Capital One opened its first airport lounge a few weeks ago, coinciding with the launch of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) (Rates & Fees). While there were some reports of the lounge being great based on a media preview event, personally I always like to check out a lounge when it’s actually in operation, to see what kind of an experience the average guest has. Well, I’m fortunate that I had the chance to check out the lounge this morning.
Let me cut right to the chase — the Capital One Lounge DFW is spectacular, and exceeded my already high expectations. I don’t make this claim lightly, but this might be the most thoughtfully designed lounge I’ve ever been in.
The lounge is physically beautiful, with an innovative food and drink selection, great amenities, and exceptionally friendly service. Oh, and the best part? It’s still empty… really, really empty (which is a major issue with Amex Centurion Lounges). While I’m sure crowding will change over time, I’m going to enjoy the heck out of this lounge in the meantime.
In this post:
How I visited the Capital One Lounge
Kind of funny backstory, just to give some perspective. I’ve been meaning to visit the Capital One Lounge DFW since it opened, but I just didn’t have any trips planned where a layover at DFW was practical.
I was supposed to fly United today through Houston, but my flight was canceled yesterday evening, just 12 hours before departure. I looked online at options, and as it turned out, the only practical itinerary was on American through DFW. I only had an 80 minute connection , and I was flying into and out of Terminal C, but I hustled and spent about 20 minutes in the lounge. I dare anyone to tell me I didn’t maximize my time. 😉
How to access the Capital One Lounge DFW
So, who can access the Capital One Lounge DFW? There are several ways to access the lounge, though one will no doubt be most popular:
- Capital One Venture X cardmembers get unlimited access to the lounge, and can bring two guests with them for free; keep in mind you can add up to four authorized users to the card for free, and they receive the same lounge access perk
- Capital One Venture and Capital One Spark Miles cardmembers receive two complimentary visits annually, with no complimentary guesting privileges
- Additional guests for the above cardmembers are possible for $45 each, and children under two can enter the lounge for free
- Anyone else can buy access to the lounge for $65 per visit
See my guide to Capital One Lounges for full details on access restrictions.
Capital One Lounge DFW hours
The Capital One Lounge DFW is open daily from 6AM until 9PM.
Capital One Lounge DFW location
The Capital One Lounge is located in DFW’s Terminal D, which is the airport’s nicest terminal, and also typically used for international flights. All terminals at DFW are connected airside by the Skylink, so you can access the lounge regardless of which terminal you’re flying out of (though you’ll want to leave some extra time if switching terminals).
The Capital One Lounge is located near gate D22, and shares an entrance with the American Flagship Lounge.
Inside the entrance you’ll see a set of elevators at the end of the hall on the right. You’ll just have to take those up to the fifth floor (for context, the main terminal is on the third floor, so it’s two levels up).
As you exit the elevators, the Capital One Lounge is to the left, while the American Flagship Lounge is to the right.
At the reception desk we were greeted by an incredibly friendly employee. I presented my Capital One Venture X and our boarding passes, and we were promptly admitted.
On the desk you’ll see that there are a bunch of cake pops that guests can take, with a message saying “thank you for pop’ing in.” Hah.
Capital One Lounge DFW layout & seating
The Capital One Lounge DFW is roughly 10,000 square feet, and is split up into several different areas. Immediately inside the entrance to the lounge is a communal table, and that’s surrounded by a coffee station and the grab & go selection (I’ll talk all about the food & drinks a bit later on).
You could essentially walk a circle around the entire lounge. To the right there are a couple of sitting areas. The first area has tables with both chairs and booths. Personally I love this kind of seating, because I find it’s much easier to have your laptop out while enjoying some food or drinks when you have a full table, rather than just a side table.
I love the art throughout the lounge, especially on the walls, which adds some personality.
There’s a divider separating that sitting area from a more traditional lounge seating area, which includes lounge chairs, as well as some tables with chairs and booths.
The lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of the apron and runways. You simply can’t beat these views, and under normal circumstances there would be tons of 777s and 787s parked here.
The next section of the lounge is the huge bar area, which has all kinds of seating options. This is probably the prettiest space of the lounge, if you ask me.
