Your Guide to Lounge Access with Chase Sapphire Preferred: What to Expect

One of the most straightforward ways to get lounge access with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is to buy a Priority Pass membership. 

Priority Pass is one of the largest independent airport lounge networks, offering access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Membership levels vary, starting from around $99 annually (with additional fees for each lounge visit) to more comprehensive plans that cost about $429 per year and provide unlimited access. 

Although it requires an additional out-of-pocket expense, a Priority Pass membership can be a game-changer for frequent travelers looking to elevate their airport experience.

While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not directly offer lounge access, it earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. These points can be redeemed for various travel-related perks, including statement credits for lounge access purchases. 

For example, if you decide to buy a day pass to a lounge or pay for a Priority Pass membership, you can use your Ultimate Rewards points to cover the cost. This option is great because it allows you to experience luxury without necessarily breaking the bank.

Another indirect way to get Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card airline lounge access is by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to airline loyalty programs that offer lounge access as part of their benefits. 

For example, if you’re a frequent flyer with airlines like United or British Airways, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to these airlines and then potentially gain access to their lounges if you hold elite status or fly in premium cabins. 

While this method requires some strategizing and might not be as straightforward, it’s another way to get lounge access without holding a premium card.

Many major airlines offer day passes to their lounges for around $30 to $60 per visit.

If you have a long layover or just want to unwind before a flight, buying a day pass can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the perks of lounge access. 

If you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to purchase these passes, you’ll also earn 2x points on the transaction, as it counts as a travel purchase. You could then redeem these points for future trips, turning a one-time lounge splurge into a rewarding experience.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you earn 2x points on all travel-related purchases, including airfare, hotels, and yes, even lounge day passes or memberships. 

Dining also earns you 2x points, so whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat in a lounge or a quick meal at a restaurant, you’re earning points that can be redeemed for future travel.

When you redeem your points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, they are worth 25% more. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel. 

So, if you choose to pay for a Priority Pass membership or an airline lounge day pass using your points, you get a bit more bang for your buck.

Using the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to buy lounge passes or memberships provides valuable protections such as trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and even baggage delay insurance. 

If your flight is delayed, you might be able to recoup some of the costs of accessing a lounge to make your wait more comfortable.

If you’re traveling internationally and want to buy a lounge pass or pay for lounge access, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has no foreign transaction fees. 

This means you can use your card abroad without incurring additional charges, allowing you to focus on relaxation rather than hidden fees.

Comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, giving you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This card has a higher annual fee but offers a broad range of travel benefits.

Provides access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and more. This card has a high annual fee but offers luxury perks for frequent travelers.

Offers Admirals Club membership and Priority Pass access, making it a good choice for frequent American Airlines flyers.