Chase’s fascinating new JFK lounge is now open

Chase is on a roll.

Only a week in the past, the issuer opened the doorways of its latest crown jewel, a stunning two-story Sapphire Lounge by The Club 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 via 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, respiratory 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 house in LaGuardia, there’s nonetheless tons to like.

Listed below are the main points.

Need extra aviation information? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.

Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK location

You may discover the brand new Sapphire Lounge by The Membership in JFK’s Terminal 4, which is house to Delta Air Strains, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airways and a slew of different worldwide carriers.

After passing via safety, keep on the higher stage of the terminal and switch left. Maybe satirically, the brand new Chase Lounge is positioned proper subsequent to the American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK.

The house is almost unattainable to overlook — be sure to do not take the escalator right down to the departures stage after clearing safety.

Each day Publication

Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication

Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants

The brand new Chase lounge at JFK is open each day from 5 a.m. till 11 p.m.

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 Club areas.

As with all different Chase lounges, major and licensed cardmembers with the Chase Sapphire Reserve can enter the lounge free of charge, they usually can carry as much as two company. Word that you’re going to must have the (complimentary) Precedence Go related to the cardboard to enter the lounge. Further company past the preliminary allotment will likely 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 Card (now not accessible to new candidates), although the latter card consists of limitless visitor entry.

Even when you do not have considered one of these playing cards, you would possibly nonetheless be capable to enter the Sapphire Lounge. Vacationers with solely a Priority Pass membership (from any other premium credit card) can go to one Chase Sapphire Lounge per calendar yr and buy further entries for themselves and company 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 consists of these flying in enterprise or top quality on Etihad-operated flights, in addition to the airline’s Gold and Platinum elite members.

The data 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’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 will shortly notice 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 a superb factor.)

The reception desk provides technique to the primary lounge space — there is a bar on the middle of the lounge with seating areas unfold throughout it. You may discover a wide range of eating tables, couches and particular person recliners proper subsequent to the bar.

To the precise of the bar (as you face the runways), you will discover one other smaller seating space partitioned off with some timber and room dividers.

And simply reverse the bar, there is a slim hallway that is been was one other seating house. There are a handful of two-top tables and recliners right here. Given the shortage of pure mild, these is perhaps the least common seats, so if the lounge is crowded, that is doubtless the place I would go first to search for a seat.

The remainder of the lounge is comprised of a eating space with a wide range 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 house.

Right here, you will even discover two open-style workstations. It is simply too unhealthy Chase could not discover a technique to enclose them with some glass for extra privateness.

Whereas the JFK outpost would possibly appear to be 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 house getting very crowded.

In spite of everything, 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 likely be roughly 100 eligible Etihad flyers passing via the lounge every day. Mix that with all of the Sapphire Reserve cardholders flying via considered one of JFK’s busiest terminals, and this house would possibly function on a waitlist all through the day.

That stated, 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 potential in one of many nation’s busiest airports.

(If the Chase lounge is just too crowded, do not forget there’s all the time the two-story Amex Centurion Lounge subsequent door.)

Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK facilities

A key element of each Sapphire Lounge is an extended checklist of facilities, reminiscent of a facial bar and therapeutic massage chairs.

This outpost is lighter on the facilities, however it nonetheless checks the bins for every thing you’d anticipate for a top-tier airport lounge.

1 of 4

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

There are two reflection rooms close to the again of the lounge. These can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation, they usually double as prayer rooms.

The lounge additionally has three bathe suites — one is designated as all-gender, after which there’s one for males and one for girls. The latter two are positioned within the restroom space.

1 of 4

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Talking of the restrooms, they function snazzy vainness areas (identical to earlier than the renovation), they usually’re stocked with Apotheke facilities.

1 of 2

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Different facilities embrace quick and free Wi-Fi, energy retailers, USB-A and USB-C ports at practically each seat, and unimaginable airside views for the aviation fans 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 will doubtless be capable 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.

1 of 2

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

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 every thing 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.

1 of 4

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Word that lots of the dishes are halal, and kosher meals selections can be found on request.

Apart from the buffet, you may order a number of signature dishes, such because the Sapphire burger or lamb meatballs, by way of a web based a la carte menu. Every desk has a QR code to scan to open the lounge hub, the place you may order meals and drinks and even reserve a bathe suite.

When it comes to drinks, the bartender will likely 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.

1 of 2

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

For these seeking to nibble, there’s a massive refreshment station separating the primary lounge space from the eating room.

1 of 2

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

That is the place you will discover the espresso machines pouring Joe Espresso and an assortment of canned comfortable 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 well worth the energy.

1 of 2

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

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 motive to enroll in or preserve the Reserve card.

The JFK outpost is exclusive as a result of it occupies an present house and is collectively operated with Etihad. Do not essentially anticipate the whole Sapphire Lounge amenity expertise, however the lounge nonetheless checks all of the bins.

It is a welcome new choice for cardmembers passing via JFK and a harbinger of fine issues to return for the Sapphire Lounge community, which is getting larger and higher than ever earlier than.

Associated studying: