Confession time – I’ve become an extremely spoiled air traveler, and I love going to airport lounges before my flights. There, I’ve said it.

Maybe it’s because air travel, and especially waiting at airports, has become more stressful crowded and expensive, it’s nice to have the option of getting an included meal, a drink or cocktail and a mostly quiet place to sit. Some of these lounges have also become busier, but I still appreciate these special places.

It started with getting an American Express Platinum card nearly ten years ago, which allowed me to access the Centurion Lounge, mostly at Denver International Airport. With that account, I was then able to go to other airport lounges with their affiliated Priority Pass. Two years ago, I got the Capital One Venture X, which enabled me to go to another lounge at DIA, and earlier year, I was approved for the Chase Sapphire Reserved. There isn’t a lounge for them in Denver, but I have gone twice to one at San Diego International Airport, which I’ll write about today.

Now having been to a few Centurion Lounges, some Priority Pass places, several United Lounges around the country, the Capital One at DIA and most recently the British Airways Lounge at Heathrow in London, I can say that the Chase Sapphire in San Diego is one of the best I’ve visited. Here’s why.

The spaces

Chase Sapphire’s Lounge at San Diego is in Terminal 2, which houses most of the airlines at the airport. That means if you are flying Southwest, which is in Terminal 1, you’ll have to hike a bit to get there. It’s located between Gates 46 and 47, accessed by a private elevator. Once you pass the front desk, there are several areas with tables and chairs for dining and more with comfortable chaise lounges and easy chairs for more relaxation. 

The colors are soothing earth toned but not dull or plain. Large picture windows overlook the airplanes coming and going into the terminal. During both of my visits (once with JRS when we went to the Padres game and the other by myself after the ASTA conference) I wanted to sit in these semi-enclosed booths so I could eat and work, but they weren’t available. This configuration made the lounge appear less crowded than the Centurion or Capital One Lounges, which was a welcome feature.

The amenities

The Capitol One and some United lounges have a room for relaxation (where you can nap if you wish). Most have showers on request. What distinguishes the Chase Sapphire Lounge from the others I’ve visited is the wellness area, which is in the back. Members can book facials and private rest pods by appointment. When I have used the ones at the other places, they are first come, first serve. Having them be available at a designated time is a bonus.

Wi-fi is standard for lounges, and Chase Sapphire’s was consistently fast. Sometimes when I’ve used wi-fi at others, it’s been spotty and frustrating to use. Another pleasing feature here is the artwork. I am not usually an avid art lover, but I did like how San Diego’s surf culture was integrated into the rooms.  I especially loved the colorful surfboard wall design as well as the drone video of the local beaches and coast.

The food and drink

Perhaps the best thing about the Chase Sapphire Lounge is the food. I must confess that I don’t like what’s offered at the Centurion Lounge (at least the one in Denver), because they do not change their menus, and so I end up eating nearly the same food with every visit. The Capital One and United Lounges are more creative, but the quality is inconsistent. But with the two meals I’ve enjoyed at Chase Sapphire, the dishes were varied and delicious.

The best thing I ate in San Diego were a pair of salads – one with bulgar, almonds and grapes, the other with spiced cauliflower. Their chicken soup offered just the right amount of spice and included white kidney beans and generous chunks of meat. My second meal was a simple scrambled egg, hash browns and bacon breakfast, but it was still prepared well. I must admit that I haven’t tried the drinks at Chase Sapphire, but it seems they have a decent selection of beers, wines and spirits.