Good Spirits, and “Concrete Jungle,” combining Brooklyn Gin, Lillet Blanc, crème de cacao, and lemon juice.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

Travelers can scrub down in three shower suites stocked with Apotheke products or seek quiet in two “reflection rooms,” which can be used to pray or meditate.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

As is standard at airport lounges, free high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB ports are available at each seat.

Priority Pass Access

As with Chase’s other lounges, the lounge is open to flyers with Priority Pass membership through their Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. They can access the Chase airport lounges — now including spaces in Boston (BOS), Hong Kong (HGK), and Austin (AUS) — an unlimited number of times and bring two complimentary guests along.

Travelers who have Priority Pass membership through another means can visit Chase Sapphire Lounges for free once per calendar year. They’ll have to pay $75 to enter again or bring a guest.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

The lounge is also open to premium Etihad passengers, including those in first and business classes and Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold members. Etihad’s daily flight to Abu Dhabi (AUH), using the enormous Airbus A380, will bring at least 100 eligible passengers to the lounge each day when it resumes in April. That means space in the lounge will likely be in high demand, and guests can expect waiting lists at busy times.

Photo: Chase Sapphire Lounge, JFK. Courtesy of Chase

The general public can buy a one-time entry for $100 at quieter times.

The lounge is open daily between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM. It’s in Terminal 4, which hosts flights by Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad Airways.