Link: Apply now for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Business
In the past few years, Capital One has gotten into the airport lounge game. The opening of the first lounge coincided with the introduction of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which is an incredible premium credit card. That was followed by the Capital One Venture X Business, which is also extremely lucrative.
In this post I wanted to take a look at the state of the network of Capital One Lounges, and what we can expect.
In this post:
Why is Capital One opening airport lounges?
Lounge access has become a popular perk for premium credit cards. Historically premium credit cards have offered a Priority Pass membership, providing access to a large collection of lounges.
However, the major card issuers have now taken it to the next level, and have started introducing their own lounges. We’ve seen the introduction of Amex Centurion Lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounges, and Capital One Lounges.
Which airports are getting Capital One Lounges?
Capital One has confirmed plans to open lounges at five airports, with three of the five being open so far. Furthermore, Capital One has revealed plans for an airport restaurant concept, known as Capital One Landing, which I’ll also cover below.
I’d expect that over time many more airports will get lounges, but below are the basic details of all five Capital One Lounges that have been revealed so far.
Capital One Lounge Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
The Capital One Lounge Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) opened in November 2021. The 10,000 square foot lounge is located in Terminal D near Gate 22.
Capital One Lounge Washington Dulles Airport (IAD)
The Capital One Lounge Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) opened in September 2023. The 8,500 square foot lounge is located near the security checkpoint (so not near any gates).
Capital One Lounge Denver Airport (DEN)
The Capital One Lounge Denver Airport (DEN) opened in November 2023. The 10,800 square foot lounge is located in Concourse A near Gate 34, on the mezzanine level.
Capital One Lounge Las Vegas Airport (LAS)
The Capital One Lounge Las Vegas (LAS) has been confirmed to be in the pipeline, but we don’t yet know the opening date. The 7,900 square foot lounge will be located at the center of Concourse D. The Clark County Board of Commissioners has approved the lease plan, and a Capital One spokesperson has confirmed the plans.
Capital One Lounge New York Airport (JFK)
The Capital One Lounge New York (JFK) will be 13,000 square feet, and will be located in Terminal 4. There’s no timeline yet for this lounge opening, so personally I’d expect it to open in 2026, or so, but that’s purely a guess on my part.
Capital One Landing (DCA & LGA)
In addition to the standard airport lounge offerings, Capital One is also introducing the Capital One Landing concept, which are expected to debut at Washington National (DCA) and New York LaGuardia (LGA).
While there are more questions than answers about this concept as of now, it’s described as a “new chef-driven, culinary-focused concept, intended to bring an elevated experience to the heart of the terminal.” The concept is being launched in partnership with Chef José Andrés, who will design Capital One Landing’s food and beverage menu, focusing on authentic, Spanish-style tapas.
It’s expected that these locations will open in the very near future (it should still be in 2024), though we don’t have any exact details yet.
What are Capital One Lounges like?
I’ve had the chance to check out the Capital One Lounge DFW several times, and it’s simply phenomenal, among my favorite lounges in the United States. While there are some basic amenities you expect from lounges, Capital One takes it to the next level.
Among other things, here’s what you can expect from Capital One Lounge locations:
- A grab & go food selection, including sandwiches, salads, fruit, snacks, and more
- A proper in-lounge dining experience presented as small bites, with menus curated by local chefs, and healthy selections made from regionally sourced ingredients
- An excellent drink selection, including local beer, regional wine, craft cocktails, cold brew and lattes on tap, and much more
- All three lounges have private restrooms, while the lounges in Dallas and Denver also have shower suites
- The Dallas Lounge has a cycling and yoga room with Peloton bikes and resistance bands, as well as relaxation rooms with blankets, eye covers, and earplugs
- The Denver Lounge has relaxation rooms with blankets, eye covers, and earplugs, as well as private workstations that can be reserved
- All the lounges have outlets at every seat, plus free, high-speed Wi-Fi
- The lounges also generally have great service, and in particular, Rumana at the Capital One Lounge DFW is a superstar
You can read my full review of the Capital One Lounge DFW here.
Who can access Capital One Lounges?
Capital One Lounges can be accessed by the following people:
- Capital One Venture X (review) cardmembers can get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges, and can bring two guests with them for free, and can bring additional guests with them for $45 each; keep in mind that authorized users can be added to the card for free, and they get the same lounge access perks
- Capital One Venture X Business (review) cardmembers get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges, and can bring two guests with them for free, and can bring additional guests with them for $45 each; on the business version of the card, authorized users don’t get access
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (review) and Capital One Spark Miles for Business (review) cardmembers receive two complimentary visits annually, with no complimentary guesting privileges (the passes could be used by the primary cardmember or authorized users, and can also be used for a guest who is present, meaning you could use two passes for you and a guest); however, this perk is only valid through the end of 2024, and is then being cut
- Kids under two can enter Capital One Lounges for free
- All others can enter Capital One Lounges for $90 per visit
- Even though Capital One Lounges are operated in partnership with Plaza Premium Group, there’s no access through other credit cards or lounge membership programs
Getting the Capital One Venture X Card for lounge access can be totally worth it. The card has a $395 annual fee, but offers a $300 annual travel credit and 10K bonus anniversary miles every year, so having the card should cost you very little if you’re going about it right. Furthermore, you’ll be able to add four authorized users to the card at no extra cost, and they’ll receive the same lounge access perks. That makes this the ideal card for families.
