Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Benefit
I’m in my second life with the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve. I was on the back end of my cardmember year when most of the changes took effect. Initially, I could see the value. But the shine quickly wore off, primarily due to the Reserve’s tricky terms for certain benefits. I was more frustrated with Chase than maybe I’d ever been. I downgraded to a Freedom, unsure if or when I’d return to the Reserve. But I did earlier this year, perhaps sooner rather than I expected. As I recently hit my stride with the card and its benefits, I came to realize how superior the CSR is to the Amex Platinum in one key area. For my situation, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge benefit performs at a level where the Amex Platinum doesn’t even come close. Before I get into that, I’ll talk about one area where Amex has the edge. (But actually, that may not necessarily be an Amex advantage, either.)
Footprint
Amex’s Centurion Lounge portfolio still spans wider than Chase’s Sapphire Lounge offering. Currently, Amex provides travelers 32 Centurion Lounges, with four or so more announced and on the way. Right now, Chase is behind with nine Sapphire Lounges, with two more coming at LAX and MIA.
Numbers-wise, Amex holds a pronounced lead. But, of course, that difference doesn’t necessarily matter as much (if at all) for certain travelers. Depending on one’s travel locale and habits, they may be around more Sapphire than Centurion locations. But regardless, even for those who find themselves around Centurions more, it’s hard to ignore one matter.
Quality
I don’t think it’s controversial to say that Sapphire Lounges consistently outperform their Amex counterparts at this point. I’ve found most all aspects come out ahead at Sapphire locations. Food and beverage, including order to table, has been simply delightful in my Sapphire Lounge experiences. Amex is trying to catch up here, especially with order to table options at Sidecar locations. Amenities I’ve experienced, including shower and spa services, are consistently solid with the Chase clubs. Meanwhile, Amex has largely removed or limited them.
To be fair, I must admit we’re still in the honeymoon phase with Sapphire Lounges. Staff seemingly still wants to impress during my visits. These clubs generally haven’t removed any noteworthy services yet. Regardless, for my current satisfaction, I should compare each type of club for what they are right now. And that means Sapphire Lounges are clearly outperforming Centurions.
Of course, we can’t forget what I consider perhaps the biggest perk-related folly in the past several years: certain Centurion Lounges receiving health code violations. This turned a card benefit into something feeling exactly the opposite. In my view, Amex still hasn’t recovered from this.
Access
Right now, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can bring two guests in for free (kids 2 and under don’t count as guests). Additional guests beyond those two cost $27 each. A CSR authorized user can also bring in two additional guests. For whatever reason, I’m just now appreciating how generous this Sapphire Lounge guest policy is.
Meanwhile, simply holding an Amex Platinum doesn’t provide any complimentary guest benefit. A cardholder can bring a guest in for $50 each, $30 for ages 2-17 (under 2 is free). Platinum cardmembers who spend $75k on the card in a calendar year can bring in two guests. But putting that much spend on a Platinum card is generally malpractice unless it’s in the rather slim 5x categories. Oh, and regardless, all guests need to be on the same flight as the Platinum cardholder. Got all that?
Despite all this, Centurion Lounges still feel substantially overcrowded compared to their Chase counterparts – to me, at least.
That Other Stuff
Chase and Amex both offer their own versions of global lounge networks. Each issuer boasts the same Priority Pass Select perk, but they have their own unique offerings, as well.
Amex’s top offering here is Delta Sky Club access, but it’s now limited to 10 times per year, per Platinum cardholder, and no free guests. Meanwhile, Sapphire Reserve cardholders unlock access to Air Canada lounges and cafes when flying Star Alliance. These cardholders can also bring in one complimentary guest.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Benefit – Conclusion
I haven’t split every possible hair comparing the lounge perk nuances between the two issuers in this article. But in terms of high-quality lounge access and guest policies, the Chase Sapphire Reserve comes out way ahead of the Amex Platinum. Perhaps what I find most surprising is the Sapphire Lounge’s ability to maintain a consistent, attractive product with such a liberal guest access policy.
The Sapphire Lounge portfolio is still relatively young, though, and I’m intrigued to see how quicky – or slowly – these club standards negatively change. But for now, I’ll keep enjoying Sapphire Lounges while holding my nose in Centurions – hopefully, only in a figurative sense.
How are you feeling about Sapphire and Centurion Lounges these days?