To the side of the bar is the entrance to most of the amenities (toilets, showers, relaxation rooms, the exercise room, etc.), which I’ll cover later. As you go back in the direction of the front of the lounge, there’s a room with even more seating.
One thing that impresses me is that each seat has an AC power outlet, plus a USB-A and USB-C outlet. Like, literally every seat, even the seating at the bar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an airport lounge bar with built-in outlets before.
If you walk around the entire lounge, the entire center area with walkways features the food and drink selection, which is quite impressive. The food is basically built into bookshelves, which is a unique design.
Capital One Lounge DFW food & drinks
Probably what impressed me most about the Capital One Lounge was how unique the food & drink selection was. I feel like so many airport lounges don’t actually consider what people enjoy consuming in this day and age. Capital One listened.
Let’s talk about what you can enjoy in the lounge, from the food selection, to the grab & go selection, to the drink selection.
Capital One Lounge DFW food selection
The Capital One Lounge DFW has a variety of hot and cold food options. The food is entirely self service, and I appreciate how the buffets are spread out throughout the lounge, so as to avoid crowding (not that this lounge is crowded yet). The last time I was in an Amex Centurion Lounge I thought that maybe a Southwest Airlines flight was boarding from the lounge — nope, it was just the line for the buffet.
I visited the lounge around breakfast time. One section of the buffet had some bread and pastry options, including croissants, pain au chocolat, muffins, and blueberry scones.
Then there were a couple of buffets with hot and cold options, including a peach granola bowl, pancakes, a savory potato hash, and eggs benedict.
Another buffet had warm fall oatmeal bowls, charcuterie cones, and honey yogurt fruit kebabs.
Capital One Lounge DFW grab & go food
Here’s something we’ve never seen a lounge do before, and I love it. The Capital One Lounge DFW has a grab & go selection of food and drinks, so you can enjoy something to eat or drink on your flight.
The selection included everything from cold pressed juiced, to flavored sparkling water, to a variety of sandwiches, to several types of salad bowls.
There were also a variety of snack mix options you could take to go.
Across from the grab & go section were cute Capital One bags, as well as napkins and cutlery, so you really won’t have any trouble enjoying this on your flight.
We were flying American Airlines, so naturally we took something to go, because have you eaten with American Airlines before? 😉
THIS IS AMAZING CAPITAL ONE, THANK YOU! That being said, am I the only one who is curious to see how long this lasts before they set formal limits on how much you can take with you, and/or have someone police the section? Some people have to ruin things for everyone, and I feel like someone is going to bring a trash bag and empty the place out (please don’t be that person).
Capital One Lounge DFW drinks
As someone who likes good coffee, the Capital One Lounge is the answer to my prayers, given how hard it can be to get decent cold brew or cappuccino at airports. Near the entrance there was drip coffee, including from La Colombe and Cultivar.
Many beverages in the Capital One Lounge are served on tap, including cold brew and lattes. I can’t believe it took this long for an airline lounge in the United States to offer cold brew, let alone on tap.
Another section of the lounge had more drinks on tap, including lemonade, iced tea, sweet tea, root beer, orange soda, and ginger ale.
And as if Capital One’s coffee game wasn’t good enough already, there are also barista-made drinks available at the bar. I ordered a cappuccino, which was excellent.
There’s also a tea selection, for those who are into that.
For those looking for beer, wine, or cocktails, below you can see the menu. As you can see, there are a variety of options, and everything is complimentary, except some upgraded half bottles of wine and spirits. I apologize, but I didn’t have the time or desire to enjoy cocktails at 8AM this morning (and if I did, you probably wouldn’t be getting the review the same day). 😉
Capital One Lounge DFW amenities
In addition to lots of seating and the food & drink selection, the Capital One Lounge DFW also has a variety of further amenities. This includes:
- An exercise room
- Shower suites
- Relaxation rooms
- A nursing room
- A multi-faith prayer room
- Toilets
I was able to check all of these out, so let me share my thoughts on each of these below.
