For frequent fliers, airport lounges can be sanctuaries, offering a reprieve from the often chaotic airport experience. Instead of struggling to find a charging station or a comfortable seat, they can unwind in plush seating, enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, and indulge in complimentary food and beverages.
While airport lounges were once exclusively operated by airlines for their most loyal customers and business-class travelers, there are now hundreds of non-airline lounges — among them, credit card lounges. American Express started the trend with the first Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas in 2013, paving the path for Capital One to follow nearly a decade later.
The first Capital One Lounge opened at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 2021, followed by lounges at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). These upscale lounges are now a perk for premium Capital One credit card holders, offering locally inspired dishes, an open bar, and even wellness programs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of accessing Capital One Lounges, what you can expect once inside, and a full list of both current and upcoming lounge locations. Whether you’re a Capital One cardholder looking to make the most of your benefits or simply a traveler seeking out new, elevated lounge experiences, here’s everything you need to know about Capital One Lounges.
How to Access Capital One Lounges
Courtesy of Capital One
Capital One Lounges are available to certain cardholders, primarily those with the Capital One Venture X and Capital One Venture cards, although other travelers can gain access through a daily pass if space is available. Here’s a breakdown of entry options:
Capital One Venture X Cardholders: Cardholders receive free entry to Capital One Lounges for themselves and two guests. Additional guests cost $45 each per visit, though it should be noted that kids under two years old receive free entry. The card has an annual fee of $395, which is far lower than that of competitors Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550) and American Express Platinum ($695), each of which grants access to its respective credit card lounges.Capital One Venture and Spark Miles Cardholders: Until the end of 2024, these cardholders received two free Capital One Lounge passes per year. From 2025, onward, they will no longer receive the passes as perks. But these cardholders can access Capital One Lounges at a discounted rate of $45 per person, including their guests. Children under two are free.Daily Pass Holders: If you don’t have a Capital One credit card, you can still access Capital One Lounges. You’ll be charged $90 per person per visit, though children younger than two are still free. It’s a steep entry fee, but it certainly could be worth the price if you use the full suite of lounge amenities.
These entry methods are subject to change at any point, so it’s best to confirm entry requirements with Capital One before your visit.
There’s also one other major condition for entry: You must present a boarding pass for a departing or connecting same-day flight. That means you can only use the Capital One Lounge before departure or during a layover, not upon arrival. Additionally, you can only access the lounge starting three hours before departure. If you arrive any earlier than that, you may be rejected.
What to Expect Inside
Courtesy of Capital One
Inside Capital One Lounges, guests are treated to an array of amenities designed to create a calming (and upscale) airport experience. Here’s a big-picture look at what you can expect, though specific offerings at each lounge vary.
Locally Inspired Dining: Each lounge offers a buffet of locally inspired dishes and seasonal selections. Guests can also enjoy barista-made coffee and a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.Grab-and-go Food: Limited on lounge time? A grab-and-go section provides healthy eats like sandwiches, salads, and fruit that you can take on the plane with you. (Note that if you’re flying internationally, you shouldn’t take any fresh food off the plane!) There are also beverages like sparkling water and cold brew in the to-go section, too.Wellness Areas: Wellness areas encompass both relaxation and fitness, ranging from rest pods and relaxation rooms to cycling and yoga studios.Shower Suites: Nothing feels better than a shower after a red-eye flight. Some Capital One Lounges have shower suites that can be reserved upon arrival.High-speed Wi-Fi and Workstations: Each lounge is equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of desks, charging stations, and phone booths to accommodate the needs of business travelers.Quiet Zones: Whether you want to get some work done or simply rest before your flight, Capital One Lounges offer quiet zones for those who need some serenity.Family Area: If you’re traveling with little ones, there are family areas with low tables and chairs for children — this isn’t a quiet zone, so the kids are free to play. There are also nursing rooms available.Luggage Lockers: Don’t want to lug your bag around the lounge? Stash it in a luggage locker.Multi-faith Rooms: Some Capital One Lounges have soundproof multi-faith rooms for prayer or meditation.
Current Capital One Lounge Locations
At the time of publication, there are just three Capital One Lounges. But it should be noted that Capital One Venture X cardholders do enjoy unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ lounges around the world through the Plaza Premium Group. Cardholders also receive complimentary membership to Priority Pass — after registering with the program, cardholders have access to even more lounges around the world.
As for true Capital One Lounges, here’s what you need to know.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Courtesy of Capital One
The Capital One Lounge at DFW was the first in the lineup when it opened in 2021, and it’s certainly the most robust lounge thus far. Across its 10,000 square feet, you’ll find just about every possible amenity, from Peloton bikes to multi-faith rooms to shower suites, plus a stellar grab-and-go fridge and beverage station.
It’s located in Terminal D (home to American Airlines) near Gate D22. All of the terminals at DFW are connected airside, so you can visit this lounge even if you’re flying out of another terminal. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to get to your gate.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Courtesy of Capital One
The Dulles lounge opened in September 2023, and it boasts mid-century decor reflecting the architecture of the main terminal building. Though smaller than the other Capital One Lounges — it’s just 8,000 square feet — it still has plenty of seating and amenities, including that signature grab-and-go section.
Generally speaking, it’s a bit tricky to navigate Dulles, and finding this lounge is no exception. It’s located in the main terminal on the ticketing level, just past TSA PreCheck. So if you’re entering the lounge after going through TSA PreCheck, you’re good to go. If you’re connecting from another concourse, it might take a little meandering to find.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Courtesy of Capital One
The Denver Capital One Lounge was the third location to open; it’s been in operation since November 2023. It’s also the largest Capital One Lounge yet at 10,800 square feet. One of the highlights here is the local beers on tap, as well as a cocktail menu devised by Denver bar Yacht Club.
The lounge is located on the mezzanine level of Concourse A, near Gate A34. To get to Concourse B and C, travelers will need to take an airside train, so do factor that transit time into your lounge visit.
Upcoming Capital One Lounge Locations
Capital One has two new lounges in the works.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
The upcoming Capital One Lounge in Las Vegas will occupy a 7,875-square-foot space in Concourse D and offer signature amenities like a coffee café and soundproof relaxation rooms. It’s expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Courtesy of Capital One
There’s no word on an opening date yet, but the Capital One Lounge at JFK will be located in the main shopping hall of Terminal 4, and it’ll be a whopping 13,000 square feet in size.
Upcoming Capital One Landing Locations
Capital One plans to launch a new lounge product focused on the culinary experience: Capital One Landing. The lounge will feature a sit-down dining space with a tapas menu by world-renowned chef José Andrés. So far, two locations have been announced, though their opening dates are still TBD.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Located in Terminal 2 at the intersection between the National Hall and Concourse D, the DCA Capital One Landing lounge will be 5,483 square feet.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Coming soon to a skybridge in Terminal B, this Capital One Landing will have both indoor and outdoor space totaling 10,700 square feet. It’ll have views of both the New York City skyline and the airfield.