Are there access restrictions for Capital One Lounges?
Beyond the actual entry requirements for Capital One Lounges, there are a couple of further access restrictions to be aware of:
- You need a boarding pass for a departing flight in order to be able to access Capital One Lounges (so you can’t use them as arrivals lounges)
- You can only access Capital One Lounges within three hours of a flight’s scheduled departure; while it’s my understanding that this is the official rule, I’ve heard lots of reports that it’s not enforced
Is crowding an issue at Capital One Lounges?
Airport lounge crowding has generally become an issue, especially in the United States, given the growth in demand for premium leisure travel. So like any other lounges, you’ll find that Capital One Lounges may have crowding issues during peak periods.
For those situations, Capital One has a digital waitlist and capacity tracker. To access this feature, you’ll want to log into the Capital One mobile app, click on “Travel,” and then select “Lounges.” You’ll then want to search for the Capital One Lounge you plan to visit, and click on the lounge details page.
Once you’re on the page with the lounge details, you’ll see crowding levels, and if the lounge is busy, you’ll have access to the “Join waitlist” button, which will also indicate how long your estimated wait is. If you want to add yourself to the waitlist, you’ll have to enter your first name, phone number, and party size. You’ll then receive a text when it’s your turn.
What’s my take on Capital One Lounges?
I’m extremely impressed by what Capital One is doing with airport lounges, and the timing has been great as well, as it coincided with the launch of the Capital One Venture X Card. A couple of thoughts on Capital One Lounges so far:
- Admittedly it’s going to take Capital One a while to build up a network of lounges, so this could be extremely useful for those based out of an airport with a lounge, while it will be less useful for others
- Capital One is doing something unique here, and is introducing amenities we haven’t seen from other lounges, and I love that; from cold brew and lattes, to grab & go food, to Peloton bikes, Capital One put a lot of thought into these lounges
What other lounge access does the Venture X offer?
As a reminder, access to Capital One Lounges is only a small part of the lounge access perks offered by the Capital One Venture X Card. The card also offers a Priority Pass membership, giving you access to 1,300+ lounges around the world. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional cost
On the personal version of the card, these benefits apply not just for the primary cardmember, but also for the up to four authorized users you can add to your card at no extra cost.
Bottom line
Capital One has gotten into the airport lounge game, with the introduction of the Capital One Venture X Card and Capital One Venture X Business. The Capital One Lounges at DEN, DFW, and IAD, are already open. We can expect lounges at LAS and JFK to open at some point in the future, along with the Capital One Landing concept at DCA and LGA.
Capital One has taken a different approach toward lounge design, and I can’t wait to see the portfolio grow. Capital One Lounges have unique features you won’t find in other lounges, ranging from a grab & go food selection, to cold brew on tap, to a workout room.
What do you make of the Capital One Lounges at airports? Will you be picking up the Venture X Card or Venture X Business?
Sitting at DEN now. The app's live status said the lounge was not busy. I get there and I'm quoted 30 min wait. It's Labor Day, so I can accept that it's busy.
I asked if I could just get some grab-and-go items but was denied. I do not understand how they can turn people away from the option that requires no seating but still provides value to their card holders.
Last two times, there was a line at IAD and asked if we made a reservations? Then when we finally got to the front of the line, we were told we had no seat assignment on our boarding card, so no entry. We talked to multiple Cap One representatives once back home and they agreed, no entry WITHOUT a seat assignment. We're retired airline employees.....standby seats IF available....and our pension after 25 years.....never saw it....
Last two times, there was a line at IAD and asked if we made a reservations? Then when we finally got to the front of the line, we were told we had no seat assignment on our boarding card, so no entry. We talked to multiple Cap One representatives once back home and they agreed, no entry WITHOUT a seat assignment. We're retired airline employees.....standby seats IF available....and our pension after 25 years.....never saw it. Seats assigned at the gate, just like a revenue standby when flights are messed up. Dumped the card. Have Sapphire Reserve....will happily live without Cap One like we did before.
I thought they are going to charge $95 per entry into the lounge?
Last time I wanted to enter the IAD lounge, there was a waitlist and a prediction of a 30-minute wait. I asked if I could grab a bottle of water from the grab and go selection and I was denied.