Capital One Lounge DFW Peloton bikes & yoga room
The Capital One Lounge has an exercise room with Peloton bikes and yoga. I’ve never used a Peloton bike before, but maybe one of these bikes with a view of 777s taxiing by is just the motivation I need, next time I have a longer layover.
Capital One Lounge DFW showers
The Capital One Lounge has shower suites, which are well equipped. They feature walk-in showers (with both a rainforest showerhead and handheld one), toilets, and sinks, along with complimentary bath amenities and towels.
Capital One Lounge DFW relaxation rooms
The Capital One lounge DFW has two private relaxation rooms, with nap pods. I didn’t have time to use one of these, but they sure do look cool.
Capital One Lounge DFW nursing room
The Capital One Lounge DFW has a nursing room. That’s a thoughtful feature you don’t find in many airport lounges.
Capital One Lounge DFW prayer room
The Capital One Lounge also has a prayer room, which you don’t find in many airport lounges in the United States.
Capital One Lounge DFW bathrooms
The Capital One Lounge exclusively has private bathrooms, all of which are accessible and gender neutral. These are some of the largest private bathrooms I’ve seen in an airport lounge, and they even have bidets!
Capital One Lounge DFW Wi-Fi
The Capital One Lounge DFW has complimentary fast and free Wi-Fi. Best of all, there’s no need to even enter a password, you can just connect to the network and start browsing the web right away.
Capital One Lounge DFW service
Every person working in the lounge couldn’t have been friendlier or more enthusiastic. In fairness, this is a brand new lounge, so there’s probably some excitement surrounding that. From the lovely lady who checked us in, to the bartender, to all the servers, they were such nice and fun people. I kind of wish I could have had cocktails with them (not them making me drink, but rather having drinks with them).
I was only in the lounge for 20 minutes or so, and when one of the servers saw my enthusiasm for the lounge, she proactively gave me a tour, and was obviously proud of all the amenities. She also recommended the pancakes, and asked if she could make some fresh for me.
How busy was the Capital One Lounge?
I was at the Capital One Lounge DFW at around 8AM this morning. Based on the pictures I took, you may be thinking “where were all the people?” I was wondering the same thing. When I was in the lounge, there were a grand total of five guests, including the two of us. Staff outnumbered guests at least 2:1.
One of the major points of frustration with airport lounges in the United States is overcrowding, given just how many people have lounge access, especially with programs like Priority Pass. Even if a lounge is otherwise great, overcrowding can quickly take away the fun of spending time in a lounge.
The Capital One Lounge DFW is quite remarkable for how empty it is for the time being. I imagine that this will gradually change:
- Not many people even know this lounge exists, given that the concept of Capital One Lounges altogether is brand new
- Terminal D at DFW doesn’t get much foot traffic, since it’s still pretty quiet due to long haul travel not having fully recovered
- Access to this lounge is primarily a benefit of the Capital One Venture X, and that card only opened to new applicants last week
As more people become familiar with the lounge and pick up a Capital One credit card, I’m sure this lounge will get busier. Still, I suspect it will be quite a while before the lounge gets as full as the nearby Amex Centurion Lounge.
Bottom line
The first Capital One Lounge recently opened at DFW, and it’s simply incredible. From the design, to the lack of crowding (for now), to the exercise room, to the grab & go food, to the cold brew and lattes on tap, this is one of the most innovative airport lounges I’ve ever visited. Next time I hope to spend more than 20 minutes here.
I can’t wait to see this lounge portfolio expand, and it’s a great reason to pick up the Capital One Venture X if you travel through the airport with any frequency.
What do you make of the new Capital One Lounge DFW?
I am new here and I have loved learning from you about so many of the details of so many lounges. I notice that most if not all of your flights are early morning and as a culinary school graduate, I am immensely curious about the dinner ala cart menus and would love some photos. Thank you for your indepth descriptions and pictures. It is obvious that your love of aviation shines through brightly.
I was in the lounge a couple of weeks ago, connecting from ICN. Nice lounge, great staff. I will say that I found the shower to make a god awful mess as it’s curbless and not well designed to keep the water in. The food in the
AA Flagship lounge was better (went in on my outbound to ICN), but Cap1 was definitely unique, and good.
So I am curious how is the pricing?
