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AvGeeks rejoice: A new outdoor terrace lounge has opened at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This new “Sapphire Terrace” location is only available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® or JP Morgan Reserve cardholders, plus up to two guests. The new terrace opened at 10:30 a.m. Central Time on March 20. Here are the details of the first-of-its-kind Chase Sapphire Terrace lounge.
The New Chase Sapphire Terrace in Austin
In February, we shared an update on the new Chase Sapphire Lounges opening in the near future. Currently, only one Chase Sapphire Lounge is open (in Hong Kong), but ten more locations are in the works. The location of these lounges will be in the following airports:
| Airport | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) | Terminal 1 International Departures, West Hall, Level 7, Departures Level, near Gate 40 | 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) | Terminal B/C Connector, between Gates 39 and 40 | 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | Terminal D, near Gate 35 | Future Location: TBA |
| Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) | Terminal 1, C Gates | Future Location: TBA |
| New York-LaGuardia (LGA) | Terminal B | Future Location: TBA |
| Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) | Terminal D/E Connector | Future Location: TBA |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | Terminal 4 South | Future Location: TBA |
| San Diego International Airport (SAN) | Terminal 2 West | Future Location: TBA |
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Terminal A | Future Location: TBA |
| Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) | Near Gate 1 | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
However, one lounge is a different experience altogether. On March 20, the Chase Sapphire Terrace opened near gate 1 at Austin Airport (AUS). Unlike other Chase Sapphire Lounges — which are accessible to anyone with the Priority Pass — the Sapphire Terrace is exclusive to Sapphire Reserve or JP Morgan Reserve cardholders.
The Sapphire Terrace is both indoor and outdoor, taking over a public terrace — which might not be the most popular decision. Amenities include complimentary snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), as well as shuffleboard, giveaways, and artwork. Decorations are by local artist and muralist Rex Hamilton and are inspired by the vibrant colors and native flowers of Texas.
Alcoholic beverages available include some local favorites: cider from Austin Eastcider and beer from (512) Brewing Company.
The lounge is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day for Sapphire Reserve or JP Morgan Reserve cardholders departing from Austin. Cardholders can also bring up to two guests with them into the lounge. Unfortunately, arriving passengers can't visit the lounge.
Our Take
While we wait for more Chase Sapphire Lounges to open, it's nice to see Chase getting creative with new lounge-like (and lounge-lite) offerings. Although a different concept, the Chase Sapphire Terrace is still managed by the same company as Chase Sapphire Lounges: Airport Dimensions.
We will have to see if the Sapphire Terrace ties into Sapphire Lounges in the future or if other Sapphire Lounges are also limited to solely Sapphire Reserve or JP Morgan Reserve cardholders and without access to Priority Pass members.
There are probably going to be some opinions about an outdoor terrace in Austin, Texas. Temperatures can remain in the triple digits for several months of the year. There's also the matter of an overabundance of Sapphire Reserve or JP Morgan Reserve cardholders, which means there's a good chance the lounge will be overcrowded. Only time will tell.
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Interesting. If Chase continues this trend to rival Amex, I’d strongly consider jumping back in. I love Chase’s ecosystem and credit structure SO much more!