Update 7/12/2019: I received an answer today from Chase. They confirmed that “there are no changes to the Sapphire Reserve card’s Priority Pass Select membership.”

Priority Pass has also confirmed to me that changes will apply just to Amex cards. “We are aware that American Express has advised some cardholders that from 1 August 2019, they will no longer have access to non-lounge airport experiences. This will only impact members who receive their membership as a benefit through American Express.”

Citi hasn’t replied yet.

Also several websites (linked in the post and comments) have received confirmation, probably from Chase as well, that makes it clear that nothing has changed from the previous information we already knew. The changes to Priority Pass Select membership, where non-lounge access will be removed, will only apply to those that have it through American Express credit cards. The Priority Pass page that created the confusion was meant for Amex members who received emails about the upcoming changes that will go into effect on August 1st.

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Priority Pass looks like it has just hinted that it will cut the non-lounge access benefit for all Priority Pass Select members. These are the Priority Pass memberships provided to cardholders from American Express, Chase, Citi and CNB.

American Express was the only issuer that announced this change, and they’re actually looking like the good guy here for giving their costumers a heads up. The changes go into effect on August 1, 2019.

These non-lounge locations are usually restaurants, which have been a great addition to Priority Pass. But I guess they have also been a huge added expense. There’s some good news though as some locations will still be included (listed below). You can see the notice here. I reached out to Priority Pass, Chase and Citi for more information and I’m waiting to hear back from them. They did say a while back that they expected no changes to the Priority Pass memberships that they provide. Update: There’s good news. Thrifty Traveler says that Chase has confirmed today, July 11th, 2019, that Chase Sapphire Reserve will continue to provide a Priority Pass membership with full access.

It does note that “these FAQs only relate to the membership referenced in the email that you have received. Please log in to your online account for each membership to understand the features available against each membership.”

Is my Priority Pass lounge benefit changing?

No, you will continue to have access to over 1200 airport lounges through Priority Pass. Non-lounge airport experiences (including restaurants, bars and cafes) will be removed from the program effective August 1, 2019.

What are non-lounge airport experiences?

Non-lounge airport experiences are not traditional airport lounges. These experiences include but are not limited to restaurants, bars and cafes that provide a credit toward your food and beverage bill.

Have all non-lounge airport experiences been removed from my Priority Pass program?

No, a small number of non-lounge airport experiences will remain available subject to your complimentary benefit. These locations are detailed below:

Lounge Name	Airport code	Airport	Terminal	Country
Minute Suites	ATL	Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International	Concourse B	USA
Minutes Suites	ATL	Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International	Concourse T	USA
Minute Suites	CLT	Charlotte Douglas International	Atrium	USA
Minute Suites	DFW	Dallas / Fort Worth international	Terminal A	USA
Minute Suites	DFW	Dallas / Fort Worth International	Terminal D	USA
Minute Suites	PHL	Philadelphia International	Terminal B	USA
Sleep’n’fly – the new airport sleep concept by YAWN	DXB	Dubai International	Terminal 3, Concourse A	UAE
The Grain Store	LGW	London Gatwick	South Terminal	UK

How can I find out which locations are available to me using my Priority Pass membership?

Previously it has not been necessary to log in to your Priority Pass online account to view lounges available to you when traveling, however, from August 1. 2019 logging in on the web or app will ensure only accessible locations are visible to you.

Guru’s Wrap-up

This is terrible news for those who were holding out hope that non-Amex cards would maybe continue to provide restaurant access at airports. Maybe it’s not yet 100% sure that it will be removed from all credit card memberships, but it does look like it in my opinion. Minute Suites at least are still there.

Let me know what you think.