Awesome concept. Great service. Love the tarmac views and the space. Only 4 stalls, but they were better the the Centurion's bathroom by a mile. BUT THE PATRONS. This is like the millennial lounge of the future…. There’s literally a dude laying on a couch with his shoes all over it watching a volleyball game. Another couple asked if they’re allowed to take as many cans of AHA as they could hold. I guess anyone can pay $300 a year.
We had the chance to check out this lounge on a DFW connection this week - enthusiastic thumbs up. We spent about 1.5 hours each in the Capital One lounge and the relocated AmEx Centurion lounge to compare, and Capital One wins in almost every respect. AmEx has a better complimentary liquor selection, but Capital One has better environment, friendliness, service, food, non-alcoholic drinks, seating with charging ports, and the unique grab-and-go offerings.
Some additional...
We had the chance to check out this lounge on a DFW connection this week - enthusiastic thumbs up. We spent about 1.5 hours each in the Capital One lounge and the relocated AmEx Centurion lounge to compare, and Capital One wins in almost every respect. AmEx has a better complimentary liquor selection, but Capital One has better environment, friendliness, service, food, non-alcoholic drinks, seating with charging ports, and the unique grab-and-go offerings.
Some additional info I learned in-person that I hadn't seen clarified in reviews: Venture (non-X) cardholders get two visits per year, yes, but they can be allocated to guests - so Venture cardholder + guest can enter once per year without a guest fee. And additional (free) cardholders also get two visits per year themselves, so Venture cardholder + AU can each enter twice per year without a guest fee. I was told these are on a calendar-year basis, so the counts will reset on January 1.
I've had the chance to visit twice now...once outgoing DFW:NRT and once inbound on the same route. Both morning and afternoon natural light from the huge window is fantastic. The peloton is truly a great...especially following 11 hours on an airplane. It took me a pretty minute to figure out my peloton password...and I can say I was still sweating even after a long cold shower...but the chance do get heart and lungs and legs...
I've had the chance to visit twice now...once outgoing DFW:NRT and once inbound on the same route. Both morning and afternoon natural light from the huge window is fantastic. The peloton is truly a great...especially following 11 hours on an airplane. It took me a pretty minute to figure out my peloton password...and I can say I was still sweating even after a long cold shower...but the chance do get heart and lungs and legs going after a long flight was awesome (I'd be curious to see usage stats). The shower suites are also very very nice. Better than the JAL First Class lounge in Narita. The Peruvian coffee was great. It was nice to grab a sandwich on the way out. And all staff was incredibly friendly. Top notch lounge.
Impressed. Eden-like atmosphere won't last.
Does anyone know if Qatar is also moving to this lounge? They now have two flights a day several times a week from DFW, and their lounge offering has been sub optimal in DFW for a while.
After the Polaris lounges, this is definitely seems a lounge worth visiting based on the review here!
Worth the $65
Love the floor drain in the "multi-faith" room. Just in case you have to make a blood sacrifice to the gods. How thoughtful. ;)
@Franklin - COVID is airborne. Being a single individual in a shower is likely low risk. There is no "best practice" the says you can't use a shower as a single occupant.
Maybe you just got out of prison and are used to group showers, IDK. LOL!
AA is probably...
Love the floor drain in the "multi-faith" room. Just in case you have to make a blood sacrifice to the gods. How thoughtful. ;)
@Franklin - COVID is airborne. Being a single individual in a shower is likely low risk. There is no "best practice" the says you can't use a shower as a single occupant.
Maybe you just got out of prison and are used to group showers, IDK. LOL!
AA is probably blocking the showers so they don't have to clean them, and using COVID as an excuse, because they are cheap like that.
Aren't the drains there so people can wash their feet and hands with water using those hoses before praying as desired by some faiths?
I just did the Peloton room while looking over the apron just because why not. A pretty cool experience for sure. I love how empty the lounge is right now, and this Peloton room is really calming.
Saw that pic and thought it might be a good place to meditate for a bit. The "multi-faith" room looks a little stark in that respect.
Hey everyone! Quick question! This is my first card with lounge access, can anyone tell me if the food is free or how much does it cost? How early can I go before my flight? I have a layover that's 12 hours there.
