The BEST Lounge in the Terminal: A Review of the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport
by Krish Patel
LaGuardia (LGA) Airport is home to several airline and credit card-operated lounges. But if there’s one lounge worth visiting and making sure you’re early enough to do so, it’s the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club. With swanky seating options, amenities that make you feel like you’re not in an airport, and fresh restaurant-quality food, the Chase Lounge sets the standard for future domestic airport lounges.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Location, Hours, and Access
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club is located in the central airside hall of LaGuardia’s Terminal B and is open daily from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Interestingly, you’ll find it right next to the Amex Centurion Lounge. It seems as if there’s a little competition between Chase and American Express with where the lounge is located.
Unfortunately, there was a waitlist when I arrived. The Chase Lounges can get very crowded, with the LGA outpost being no exception. I put my name down and received a text message after almost 25 minutes that a spot in the lounge was available.
Access requirements for the Sapphire Lounges are pretty straightforward. Cardholders with the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee), J.P. Morgan Reserve, or Ritz Carlton Reserve (no longer available to new applicants) can access the lounge. Sapphire Reserve cardholders are able to bring up to two guests at no additional cost.
Cardholders with a Priority Pass membership through a credit card that’s not the Sapphire Reserve can access the Chase Lounges by the Club once per calendar year. You’ll find all of the access information listed on the Chase website.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Seating and Design
Getting to the main level of the lounge requires taking an elevator. Once you get off the elevator, you’ll come across a corridor, at the end of which is a frosted sliding glass door that leads you into the actual lounge space.
I was welcomed in by a friendly agent after scanning my boarding pass and was struck by the modern atmosphere. The design flows nicely and feels nothing like a typical domestic airport lounge. There are several pops of bold color, wooden and brass accents, and soft textures that make the space feel welcoming. The light-colored couches are accented with pillows and there are several plush chairs and lounging-style seats as well.
Whether you’re looking to dine, work, or relax, you’ll find furniture in the Sapphire Lounge. Adjacent to almost every seat is side table space that offers plenty of room to keep small personal items.
I’m a huge fan of the bright lighting and botanical plants that contribute to the Chase Lounge’s pleasing aesthetic. Of course, Chase curated artwork from the J.P. Morgan Collection for the lounge. You’ll notice several bright paintings throughout the space that each seem to compliment the various seating areas. The shelves are stocked with living room decor and seriously make you think as if you’re in someone’s well-furnished apartment.
More seating can be found on the lounge’s upstairs level and overlooks the space below. It almost feels as if you’re magically floating above the rest of the lounge and serves as a great place to relax if the rest of the space ever gets busy. The gold sconces, blue carpeting, and decorative tree trunks add for a luxurious touch that’s missing in most other airport lounges across the U.S.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Food and Drink
The Chase Lounge features a premium buffet with dishes from Joseph Leonard, a bistro located in New York’s West Village. All of the food is individually plated and served as small bites, which feels elevated above the large buffet portions seen in Amex Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs. Some of my favorites included the roasted carrots and edamame gazpacho. There are also freshly made salads and desserts such as brownie squares and lemon bars.
Each seat in the lounge has a QR code, which you can scan to view the menu online and order signature dishes directly to your seat. I loved the Sapphire noodles and found them to be fresh and light.
Not too far from the buffet is a central 360˚ bar offering signature cocktails inspired by Apotheke, a trendy cocktail bar in New York City. The bar’s signature beverage is the Sapphire cocktail, which can be made non-alcoholic as well. The space is gorgeous, with marble countertops, brass-gold accents, and velvety purple seats that feel elevated above typical bar stools.
Refreshment stations can be found throughout the lounge offering snacks such as fruits and biscotti as well. Drinks on tap included cold brew and seasonal spa water. The coffee in the lounge is supplied from Joe’s Coffee, a local NYC-based company. Of course, you can also help yourself to various canned soft drinks and still water.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Amenities
On the lower level of the lounge is a set of bathrooms with granite flooring and marble-clad countertops. The sconces in the restroom make it feel so much nicer than pretty much any other bathroom in the entire airport.
Adjacent to the bathroom is the spa area, offering facial treatments in partnership with Face Haus. There are also two relaxation rooms, both of which were booked during my visit.
Also found on the main level, but closer to the entrance, is a small kids play area for younger children.
Near the family room is a hidden arcade that almost feels like a speakeasy. It’s separated from the rest of the lounge by a blue curtain and features a retro-style arcade sign. Inside is a jukebox, shuffleboard, and pinball machine. The arcade feels cozy, with home-like decor, carpeted flooring, lighting, and plush furniture. You can’t hear much sound from the rest of the lounge when in the arcade, which contributes to giving it its own mood.
Located upstairs are the Reserve Suites, Chase’s exclusive lounge amenity that costs extra money to reserve ahead of your visit. There are a total of three suites on the upper floor of the lounge, where you can enjoy the spa-like showers, caviar service, and a luxurious living room space. The price of the suites start at $2,200 (which is quite expensive) for three hours and include both the primary cardholder and up to two accompanying guests.
Overall Thoughts
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club at LaGuardia Airport feels elevated above most other airport lounges. Its classy design that spans across two floors, delectable dishes, and unique amenities go far beyond the typical offerings of an airport lounge. This is by far the nicest lounge operated by a credit card issuer I’ve visited and puts the lounge next door to shame. The aesthetics and amenities in the lounge are all impressive, but the food is unbelievably amazing and mouthwatering.