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The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass Select membership. But what does that actually mean for your travel experience?

I've used this benefit at 30+ airports over four years. Some lounges transformed my layovers. Others disappointed.

This guide answers the question that matters: What lounge access do you actually get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2026?

Quick Answer: The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes unlimited Priority Pass Select membership for the cardholder and up to 2 guests. Access includes 1,300+ lounges worldwide. Restaurant credits were discontinued in 2023. No Centurion Lounge access is included.

What You Get: Priority Pass Select Membership

The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a Priority Pass Select membership. This is the premium tier of Priority Pass.

Included benefits:

  • Unlimited lounge visits
  • Cardholder + 2 guests enter free
  • Access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
  • Complimentary food and beverages
  • Wi-Fi and workspaces
  • Showers at select locations

What changed in 2023:

  • Restaurant credits discontinued (previously $28 per visit)
  • Some lounges enforce capacity limits during peak hours
  • Guest policy remains unchanged (2 free guests)

The Lounge Network: 1,300+ Locations

Credit card payment terminal and rewards
Credit card payment terminal and rewards
Credit card payment terminal and rewards

Priority Pass lounges exist at major airports worldwide. Quality varies dramatically.

The Best Priority Pass Lounges

North America:

  • British Airways Galleries Lounge (LAX) - First class dining
  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (JFK) - Full-service restaurant
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (YYZ, YVR) - Consistent quality
  • Plaza Premium Lounges (various) - Modern facilities

Europe:

  • Lufthansa Business Lounges (FRA, MUC) - Excellent food
  • Air France Lounges (CDG) - Champagne and hot meals
  • Plaza Premium Lounges (LHR, AMS) - Reliable quality

Asia:

  • Qantas First Lounge (LAX, SYD) - A la carte dining
  • Cathay Pacific Lounges (HKG) - Exceptional quality
  • Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges (SIN) - Premium experience

The Disappointing Priority Pass Lounges

Common complaints:

  • Overcrowded during peak hours
  • Limited seating at busy times
  • Basic snacks instead of hot meals
  • Restricted hours at smaller airports

The reality: Priority Pass includes contract lounges operated by various airlines and third parties. Quality is inconsistent.

Guest Policy: Traveling with Family

The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes 2 free guests per visit.

The math:

  • Cardholder: Free
  • Guest 1: Free
  • Guest 2: Free
  • Guest 3+: $32 per guest

For a family of four:

  • Cardholder + 2 guests = 3 people covered
  • 1 additional guest = $32

The strategy: If you travel with more than 2 guests regularly, consider carrying two Priority Pass cards (e.g., Chase Reserve + Capital One Venture X). Each cardholder brings 2 guests, covering a family of six.

What Is NOT Included: Important Restrictions

No Centurion Lounge Access

The Chase Sapphire Reserve does NOT include access to American Express Centurion Lounges. These are exclusive to Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders.

Centurion Lounge locations (NOT accessible with Chase Reserve):

  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • New York LaGuardia (LGA)
  • Dallas (DFW)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Seattle (SEA)
  • And 35+ other locations

No Airline-Specific Lounges

The Chase Sapphire Reserve does NOT include access to airline-specific lounges unless they participate in Priority Pass:

NOT included:

  • United Club (unless Priority Pass participating location)
  • Delta Sky Club
  • American Airlines Admirals Club
  • Southwest Airlines Club

Included (Priority Pass participating):

  • Some Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
  • Some Lufthansa Business Lounges
  • Select independent lounges

Restaurant Credits Discontinued

Prior to 2023, Priority Pass included a restaurant credit program. Cardholders received $28 credits at participating airport restaurants.

Current status: Discontinued for all Priority Pass members. Lounge access only.

How to Use Your Priority Pass Membership

Travel rewards points and miles visualization
Travel rewards points and miles visualization
Travel rewards points and miles visualization

Step 1: Activate Your Membership

  1. Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account
  2. Navigate to Benefits > Priority Pass
  3. Register for Priority Pass Select
  4. Receive your Priority Pass card (7-10 business days)
  5. Download the Priority Pass app for digital card access

Step 2: Find Lounges

  1. Download the Priority Pass app
  2. Search by airport code
  3. Check lounge hours and location
  4. Note any restrictions (capacity limits, dress code)

Step 3: Access the Lounge

  1. Present your Priority Pass card or digital membership
  2. Show same-day boarding pass
  3. Sign in at the reception desk
  4. Enjoy the lounge

When the Benefit Is Worth It

The Priority Pass membership is worth $469 annually if purchased directly. The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes it at no additional cost.

Worth it if:

  • You fly 6+ times annually
  • Your airports have quality Priority Pass lounges
  • You value quiet airport spaces
  • You travel with family (2 free guests)

Not worth it if:

  • You fly fewer than 4 times annually
  • Your airports lack Priority Pass lounges
  • You prefer airline-specific lounges
  • You already have lounge access through another card

The Competition: How Chase Compares

CardLounge AccessGuest PolicyAnnual Fee
Chase Sapphire ReservePriority Pass2 free guests$550 ($250 effective)
Amex PlatinumCenturion + Priority Pass2 free guests$695 ($55-695 effective)
Capital One Venture XPriority Pass + Capital One2 free guests$395 ($95 effective)
Hilton AspirePriority Pass2 free guests$450 ($100 effective)

The verdict: Chase Sapphire Reserve offers solid lounge access at a competitive effective annual fee. Amex Platinum offers superior access with Centurion Lounges. Capital One Venture X offers the lowest effective fee.

Questions People Ask

Credit card payment terminal and rewards
Credit card payment terminal and rewards
Credit card payment terminal and rewards

"Can I use Priority Pass when flying economy?"

Yes. Lounge access is not tied to your ticket class. Any departing passenger with valid Priority Pass membership can access lounges.

"Can I use Priority Pass on arrival?"

Most lounges only accept departing passengers. Some lounges allow arrival access for an additional fee. Check with the specific lounge.

"Do children count as guests?"

Yes. All visitors count as guests regardless of age. Cardholder + 2 guests enter free. Additional guests pay $32 each.

"Can I bring the same guest multiple times?"

Yes. There is no restriction on which guests you bring. The same person can be your guest on multiple visits.

"What if the lounge is at capacity?"

Priority Pass lounges can enforce capacity limits. Arrive early or have a backup lounge option. Some lounges allow you to join a waitlist.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass benefit is valuable for frequent travelers who can use it regularly.

Worth it if: You fly 6+ times annually through airports with quality Priority Pass lounges.

Not worth it if: You fly infrequently or your airports lack Priority Pass options.

Know your travel patterns. Know your airports. Then decide whether the Priority Pass benefit justifies the card's annual fee.

Final Verdict: The Chase Sapphire Reserve delivers solid lounge access through Priority Pass Select. For travelers without Centurion Lounge access, it provides excellent value at a $250 effective annual fee.