Looks terrific and yes bright shiny and new - get in before it wears off - “Grab and Go “ your heart out
I don't have the card but I have a monster layover at DFW tomorrow and this is worth $65 to me to check out. Thanks for posting, and I'm glad I saw this just in time!
The food looks great. Lounges both in the US and overseas during the pandemic has been just awful across the board, the food non-existent or horrific not to mention the continued closure of many lounges. This is a like an oasis in the desert that is the current lounge situation. Hopefully, it’s a sign that we are emerging from the pandemic and life is returning to normal. Definitely looking forward to checking it out on my next trip through DFW in February.
What's the tipping policy?
Do you need the physical card for entry?
"Technically you do" but there is a workaround. I forgot to bring mine, but I had the card number, exp date etc and the personal was able to manually type it in for me. So take a pic of oyur card just in case you forget to bring it on your trip like me! It was AMAZING in there!!!
If I have the Venture and Spark Miles card, would I get 4 visits per year?
@ Anthony -- Yep!
Nice review. Can't wait to see the Capital One Lounge open at Washington Dulles (IAD). Amazing/disappointing that Amex can have so many cardholders in the D.C. area yet never bother to open a single lounge at DCA or IAD (or BWI).
I (also) hope that these lounges don't get overcrowded and go downhill. Yet we can all see it coming because of 'the tragedy of the commons.'
Centurion lounge going into DCA “by the end of 2022”.
Who knows if that timeline holds, but no need to continue being “amazed/disappointed”.
I believe there is an AA Admiral's lounge in DCA that is decent. It has that dimly lit with leather chairs feel to it. The only thing missing is the cigar smoke.
Sparkling water and iced tea on tap? There is a god.
That's what got me really excited, too! LOL
The picture for the "Prayer Room" looks like the wrong picture.
@ FYI -- Maybe your browser is showing things differently, but I don't think so? Part of what you see in the picture is a station where Muslims can wash themselves before praying, per the Wudhu ritual.
Looks great, says they are in DFW, DEN, and Dulles; last 2 next year. Need some at coasts.
Would lower the sneeze guards though, seen 9yr olds reach for something and sneeze all over. Oh well.
Cap1 only in DFW now, other 2 projected for sometime in 2023.
This is terrible, and incredibly dangerous. Listen, I was just in the Flagship lounge at DFW, and they were telling me that to protect us from the virus, we are not allowed to take showers. The risk of transmission is too great. Given that AA has set all their policies based on best health practices, I can't believe Capital One would so flagrantly endanger us all.
You my friend are a moron
@Dr P - you my friend suck at sarcasm
Listen, AA shut their showers so they don't have to clean them, because they are cheap. There is no "best health practice" that prohibits use of single occupancy, private showers by an individual. The risk is probably the same or maybe lower than just being out in the main lounge or flying at all.
Also if you feel endangered, just don't use the shower, or the lounge, or fly for that matter. Simple.
Ben, You also missed the relaxation room. The Lounge is also the contract Lounge for some International Carriers (Emirates, Lufthansa) and will be busier 2 hours before those flights. I will have a full YouTube review on Monday. Channel Name "Lux Travel" .
@ Lux Travel -- Interesting that it's a contract lounge in the afternoons. That makes sense, and might explain why it's already getting busier later in the day. That's a nice contract lounge, I must say, especially compared to what Emirates and Lufthansa passengers used to get.
Business passengers and those with Oneworld Sapphire & Emerald status flying Finnair also have access (per Finnair and Oneworld websites). I might split my time between Capital One and AA Flagship lounges before my upcoming flight to Helsinki.
Meant to add -- Korean Air passengers with SkyTeam Elite Plus Member status can access the Capital One lounge (per the KAL website). Per Luftansa's website, Business and Star Alliance Gold Luftansa passengers also have access.
So Capital One grants access to one airline from each of the big three alliances. Makes you wonder which airlines will have access at their upcoming DEN and IAD lounges.
You're absolutely right about this not lasting much longer as is. I give it 6 months before new policies are set in place.
