Chase Sapphire Lounge Los Angeles Airport (LAX): More Details Revealed

We’re seeing credit card issuers invest in airport lounges like never before, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges, and Chase Sapphire Lounges. In June 2024, Chase revealed yet another location for its airport lounge network, and it’s at an airport that desperately needs more non-airline lounges.

While the lounges still isn’t open, View from the Wing flags an airport document that includes all kinds of information about this facility that we didn’t previously know.

Basics of the Chase Sapphire Lounge LAX TBIT

A Chase Sapphire Lounge will be opening at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 9,234 square foot lounge will be able to accommodate up to 150 guests, and will be located in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). That’s a fairly small lounge given the amount of demand that there will undoubtedly be, but then again, lounge space in airports is tough to come by, so presumably Chase is doing the best it can.

The lounge will be located near gate 148, so when you walk in the direction of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (gates 201-225), you’ll see the space for the lounge to the left, before getting on the escalators.

Below is a map of the proposed lounge layout, plus some renderings of the lounge that Chase shared in a filing with the airport.

While the lounge might not be huge, I’ve gotta say, it looks beautiful! What also stands out is that it has direct apron views, which is something that’s otherwise lacking from all other lounges in the main part of the terminal. All the lounges in the terminal are otherwise above or below the concourse, and don’t have views (like the Qantas Lounge, Amex Centurion Lounge, etc.).

Below is a sample of the planned menu and drink list for the lounge.

If you’re curious about how much these lounges cost credit card issuers to run, below is how much of an investment this project represents.

Here’s another fun fact:

We have projected an $8.40 cost per guest for all food and beverage consumption, commensurate with the high quality of our food and beverage menus provided.

The lounge also plans to offer a paid airside escort service, described as follows:

Subject to LAWA and other required approvals, we will also commit to delivering airside escort services to those passengers looking for a more discrete and seamless journey within TBIT or to other terminals. This VIP service, which can be pre-booked or added based on availability, will generate significant buzz for the airport overall and demand for the LAX Sapphire Lounge by The Club.

Guests will be escorted from the lounge to the tarmac below where they will be led to a waiting branded, premium electric vehicle. Inside, they will find amenity kits and refreshments to carry the lounge experience all the way through to their gate.

Guests may choose to board first or last. A VIP attendant will escort them through the jet bridge doorway, as appropriate per SIDA regulations, where an in-flight crew member will check their credentials.

If approved, The LAX Sapphire Lounge by The Club will cover all costs associated with creating a passenger egress to the ramp level, acquisition and maintenance of the vehicles, cost of operations (including any EV charger stations), and any additional card readers or other security requirements. This investment represents a value of $24 million to the airport over the term and will offer more travelers a truly memorable experience at LAX.

Chase Sapphire Lounges have an amazing soft product, with delicious food and drinks, and great service. So far the US locations for Chase Sapphire Lounges include Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Washington (IAD), though several more are being developed. 

When will the Chase Sapphire Lounge LAX open?

Chase has not publicly provided an official timeline for when the Chase Sapphire Lounge LAX will open. However, below is the filing with the airport from August 2024. As you can see, this suggests an opening in February 2025.

I’m not sure if I’m just reading this completely wrong, or what. If that’s accurate, obviously the lounge has been delayed considerably. However, it still sounds like the opening might not be too far down the road.

This development is long overdue for LAX!

While LAX has a good number of airline lounges, the airport lacks credit card and Priority Pass lounges. Currently, the only credit card lounge is the Amex Centurion Lounge. The only traditional Priority Pass lounge at the airport is the new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, though that comes with its own restrictions. While Priority Pass members can access the lounge, it requires paying an additional $35 top-off fee.

While it’s kind of frustrating how heavily concentrated lounges are at TBIT, the good news is that all terminals at LAX are now connected airside, so you’ll be able to access this lounge regardless of which terminal you fly out of. However, depending on the terminal you’re departing from, it could be a long walk.

Bottom line

A Chase Sapphire Lounge will be coming to LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal. The lounge will be over 9,200 square feet, with seating for 150 guests. I’m thrilled to see more credit card lounges coming to LAX. Unfortunately we don’t yet know when the lounge will open.

What do you make of plans for the Chase Sapphire Lounge LAX?