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Chase Sapphire Lounge at Sea-Tac: What the 16,000 Square Foot Plan Means for Cardholders
The Port of Seattle approved a 15-year deal for a $70 million lounge in Concourse A, and a five-year study will track its effect on nearby shops and restaurants.
A $70 million lounge for Concourse A
A roughly 16,000 square foot Chase Sapphire Lounge is expected to open at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), backed by a $70 million investment from Chase. [1][2] If you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve card and fly through Seattle, it is the lounge to watch. [1]
This piece covers what the Port approved, why the lounge is going where it is, and what it means for travelers. The lounge is in the A concourse and is not operated by an airline. [2]
What the Port approved
The Port of Seattle Commission unanimously approved a 15-year lease and concessions agreement for the lounge. [2] The Port approved plans for the lounge in partnership with Airport Dimensions. [1]
The lounge is expected to generate about $7.9 million in revenue for the Port annually, according to a Port of Seattle Commission memo. [2] Jeff Wolf, the Port's director of aviation commercial management, said adding a Chase Sapphire lounge would make Sea-Tac a more competitive airport destination. [2]
The proposal was first up for Commission consideration in late September. [2] It was postponed to the Tuesday meeting so commission members could get more information from presenters. [2]
Chase said it is excited about the outcome and appreciates the Port of Seattle's support in bringing a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club to Seattle. [2]
The study of nearby businesses
Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa introduced an amendment to launch a five-year study of passenger behavior and preferences at Sea-Tac. The study also covers the impact of airport lounges on neighboring dining and retail tenants. [2]
The amendment was unanimously approved. It stems from small businesses that were concerned about how a new premium credit card lounge could affect their revenue. [2]
About $500,000 will be added yearly toward the study, with the first report due by the second quarter of 2027. [2]
Where the lounge goes and why
The lounge will sit in Concourse A, next to the current Delta lounge complex. [1] That complex has a Delta One Lounge and SkyClub, which have opened. [1]
The location was initially planned to house a revamped The Club at SEA, a common-use lounge near gate A11 with an additional location on the mezzanine above gate S10. [2] The Port decided a lounge from a financial institution or airline would generate more financial returns and lower capital burdens for the Port than a common-use lounge managed by the Port. [2]
The Chase lounge will take over the space of the existing Concourse A The Club at SEA, along with an adjacent area that was supposed to be part of that lounge's expansion. [1] The Club at SEA, with reduced Port investment, will occupy the United Club space near gate A10. [2]
That works because the United Club is slated to relocate to the B concourse next year. [2] It moves into the space of the former Centurion Lounge in Concourse B. [1]
Who can use it and what it offers
Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, J.P. Morgan Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton card holders have complimentary lounge access. They can bring up to two guests free, and additional guests cost $27 each. [2]
Chase Sapphire Lounges are primarily intended for holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve Business, though there are other ways to access them. [1]
The Sea-Tac lounge would offer shower suites, comfortable lounge seating, high-speed Wi-Fi and outlets, and locally inspired food and beverage options. [2] It is expected to include typical Chase Sapphire Lounge amenities, including shower suites and digital food ordering. [1] Chase would employ 118 lounge staff and 10 managers to operate the space. [2]
The numbers behind the decision
In 2025, 12% of passenger boardings at Sea-Tac were by Chase customers. [2] About 500,000 of the airport's 3.1 million boardings that year were from passengers eligible for lounge access. [2]
The lounge would be the airport's second credit card lounge, after the American Express Centurion Lounge in the Central Terminal. [2] It is the third Chase Sapphire Lounge in the pipeline that is not yet open, alongside those planned for Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA). [1]
A new Alaska lounge complex, including a first-ever Aurora Lounge plus Alaska Lounge, is also going to open. [1]
What it means for you
If you carry a Chase Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Reserve for Business, J.P. Morgan Reserve or The Ritz-Carlton card, you will have complimentary access and can bring two guests free. [2] Each additional guest costs $27. [2]
If you do not hold one of those cards, there are other ways to access Chase Sapphire Lounges. [1]
Do not plan a trip around it yet, because no proposed opening date has been set. [2] The first report from the Port's study of lounges and neighboring tenants is due by the second quarter of 2027. [2]
Sources
- Chase Sapphire Lounge SeaTac Airport Gets Approval, And It Looks Gorgeous — One Mile at a Time
- Sea-Tac Airport to get new lounge — but not from an airline — The Seattle Times
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