I’m in the lounge now. More of a crowd than Ben experienced, but not bad. Nothing like the madhouse of the Centurion. I agree completely with his review and worry that this can’t last long.
Reyyan, I believe the toilets have bidets.
The toilets seem electric, do they have a build in bidet? That would be a pretty awesome feature!
@ Reyyan -- They sure do! Forgot to mention that, but added it to the review now.
Did this replace another lounge in the same space? I thought I remembered one there next to the Flagship before.
@ DENDAVE -- There were originally several airline contract lounges in this space, used by airlines like Emirates, Korean Air, etc. It was an odd setup back in the day, and the lounges almost felt like airport conference rooms. So this is a big upgrade.
I flew QR in Business in December of last year from DFW and they provided access to another contract lounge that is used by a bunch of different airlines. This was located on the other side of the terminal from the Centurion Lounge, past the "cityscape" art installment, on the interior side of the airport (overlooking the check in desks). Is this the new contract lounge for foreign airlines at DFW?
That was the most insightful 20 minutes I’ve read in awhile! Looking forward to checking out Thanksgiving wk with my new X (card that is). Something tells me my pix will have a lot more activity!
@ Pam -- You never know, please report back on how full it is, I'm curious. Hope you enjoy your visit as much as I enjoyed mine!
This reminds me of when the Centurion lounges first opened. they were a game changer the food and service was exceptional. We have seen the steady and rapid decline of the centurion lounges, figured this will follow course eventually.
What im excited most about is its location for people originating at DFW. The only precheck location for terminal D is at the complete opposite side of the terminal from the centurion lounge so its...
This reminds me of when the Centurion lounges first opened. they were a game changer the food and service was exceptional. We have seen the steady and rapid decline of the centurion lounges, figured this will follow course eventually.
What im excited most about is its location for people originating at DFW. The only precheck location for terminal D is at the complete opposite side of the terminal from the centurion lounge so its a far walk from security to the amex lounge, this capital one location is much closer to security. Not a huge deal but for nice for people living in dfw.
Looks really great and love the thoughtful to go food options. I would actually pay $65 if I didn't have a card and a few hours to wait.
The highlight of this review is the "Flag Hip Lounge" though... oh American :D .
Unemployed adult children who are additional cardholders on their mothers/fathers Venture X account will be the ones who will cause Capital One to put limits on the grab-and-go section or remove the bags. Despite everyone complaining about little kids in lounges, the most impactful (in terms of space, noise and selfishness) people in lounges are the unemployed adult children of primary cardholders, same thing in the Centurion Lounge. They move in packs and irritate everyone...
Unemployed adult children who are additional cardholders on their mothers/fathers Venture X account will be the ones who will cause Capital One to put limits on the grab-and-go section or remove the bags. Despite everyone complaining about little kids in lounges, the most impactful (in terms of space, noise and selfishness) people in lounges are the unemployed adult children of primary cardholders, same thing in the Centurion Lounge. They move in packs and irritate everyone within 20 yards of their position, all day every day. If you try to keep your distance they will just raise the volume on their inane banter until it permeates every square inch of Capital One's leased space.
Kids arent the problem at centurion every kid just sits with their headphones on watching something on an ipad. The problem are the 30 year old "entrepenuer" guys usually european who think they are the coolest people on earth they are loud, talk loudly on the phone pacing up and down the lounge and hog the bar and always have multiple guests. Kids dont do anything but stare at a screen they arent the issue.
Enjoy it while you can before AUs abuse and overcrowd the lounges.
Love the Flagship lounge signage! Screen appears off and Flagship is missing a letter. Very nice AA!
Will be at DFW Centurion in a few days (don't have Venture X yet). I hope everyone goes to this lounge instead
You said "cut to the chase" lol.
Thanks for the review Ben, I have a UK issued Capital One Aspire Elite Card ( invitation card ) do you know if I am able to use the lounge?
@ Creditcrunch -- I don't believe so, unfortunately. I think access is granted exclusively to US-issued Capital One cards.
This looks great. I wish the person who I saw hoarding cookies into his sleeve at the LAS Centurion Lounge last time I was there heeded your requests.