Chase Removes Lounge Reservations at PHX

Something worth noting if you travel through Phoenix - Chase just removed the ability to book a spot ahead of time at its Sapphire Lounge at Sky Harbor (PHX).

​This was the only Chase lounge that ever let you do this, and starting September 1, it will be walk-up only - the same as every other Sapphire Lounge in their network.

​The frustrating part for those who travel through PHX is that this has always been Chase's smallest lounge at only around 3,500 square feet - so it's very easy for it to get packed here.

​The reservation system was genuinely useful for this location, and it felt like something Chase could've rolled out everywhere.

​Both Amex and Capital One let their cardholders join a digital waitlist at their lounges - so Chase removing its only version of that tool is kind of a step in the wrong direction.

​Now to be fair, Chase has had its PHX lounge under construction since late June for what looks like a serious expansion.

​Recent filings show that crews are doing finishing-stage work with appliances, furniture, and even dedicated restrooms inside the lounge (right now guests have to leave to find a bathroom).

​Hopefully, a larger PHX Sapphire Lounge won't even need reservations moving forward because of the increased space - but we still would like to see Chase eventually roll out reservations again in the future for all of their lounges.

​After all, some of Chase's cards with lounge access actually still let cardholders bring up to 2 free guests which can contribute to potential overcrowding.