For nearly ten years, Centurion Lounges, which are owned and operated by Amex, have led the cobranded card airport lounge market. However, this is beginning to shift as Capital One and Chase broaden their lounge services.
In 2021, Capital One inaugurated its first lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). In 2023, two more locations were launched at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Additionally, the company has recently revealed intentions to open another lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); however, no specific opening date has been provided yet. We will update this post once the date is announced.
Here’s all the information we have about Capital One’s lounges, including access details and what amenities to expect inside.
Who is permitted to enter Capital One Lounges?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which has an annual fee of $395 (see rates and fees), is the main method for most travelers to gain entry to a Capital One Lounge. Nonetheless, it is not the sole option available for access.
Holders of the Venture X card receive limitless access to Capital One Lounges for both the primary cardholders and their authorized users. They also get complimentary admission for up to two guests per visit (children aged two and under enter free). Any extra guests will incur a charge of $45 each. These guest policies are relatively generous, especially when compared to Amex’s $50 charge for most guests entering the Centurion Lounge with a cardholder.
With the Capital One Venture X Business card, you can also enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges. The card comes with an annual fee of $395 (check rates and fees) and grants primary cardholders the same access rights as the personal Venture X card.
Not interested in obtaining a Venture X card? Holders of a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (check rates and fees) or Capital One Spark Miles for Business (check rates and fees) — which carry a $95 annual fee (with the Spark Miles card offering a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year) — are entitled to two complimentary visits per year. However, this benefit will no longer be available on these cards starting January 1, 2025.
Following those two visits and once the modifications are implemented, holders of Venture and Spark Miles cards, along with their guests, can enter these lounges for a discounted fee of $45 per person. In addition, any travelers not belonging to those categories can still access Capital One lounges by paying a higher entry fee of $65 per person.
Other rules
All visitors to the Capital One Lounge are required to show a boarding pass for a departing flight. Access is available up to three hours before departure or for same-day connecting flights. Entry is not permitted with boarding passes for arriving flights without an onward connection.
Daily Newsletter
Receive your TPG Daily newsletter and reward your inbox.
Join a community of more than 700,000 readers for the latest news, comprehensive guides, and exclusive offers from TPG’s specialists.
Related: Five methods to secure lounge access for your next flight.
What are the locations of Capital One Lounges?
Capital One has lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Denver International Airport. Additionally, there are plans to open two more Capital One Lounge locations at Harry Reid International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Capital One is committed to expanding its lounge offerings, so we anticipate additional announcements. We’ll keep this list and the anticipated opening dates current as more lounge locations are revealed.
Lounge at Denver International Airport (DEN)
Capital One inaugurated its third lounge at Denver International Airport in November 2023. Positioned in Concourse A, it offers convenience for travelers with Frontier, Delta Air Lines, and most international airlines, while those departing from Concourses B and C must use an underground train to reach it.
This lounge honors Denver’s distinctive culture with its mountain-inspired artwork and locally sourced food and drink options.
Lounge visitors can select from custom-made cocktails, but make sure to try the Denver location’s distinctive airport beer: the Sky High P.A.
The lounge provides food and drink choices that align with Capital One’s usual offerings: quick grab-and-go items near the entrance for visitors in a hurry, and more substantial individual servings for those who have more time to spend.
Moreover, the lounge includes two showers, two relaxation rooms, three private workrooms (which can be reserved), and a parents’ room.
Related: First Look at the Capital One Lounge at Denver International Airport
Dulles International Airport (IAD) lounge in Washington, DC
Capital One launched its second lounge at Dulles International Airport in early September 2023. It is conveniently situated just beyond the TSA PreCheck security checkpoints.
Inside, travelers have access to various “grab and go” snack and beverage selections for quick access to their gate. For those with extra time, there are open-concept seating areas available, offering a diverse selection of single-serve meals and a bar featuring striking beverages.
Similar to the previously opened DFW location, this one also incorporates aspects of the local culture, including art pieces that pay homage to the nation’s capital, as well as offerings like cherry blossom margaritas and locally roasted coffee.
Related: An initial glimpse of the newly opened Capital One Lounge at Washington Dulles.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) lounge
Capital One has directly challenged American Express’s Centurion Lounge with its own nearly 10,000-square-foot location in Terminal D at DFW, situated near Gate 22. Remarkably, it’s in the same terminal, just a short walk from the Amex lounge.
The DFW lounge by Capital One reflects the essence of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in its design and the experience it offers to visitors, featuring collaborations with local artists, breweries, coffee roasters, and cocktail bars.
