Chase will end Priority Pass and LoungeKey access to its Sapphire Lounges on Aug. 15, 2026 [1].
This shift removes a significant perk for millions of travelers who rely on third-party memberships to access premium airport spaces. By restricting entry, the company aims to reduce crowding and prioritize its own high-tier credit card customers.
The policy change affects Chase Sapphire Lounges across various airport locations, including those branded as The Club [2]. Under the new rules, members of the Priority Pass and LoungeKey networks will no longer be able to enter these specific facilities starting Aug. 15, 2026 [1].
To offset the loss of third-party access, Chase is extending lounge benefits for eligible cardholders. Specifically, the company will now allow eligible Chase cardholders to access these lounges when they are on connecting flights [1], [3]. This adjustment moves the benefit away from broad network memberships and toward a proprietary system based on card ownership, and travel itinerary.
This transition reflects a broader trend in the travel industry where banks and airlines move away from open-access agreements. By controlling the entrance to its lounges, Chase can better manage capacity and ensure that the most loyal customers have a more consistent experience — a move that prevents the lounges from becoming overcapacity during peak travel windows.
Travelers currently using Priority Pass to visit Sapphire Lounges should plan for alternative arrangements after the August deadline [1], [2]. Eligible cardholders should verify their specific card benefits to see if they qualify for the new connecting flight access [3].
“Chase will end Priority Pass and LoungeKey access to its Sapphire Lounges on Aug. 15, 2026.”
This move signals a strategic pivot toward 'ecosystem lock-in,' where Chase incentivizes customers to hold its specific premium cards rather than relying on generic travel memberships. By eliminating third-party access, the company reduces operational overhead and congestion while increasing the perceived value of its own card portfolio.
