Is the Chase Sapphire Lounge Worth It?

Traveling can be a hectic experience, but having access to an airport lounge can be a relaxing way to start or end your journey. Recently, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and it left us really impressed. Our flight ended up getting delayed 4 hours which gave us plenty of time to take advantage of the food and amenity offerings. But the question remains: Is the Chase Sapphire Lounge worth it? And how long must you spend there to break even on the entry cost? Let’s break it down by examining the average cost of admission, the amenities offered, and the overall benefits.

Average Cost of Admission

The Chase Sapphire Lounge is accessible through various methods, each with its own cost structure. You can read all about it in our Everything You Need to Know About the Chase Sapphire Lounge. For the purposes of this analysis, there are two options:

Average Cost of Credit Card Fees that Include Admission:

Annual Fee: $550
Guest fee: $27 (some cards include the first guests for free)

Day Pass:

Cost: $75 per person

As you can imagine, if you travel a lot and utilize the lounge access through a travel card you will end up spending less per visit. However, for the purposes of this blog we will compare the cost savings to an average cost of $75 per visit since that is the Day Pass fee.

Average Savings

Food and Drink

The Chase Sapphire Lounge offers an impressive array of food and drink options, curated in partnership with local NYC establishments. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings:

Breakfast: If you were to buy breakfast at an airport restaurant, you might spend around $15-$20 per person for a similar quality meal. The lounge offers high-quality breakfast options included in the entry cost.
Lunch/Dinner: A meal at a mid-range airport restaurant could cost $20-$30 per person. The lounge provides gourmet dishes, saving you this cost.
Drinks: Cocktails at airport bars typically cost $12-$15 each not to mention tips. With a full-service bar in the lounge, you can easily save $30-$45 on a couple of drinks.
Coffee: Coffee at a Starbucks or airport coffee chain will cost run you about $5-$7 on average.

Total Food and Drink Savings: For a couple, you could save approximately $70-$90 during a single visit assuming you were to buy a similar quality meal and a drink/coffee during your time waiting at the airport.

Amenities

The Chase Sapphire Lounge goes beyond food and drink, offering numerous luxurious amenities:

Private Resting Pods: These provide a comfortable place to relax. However, reservations are required and these rooms can get booked up quickly.
Luxurious Bathrooms: Ideal for freshening up, especially during long layovers. The ladies room even has vanity counters for you to do your hair and makeup!
Facial Room: This is a unique amenity not commonly found in other lounges, they will give you a 30 minute facial massage included with your entry fee!

Total Amenities Savings: Access to these amenities can save you around $50, if you utilize one or more of them. The value here is especially attractive when considering the cost of alternative comfort options at the airport.

Atmosphere and Comfort

It’s hard to put a price on atmosphere and comfort but this lounge definitely delivers. The lounge offers a sophisticated and private environment, away from the crowded terminal. If you need to get some work done or need a place to escape the loud bustle of the airport this lounge is a great option!

Comfortable Seating: Ample open seating areas provide a relaxing space to unwind.
Ambiance: The lounge’s design and atmosphere enhance the travel experience, adding value beyond monetary savings.

How Much Time Do You Need to Spend at the Lounge to Make It Worth It?

Here’s an analysis of how much time is needed to make the most of your visit, factoring in the average savings and benefits.

Cost and Savings Breakdown

Let’s recap the potential savings:

Food and Drink Savings: $70-$90 for two people (breakfast, lunch/dinner, and drinks)
Amenities Savings: $50-70 (private resting pods, luxurious bathrooms, facial room, arcade room)
Total Potential Savings: $120-$160

Time Analysis

To maximize these savings and make your lounge visit worthwhile, let’s break down how much time you would need to spend in the lounge.

Food and Drink Consumption:
- Breakfast: 30-45 minutes
- Lunch/Dinner: 45-60 minutes
- Drinks 30-45 minutes

Total Time for Meals and Drinks: ~1.5 hours

Utilizing Amenities:
- Resting/Relaxing in Pods: 30-60 minutes
- Enjoying the Facial Room: 30-45 minutes
- Using Luxurious Bathroom: 15-20 minutes

Total Time for Amenities: 1 to 2 hours

For the lounge to be worth the cost, you should aim to spend at least 2.5 hours.

2.5 Hours: This timeframe allows you to have a full meal, enjoy a couple of drinks, and take advantage of one of the lounge’s amenities. You’ll start seeing savings compared to airport prices for similar quality experiences.
3 Hours or More: The longer you stay, the more value you can extract from the lounge’s offerings. Spending around 3 hours gives you ample time to enjoy all meals, multiple drinks, and the luxurious amenities.

Conclusion

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA offers excellent value, especially for travelers with lounge access through premium credit cards or Priority Pass membership. To make the most of your visit and ensure it’s worth the cost, aim to spend at least 2.5 hours in the lounge. It’s a great option if you arrive early to the airport and have time to kill or experience flight delays!

For those with long layovers or early arrivals, the lounge provides a perfect retreat, making your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. If you have the opportunity to access the Chase Sapphire Lounge, it’s definitely worth considering for a premium travel experience.