The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes complimentary access to Priority Pass Select, which covers over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with Priority Pass Select membership at no extra cost. This is one of the card's marquee travel benefits — you get lounge access included in the annual fee you already pay. Priority Pass Select is a third-party network that operates lounges in airports across the United States and internationally, and the card grants you unlimited visits to participating locations.

The benefit works straightforwardly: you present your Priority Pass membership card (digital or physical) at the lounge entrance, and you're admitted. There's no per-visit fee, no limit on how many times you use it during the year, and no blackout dates. You can bring up to two companions with you, though they may be charged a fee depending on the lounge's individual policy — some waive it, others charge $25 to $35 per guest.

Priority Pass Select also includes access to Sapphire Reserve Lounge, a Chase-branded lounge network that's separate from the broader Priority Pass network. These lounges are located in select U.S. airports and offer a more curated experience than many standard Priority Pass locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Priority Pass Select membership comes automatically with the card and covers over 1,400 lounges in more than 140 countries.
  • You can visit lounges as many times as you want with no per-visit charges, though bringing guests may incur fees at some locations.
  • The Sapphire Reserve Lounge network offers a premium experience at select U.S. airports and is included in your membership.
  • Access is tied to your Priority Pass membership card, which you can set up online after your card arrives.

How to set up and use your Priority Pass membership

After your Chase Sapphire Reserve is approved and arrives, you'll need to set up your Priority Pass membership through the Priority Pass website or mobile app. Chase will send you instructions with your card materials, or you can log into your Chase account online and find the Priority Pass enrollment link in your benefits section.

During set up, you'll create a Priority Pass account, set a password, and choose how you want to access lounges — digital membership card through the app, a physical card mailed to you, or both. The digital card appears when ready in the Priority Pass app and works at most lounges. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Many cardholders use the app version for convenience and keep the physical card as a backup.

Once activated, you can search for lounges by airport code or city name in the Priority Pass app. The app shows you lounge locations, hours, amenities (food, showers, quiet zones, business centers), and real-time wait times at some locations. You straightforward show your membership card — digital or physical — at the lounge entrance when you arrive.

What's included in Priority Pass lounges

Priority Pass lounges vary widely in what they offer, but most include complimentary food and beverages, seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Many have shower facilities, which is valuable on long layovers or early morning flights. Some offer business centers with computers and printers, quiet zones for sleeping, and children's play areas. A few premium locations have spa services or premium dining, though these are less common.

The experience depends on the specific lounge and airport. A lounge in a major hub like New York or Los Angeles typically has more amenities than one in a smaller airport. The Priority Pass app shows you what each lounge offers before you visit, so you can decide whether it's worth the trip from your gate.

Food and beverage quality also varies. Some lounges offer hot meals prepared on-site, while others have cold snacks and self-serve options. Alcohol is available at most lounges. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, checking the lounge details in the app beforehand helps you plan accordingly.

Sapphire Reserve Lounge locations and what sets them apart

The Sapphire Reserve Lounge network is a Chase-operated alternative to the broader Priority Pass network. These lounges are located in select U.S. airports including New York (LaGuardia and Newark), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, and others. Chase has been expanding this network, so the list of locations may grow.

Sapphire Reserve Lounges tend to offer a more consistent, higher-end experience than standard Priority Pass lounges. They typically feature premium food and beverage service, spa amenities like shower facilities, and a more polished design. The lounges are quieter and less crowded than many Priority Pass locations because access is limited to Sapphire Reserve cardholders (and their companions) rather than all Priority Pass members.

If you travel frequently through one of these airports, the Sapphire Reserve Lounge access alone can justify the card's annual fee for some cardholders. You can find the full list of Sapphire Reserve Lounge locations on Chase's website or in your account benefits.

Bringing guests and companion policies

You can bring up to two companions into Priority Pass lounges with you at no charge. Your companions don't need to be cardholders or family members — they can be anyone traveling with you. However, some lounges charge a per-person fee for guests, typically $25 to $35 each, even though your own entry is free. The Priority Pass app shows you the guest policy for each lounge before you visit.

Sapphire Reserve Lounges generally allow two free companions, though you should confirm the policy for the specific lounge you plan to visit. If you're traveling with more than two people, additional companions will be charged the lounge's guest fee.

Children under a certain age (usually 2 to 5, depending on the lounge) may be admitted free, but this varies by location. Check the lounge details in the app or call ahead if you're traveling with young children.

Priority Pass versus other lounge networks

Priority Pass Select is one of the largest lounge networks available through credit cards, but it's not the only option. The American Express Platinum Card includes Centurion Lounge access (American Express's proprietary network) plus Priority Pass Select. The Capital One Venture X includes Priority Pass Select as well. Some cards offer access to a single airline's lounge network, like United Club or Delta Sky Club, which may be more valuable if you fly one airline exclusively.

Priority Pass's advantage is breadth — 1,400+ lounges globally gives you options at most major airports. Its disadvantage is inconsistency; lounge quality and amenities vary significantly. If you fly the same airline most of the time, that airline's proprietary lounge might offer a better experience, but Priority Pass gives you flexibility across carriers and airports.

The Sapphire Reserve Lounge network is Chase's answer to this inconsistency problem. It offers a more predictable, premium experience at select locations, but only at a limited number of airports. Most Sapphire Reserve cardholders use the Sapphire Reserve Lounges when available and fall back to Priority Pass at other airports.

When lounge access is most valuable

Lounge access is most useful if you fly frequently enough to visit lounges regularly — generally at least 4 to 6 times per year. Each visit saves you money on food and drinks you'd otherwise buy in the airport, and the quiet space and amenities reduce travel stress. If you fly once or twice a year, lounge access is a nice perk but probably not a primary reason to carry the card.

Lounge access is also more valuable if you have long layovers or early morning flights. A 3-hour layover with access to a shower and quiet seating changes the experience significantly. An early 6 a.m. flight where you can have breakfast and coffee in a lounge before boarding is also a meaningful benefit.

International travel increases the value of Priority Pass because lounge networks outside the U.S. are often less developed. Having access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide means you're likely to find options in major international hubs where you might otherwise have no lounge access at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for Priority Pass membership?

No. Priority Pass Select membership is included with the Chase Sapphire Reserve at no additional cost beyond the card's annual fee. There are no per-visit charges to enter lounges, though some lounges may charge a fee for guests you bring with you.

Can I use my Priority Pass at any airport lounge?

No. Priority Pass covers over 1,400 lounges, but not every airport has a Priority Pass lounge. The Priority Pass app shows you which lounges are available at your departure airport. If there's no Priority Pass lounge, you won't have lounge access through this benefit, though some airports have airline-specific lounges you can access through other means.

What happens to my Priority Pass if I cancel the card?

Your Priority Pass membership ends when your card is closed or the annual renewal date passes without payment. If you downgrade to a different Chase card without lounge benefits, you lose Priority Pass access. If you upgrade to another card that includes Priority Pass, your membership transfers to the new card.

Can I share my Priority Pass card with family members?

Your Priority Pass membership is personal to you and tied to your name. You can bring family members as guests (up to two at a time), but they cannot use your card independently. If multiple family members want their own lounge access, each would need their own card with Priority Pass benefits.

Do I need to book lounge visits in advance?

No. Priority Pass lounges operate on a walk-in basis. You straightforward show up during your airport visit and present your membership card at the entrance. Some lounges may have capacity limits and turn people away during peak times, but this is rare. You don't need a reservation.