Imagine arriving at the airport, knowing a luxurious oasis awaits you – complimentary drinks, gourmet snacks, and a quiet space to recharge before your flight. That's the promise of airport lounges, and Chase Sapphire cardholders have enjoyed this perk at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) since 2022. But, brace yourselves: that's about to change. The very first Chase Sapphire Lounge, the one that kicked off the whole network, is closing its doors in Hong Kong in January 2026.
I'm Stephanie Stevens from TPG's credit cards team, and I'm here to break down what this means for you.
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Chase has officially confirmed that the Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) will cease operations in early January 2026. This lounge, which debuted in 2022, was a significant milestone for Chase, marking their initial foray into the world of premium airport lounges and setting the stage for expansion in the United States. Now, travelers passing through HKG will soon lose this valuable amenity.
According to a notice on Chase's lounge directory, the lounge is slated to close in January. This closure is a notable development, as the Hong Kong location served as a proving ground for the Sapphire Lounge concept. It demonstrated the demand for high-quality lounge experiences among Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and helped refine the lounge model for future locations.
Chase hasn't released a detailed explanation for the closure, leaving many to speculate. Is it a strategic shift? A matter of lease negotiation? Or something else entirely? At this point, there's no indication that the shutdown is temporary or part of a relocation plan. All we know is that the lounge will no longer be part of the Sapphire Lounge network after early January 2026.
How will this closure impact your lounge access in Hong Kong?
Don't panic just yet! The Chase Sapphire Lounge at HKG will remain open and fully operational until January 4, 2026. This means that Sapphire Reserve cardholders and Priority Pass members can continue to enjoy its benefits until the official closing date.
And this is the part most people miss: After January 5th, frequent travelers who've grown accustomed to the comfort and convenience of the Chase Sapphire Lounge will need to explore alternative lounge options at HKG. The good news is that Hong Kong International Airport boasts a wide array of lounges, making it one of the most lounge-rich airports in Asia. This means that, while you're losing one great option, you're certainly not losing access to lounges altogether.
Where can Sapphire Reserve and Priority Pass members go instead?
Fortunately, several alternatives are available. Priority Pass members can still choose from multiple lounges within HKG, including:
- Kyra Lounge near Gate 23
- Three Plaza Premium Lounge locations across the terminal
Furthermore, travelers holding credit cards that grant access to American Express Centurion Lounges can visit the Centurion Lounge in Terminal 1. And, of course, passengers flying in premium cabins or holding elite status with airlines may be eligible to access airline-specific lounges operated by carriers like Cathay Pacific and Qantas.
Bottom Line:
The Chase Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong, the very first of its kind, will cease operations on January 5, 2026, according to Chase. The reason behind the closure remains unclear, and there's no word yet on the future of the space or whether Chase will offer an alternative lounge option at HKG.
While the closing of this initial international lounge marks a change, the Chase Sapphire Lounge network continues to expand within the United States, providing cardholders with a growing selection of premium airport experiences. The closure might sting a bit for those who frequented the HKG lounge, but here's where it gets controversial... Is this a sign of a change in Chase's lounge strategy, perhaps focusing more on domestic locations? Or is it simply a one-off situation? It's hard to say for sure.
Related Reading:
- The best credit cards for airport lounge access
- Philadelphia will be the next airport to get a Chase lounge
- The 7 do's and don'ts in an airport lounge
- 7 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
- The best Chase credit cards
Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content.
Now, I want to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this closure? Do you think Chase will replace the Hong Kong lounge with another option? Or do you believe this signals a shift in their lounge strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below!
