Review: Chase Sapphire Terrace - Austin (AUS)
Chase opened their newest venue, the Chase Sapphire Terrace, at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). This new location opened on March 20, 2023, exclusively welcoming Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card customers. The Sapphire Terrace consists of a small indoor space and a large outdoor patio that can accommodate around 200 customers and is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily.
Location & Access
The terrace is located in the Main (Barbara Jordan) Terminal on the second level above Gate 1, across for the Delta Sky Club. There is also lots of signage throughout the terminal directing cardmembers to the terrace. Access is limited to only Chase Sapphire Reserve card members and up to 2 guests. To enter the venue, visit the kiosk and present your Sapphire Reserve card and boarding pass to the front desk employee; after the card is scanned, you can enter the terrace. One additional note is the Sapphire Terrance is departure flights only and limited to 3 hours prior to departure.
Upon entering, you will see a small indoor area where you can sit and grab a drink or food. You may also choose to go to the outside patio, since the inside space is relatively small, with about ten chairs and a few small tables.
Food and Beverages
Once inside the club, you will see a limited bar and two vending machines. The food and drinks are all free of charge. The vending machine (called the Fresh Shop) provides many great options for grab-and-go or to enjoy on the terrace. Some food options are salads, mixed fruit and grape cups, strawberry parfaits, granola, hard-boiled eggs, chicken BLT wraps, veggie wraps, turkey and swiss croissants, and pasta salad.
The beverage choices are limited but good; they currently offer ten different types of drinks, including canned (still) water, Coke, Diet Coke, Bubly sparkling waters (lime or blackberry), Texas Select (non-alcoholic) beer, 512 IPA beer, and three types of wine (Red, White, and Rosé). I did not see coffee or tea as a drink option. A note on the bar also states you can't take alcohol to-go. The bar also has some snacks including chips, crackers, and cookies.
The terrace has many places to sit and relax across 5,000 square feet (inside and out) area. Inside there is a small area for seating and food/beverage. Outside there are seating and table options for just about anyone.
Outdoor Patio
The outside has completely been transformed from how it was before. I was very impressed with the seating, tables, blankets, and other amenities on the patio. There are many comfortable chairs, picnic tables, sofas, and standing tables to choose from. The patio also has some games (shuffleboard and cornhole) to play while enjoying the terrace.
The patio has a view of the 9,000 foot east runway (18L) touchdown zone and offers excellent views for plane spotting as well as a view of the ramp area. Since there is limited power plugs for charging they offer these handy large battery cubes (like the ones seen at some Delta Sky Clubs).
There is a large (accessible) all-gender restroom located on the patio, that also features a baby changing table.
Local Art
Like many other lounges that are opening, they are starting to include art from local artists. The windows facing the patio on the East Terrace have a fantastic mural by a local Austin artist named Rex Sterling Hamilton. This week and until supplies run out they will be giving out cool luggage tags designed by Rex.
Pros: good selection of to-go food, great if you are in a hurry, the patio is awesome, it is large and comfortable with a view of planes and fresh air.
Cons: no paid, Priority Pass or Chase Sapphire Preferred access option (only Sapphire Reserve). The small indoor space has limited seating, no cocktails, only beer and wine.
Closing Thoughts
I was unsure until I toured the Sapphire Terrace today if the existing patio would remain open to the general public, but sadly the previous free Observation Patio is no longer available. It was also nice to see trash, recycling, and compost bins on the terrace. I am also curious how many regular Austin (AUS) travelers will be getting (or upgrading to) the Sapphire Reserve card just so they can use the terrace.
While I was visiting the terrace I took some time to chat with Chase employees that were onsite. They were tight-lipped about the opening dates for upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounges, but I was told to "expect an announcement soon." I was also told that the Austin Sapphire Terrace location is the only Terrace location planned.
To learn more go to https://account.chase.com/sapphire/reserve/terrace/austin
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