During my Aria Suite Adventure to Hong Kong, I had the chance to check out the Capital One Landing at Washington National Airport (DCA), which is the credit card issuer’s new airport lounge(ish) concept.
Continue reading: Review: Capital One Landing Washington National Airport (DCA)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
@ 380flyer -- The approach felt a bit surreal, and there was definitely a different vibe onboard among passengers. But in the airport as such, it seemed to be business as usual.
Re: being empty at 8 PM
DCA has a departure bank at 8 PM and 10 PM- so you sort of arrived in the dead zone in between those.
Ben, how drawn out vs expedited was the service? For example, how long of a connection would one need to feel comfortable making use of the sit down experience?
On reservations, I’ve been three times and only once with a reservation. I was seated immediately on my first walk-in. During busy “rush hour” traffic between 4-6:30pm, it was a 20 minute wait for me and a guest as a walk-in. Per the agent, there is generally more walk-in space than reservations available (I was quoted 40% reservations, 60% walk-in for January).
@ Andy — Everything was served within 10 or so minutes of ordering. You could comfortably be in and out in 30 minutes, assuming your table is ready. In fairness, maybe things take a little longer when the lounge is slammed, but I think the goal is to get people in and out quickly.
You say the focus is on quick dining and such as opposed to lounging. Is there any time limit (aside from the 3 hour before flight entrance rule) to the reservations? Are guest subtly encouraged to leave after they finish their drinks and meal? I am assuming no, so I wonder how they deal with guests that stay the three hours
@ Anthony -- I think the idea is that you can get in and out quick if you want, but I didn't get the sense that there was any sort of a rush. So it's fine to sit there, and I don't think they'd nudge anyone to leave, given the general time constraints in place (of having access up to three hours before departure).
You missed the special cart they have which alternates.... mimosas, champagne and caviar and gin and tonics. It is like finding big foot... I am in the landing almost weekly and I have only seen it once. But the staff assures me it exists. I asked if I could have some caviar and they said only when the cart comes out can they serve it.
Is there any expectation to tip? It's not quite a restaurant, not quite a lounge, so the etiquette seems unclear.
@ Charles -- Lol, yes, had heard about that, and was curious. Since I was visiting during a quiet time, I wasn't surprised it wasn't around. However, based on what you say, it sounds like a bit of a unicorn.
@ Anon -- That's a great question. Given that service is generally reactive rather than proactive, it doesn't seem like there's the same expectation to tip as in a sit-down restaurant. Furthermore, you're not just appointed one person, but rather the servers are all just kind of roaming around the place.
I tried to observe the tipping situation a bit, and based on what I could tell, most people weren't tipping.
As DCA is my home airport, I've visited COL a few times and would echo Ben's take. What a total pleasure to grab a bite here before a flight. I recommend the cold brew!
I was wondering the same thing when I was there. The service is so friendly and helpful and with tasty drinks, so it's unusual given that we (most people) tip for much lower quality drinks in the Admirals Clubs.
As a DCA-based flyer, I feel so fortunate to have this lounge at my home airport. I've been 8-10 times since it opened and have been consistently impressed by the food quality. Across those visits, I've seen the G&T cart once, and no other 'specials.' I've definitely seen some fellow travelers looking less-than-pleased with the portion sizes, but I honestly think it's a great concept, you can order as many as you want, and it cuts down on waste. As Ben noted, the quality is far superior to what you'll find at comparable lounges.
Two minor quibbles... First, some of the surfaces are already showing wear, including the luggage storage - I'll be interested to see if this is addressed. Second, and yes, this is a first world problem, but I've eaten everything on the menu repeatedly - hopefully they will change the food selection over time.
As mentioned the only thing that is a disappointment is the fact if your flight is from Terminal A (we were on Air Canada) you are unable to access the restaurant - so close and yet so far.
@Ben do you have an article where you talk about which credit cards you personally use and for what?
Love this lounge, and it’s very close to AA gates. I’m there every few weeks and it’s already slammed most times. That said, food is delicious and service is still efficient. Will be back on Thursday!
In fact I like this so much I haven’t been back to the Amex lounge since Capital One opened! But the Amex lounge is much closer to the Delta and United gates.
There is also a delicious ice cream sundae for dessert that nobody seems to notice. You just ask for it at the dessert area and they make it up for you. I can't remember the full description but it has tahini and cocoa nibs.