First look: Etihad quietly reopens revamped Dulles lounge in collaboration with Chase

A brand new upscale lounge choice has reopened for vacationers flying out of Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD) close to Washington, D.C., now accessible freed from cost to vacationers who maintain the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card .

Final week, Etihad Airways' Dulles lounge quietly reopened after a serious makeover — one which seems to deliver it into Chase's rising portfolio of sapphire lounges.

Formally, the membership is named the Etihad Lounge. The airline's emblem is prominently displayed as you enter the house alongside Dulles's A concourse.

However Etihad's web site states the house is a collaboration with JPMorgan Chase and airport lounge operator Airport Dimensions.

All through the two-level facility, you'll discover loads of similarities to different golf equipment in Chase's Sapphire Lounge portfolio, from the spectacular meals and beverage choices to the household room and reflection house.

In reality, the entrance desk itself is adorned with a emblem that reads “Sapphire Lounge by The Membership.” That is the official identify of another chaise lounges, reminiscent of these at Boston Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS) and New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Nevertheless, in an uncommon twist, the lounge opened with little fanfare and no formal announcement from Chase, Etihad or Precedence Cross.

So, final weekend, I rearranged my journey plans and booked a flight via Dulles to see the place for myself.

That is what I received.

Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles Location

The brand new Etihad-Chase Collaboration lounge is in Terminal A at Dulles – particularly, close to Gate A14.

After you clear safety and take the Aerotrain to the terminal, the lounge is on the left as you enter the concourse.

The lounge's location places it near the gates of many worldwide carriers at Dulles.

In the event you're departing from Gate B on American Airways, Delta Air Traces, Southwest Airways or another US service, you need to have the ability to entry the lounge inside minutes.

Notably, the lounge is much from many of the gates utilized by United Airways, which operates a hub at Dulles.

You’ll be able to technically go between all Dulles gates by air, nevertheless it'll take extra of a climb to get to the lounge from Terminals C and D, the place most of United's gates are.

The lounge is open every day from 6am to 10pm

Entry to Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles

Like different Sapphire Lounge places, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get themselves limitless complimentary entry and as much as two visitors per go to. Simply be sure you have activated your Precedence Cross membership via this card as they’ll verify this to grant you entry to the lounge.

You'll additionally get entry if you happen to're flying enterprise or first-class on an Etihad flight or when you have Gold or Platinum elite standing with Etihad Visitor.

Moreover, vacationers who earn Precedence Cross via a separate card will obtain one complimentary go to to any Sapphire lounge per 12 months. That is an particularly nice choice for Capital One Enterprise

Extra visitor excursions and any excursions in extra of these allowed will value $75 every.

Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles Structure

Regardless of the dearth of fanfare for this lounge's reopening, it's a gorgeous place.

It's a far cry from the huge 21,000-square-foot house at LaGuardia, however that was no massive shock. We anticipated this place to be the dimensions of John F. It is going to be just like the Sapphire Lounge at Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), which can be a modified Etihad lounge.

Nevertheless, in keeping with the Washington Enterprise Journal, it's a mere 5,200 sq. toes, which means it's really a lot smaller than the 7,600-square-foot house at JFK.

As quickly as you enter, it feels as if you happen to're within the Sapphire Lounge – in no small half because of the signal indicating so on the reception desk.

The colour motifs and seating areas are precisely what we anticipate from a Sapphire-branded venue.

From the reception space, you’ll instantly see the bar in your proper.

Proper close to the entrance home windows, you possibly can decide up a cushty chair to get some work completed or do some planespotting. It was wet and darkish once I was there, however the floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the again wall imply you possibly can take pleasure in spectacular views of the airplane from many areas within the lounge.

To your proper, you'll see a staircase that results in the second ground and two entrances to the small eating space. Don't overlook to show to your left to see essentially the most charming, library-themed space of ​​the house.

The bathe, meditation room and toilet are all on the far facet of the eating room.

Upstairs, you'll discover a wide range of seating choices, together with a big heart banquette with built-in retailers for charging your units when you work. It additionally has its personal small snack space.

Overcrowding in such a small house can turn out to be a matter of concern. Nevertheless, separate areas and sufficient seating preparations all through the lounge will assist mitigate the issue to an awesome extent.

Chase Sapphire Lounge Dulles Amenities

It has fewer facilities than you'll discover at LaGuardia's Sapphire Lounge. Don't anticipate to make face-to-face appointments throughout your keep right here.

However, this place gives many facilities to make your keep extra comfy.

Proper off the eating room, you'll discover three gender-neutral restrooms, a backlit vainness with two stools, a mirrored image room, and a bathe. The separate vainness is very good for individuals who must refresh their hair or make-up, permitting you to take action with out utilizing one of many restricted restrooms.

If you wish to use the showers or reflection room, you will need to make a reservation by scanning the QR code on the reception desk or on any of the tables.

Moreover, there’s a household space simply outdoors the bar. It’s considerably small however contains some video games and a restricted working space for youngsters.

Chez Sapphire Lounge Dulles Meals & Drink

Like its different lounge places, Chase gives a formidable number of meals and drinks on this lounge.

You’ll be able to order drinks by scanning the QR code on the bar or at any desk on the primary degree. There are a number of signature cocktails, together with the regionally impressed “In Bloom”, which is a tackle cherry blossoms on a mimosa.

As you enter the eating space, you'll discover a grab-and-go part in your left with canned seltzers and comfortable drinks, espresso machines, regionally roasted espresso, and a few snacks. On the again is the new bar, which gives a wide range of personalised alternatives.

I used to be there throughout breakfast, and choices included a cheese plate, in a single day oats, yogurt parfait, shakshuka, brioche French toast, and curry potatoes. I extremely suggest the shakshuka, which accommodates pomegranate seeds that add an surprising shiny pop to the scrumptious dish.

Moreover, you possibly can scan the QR code at any desk on the primary ground to order a dish from the make-to-order menu. At breakfast, choices embrace breakfast bao, salmon benedict, gluten-free bagels and gluten-free muffins. That is particularly excellent news for individuals who wish to simply stroll into the bar or nook seating space with out having to enter the eating room.

On the second degree, you'll discover a small snack bar with water, espresso, and a few small snacks. Nevertheless, you would not have the choice to order meals from the second degree. In the event you're planning to settle there it’s possible you’ll wish to deliver some extra nutritious snacks and drinks with you.

The employees was extraordinarily pleasant and attentive with out being overbearing. In the event you're like me and might't resolve what to order or need suggestions on the most effective place to get it completed, don't hesitate to ask.

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The lounge quietly opened in early March. However regardless of the cause Chase and Precedence Cross didn't make it extra of a splash, the lounge can be a welcome addition for vacationers touring out of Dulles' A gate.

In the event you're a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder or Precedence Cross member, don't miss it the following time you end up passing via.

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