The unthinkable has happened: the very first Chase Sapphire Lounge is GONE! But what does this mean for the future of lounge access and your travel perks? Let's dive into the unexpected closure and rebranding of the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong, and what it signals about Chase's lounge strategy.
For those unfamiliar, Chase Sapphire Lounges represent a relatively new endeavor by Chase to offer premium lounge experiences, primarily to holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. These lounges are designed to be a step above your average airport waiting area, offering enhanced amenities and services. The network started with a bang in October 2022 with the opening of the Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). You can think of it as Chase dipping its toes into the world of exclusive airport lounges.
Now, here's where it gets controversial... This Hong Kong location always felt a little out of place. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is exclusively available in the United States, so why launch the first lounge so far away? Adding to the peculiarity, the Hong Kong lounge had different access rules than other lounges in the network. It was open to all Priority Pass members, with no limit on the number of visits. Most Priority Pass lounges have restrictions or limited access depending on the card you have.
Fast forward to early December 2025, and the announcement dropped: the Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong would be closing its doors on January 5, 2026. Chase remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the closure, leaving many of us to speculate. Was it financial? Strategic? Or simply a change of heart?
To understand the situation, it's crucial to recognize Chase's unique approach to its lounge network. Unlike some other credit card companies, Chase partners with The Club to operate its Sapphire Lounges. More importantly, access is integrated with the Priority Pass network. If you have Priority Pass through an eligible Chase card (like the Sapphire Reserve), you get unlimited visits to Chase Sapphire Lounges. But, if you have Priority Pass through another card, your access is limited to just one visit per year, and only to US locations. This layered approach to access and partnerships makes monetization a bit more complex compared to something like American Express's Centurion Lounges, where cardholders directly access the lounges with their Amex card. It's a more straightforward system, making it easier to track usage and costs.
My personal theory? The Hong Kong location, being the only non-US lounge in the Chase Sapphire network, simply didn't align with Chase's overall strategic goals. It might not have been generating enough value for the company to justify the investment and operational overhead. After all, the Sapphire Reserve card is geared towards US-based travelers.
But the story doesn't end there!
The former Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong space has already reopened – as the Kyra Lounge. This marks the second Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. The first Kyra Lounge opened in 2024, and I've personally reviewed it. It's a solid Priority Pass lounge offering a comfortable and convenient space for travelers. You can expect decent food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere.
The new Kyra Lounge location is also accessible to Priority Pass members, with access granted up to three hours before your scheduled departure. This further supports the idea that Chase wanted out of the Hong Kong lounge market. It seems like Chase decided to refocus its efforts on its core US customer base.
Bottom Line:
The Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong is gone, rebranded as the Kyra Lounge. While this might be disappointing for some, it confirms suspicions that Chase is primarily interested in developing its Sapphire Lounge network within the United States. This new Kyra Lounge is likely to be a decent Priority Pass option for those traveling through Hong Kong.
It's undeniably strange that the first lounge in the entire Chase Sapphire network has been shut down. But, as I mentioned before, it was equally strange that Chase decided to launch a lounge abroad in the first place.
So, what do you think about the closure and rebranding of the Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong? Was this a strategic blunder by Chase, or a necessary correction? Do you think we'll see Chase expand its lounge network internationally in the future, or will they remain focused on the US market? Share your thoughts and opinions below! Let's discuss whether this was a good move for Chase and for travelers.