In the design of this initial lounge, Capital One prioritized sustainable materials, distinctive textures, and visually striking elements such as curved surfaces. The lounge showcases over 55 pieces of original artwork by local artists, curated by the Tappan Collective, along with a diverse collection of original works. This array of art provides travelers with a chance to experience the region’s culture through its artistic expressions.
Related: Our review confirms the high expectations: The Capital One Lounge at DFW
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) lounge in Las Vegas
The Capital One Lounge in Las Vegas will be situated in the D Concourse. It will encircle the rotunda and cover nearly 8,000 square feet. An official opening date for the lounge has not been announced yet. This information was sourced from public lease approval documents from November 2022, and was verified by a Capital One spokesperson.
This marks Capital One’s second effort to establish a lounge in Las Vegas. Their initial attempt to secure a location at the LAS airport was unsuccessful, as the area was designated for the Chase Sapphire Lounge.
According to the same spokesperson, this lounge will “feature high-end amenities designed to enhance the travel experience for visitors right from the moment they enter. Additional information about our new Capital One Lounge at LAS will be shared as the opening date gets closer.”
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) lounge in New York
In June 2024, Capital One revealed intentions to inaugurate a fifth lounge at JFK Airport. This lounge will be situated in Terminal 4 and will incorporate unique elements to pay tribute to New York City. A bodega offering coffee and bagels will provide the lounge with an authentic urban ambiance. Guests can also enjoy cheeses and cured meats from the Hudson Valley, alongside exclusive wine and beer options available only in the lounge.
Similar to the other Capital One lounges, the JFK lounge is set to showcase artwork from local artists and offer grab-and-go food selections. With a size of 13,000 square feet, it will be 2,000 square feet smaller than the Centurion Lounge. Considering the high volume of travelers that transit through JFK annually, it’s unsurprising that Capital One is working to establish a lounge in this location. An opening date has yet to be announced.
Related: Capital One is set to inaugurate a new lounge at New York’s JFK Airport
What kinds of food and beverages are available at Capital One Lounges?
Capital One lounges provide a high-quality dining experience within the lounge, featuring seasonal menus and ingredients sourced from the local region.
During our visits, the meals we’ve tried have been exceptionally high quality. A highlight has been the beef bibimbap bowl, which strikes a perfect balance between spicy and sweet. On the topic of sweets, the cannolis we’ve enjoyed were delightfully crisp on the exterior and sweet and indulgent on the interior.
1 of 6
PHOTO CREDIT: WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
A ready-to-eat food station offers grab-and-go snacks, such as salads, fresh fruits, juice shots, and changing warm options like breakfast sandwiches in the mornings or freshly baked cookies in the afternoons.
1 of 6
Photo credit: Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy
For individuals who have the chance to sit down and unwind before their flight, additional catering features encompass craft cocktails on tap, locally sourced beers and regional wines, dining stations offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as a full-service coffee and espresso bar by La Colombe.
Related: Top credit cards offering airport lounge access benefits.
What health and wellness amenities are available in Capital One Lounges?
Wellness plays a crucial role in the strategy of the Capital One lounge.
Actually, the DFW location allows you to complete a full workout before your flight, featuring Peloton bikes and a yoga room.
If you have time for a nap during your layover, the DFW and DEN locations provide relaxation rooms equipped with advanced nap pods and additional amenities like blankets and eye masks.
Moreover, the DFW, IAD, and DEN locations offer private nursing rooms equipped with lounge chairs and footrests, bottle warmers, minifridges stocked with beverages, and extra counter space for diaper changes.
Related: From urban sanctuaries to desert getaways, these represent the top luxury hotel spas for all types of travelers.
Capital One Landings: A unique approach to lounges
Although they are not technically Capital One Lounges, it’s worth noting the introduction of Capital One Landings. These spaces will primarily emphasize providing a superior dining experience.
The Capital One Landings will collaborate with the renowned José Andrés Group to design the food and beverage selections at each site. Staying faithful to their culinary roots, the Landings locations will offer Spanish-style tapas.
The initial two Landings are set to be established in two of the busiest airports in the northeastern United States: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York, where the opening date is still to be determined, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2024.
Related: Delta introduces seven newly added and expanded Sky Clubs, featuring three premium lounges.
Bottom line
In recent years, American Express has revolutionized the lounge scene by introducing its Centurion Lounges. Capital One has entered this market as well, and Chase Sapphire lounges are also becoming prominent. Based on current observations, it appears that Amex faces significant competition.
This is great news for all cardholders, particularly those who appreciate travel benefits. Amex Centurion Lounges are available only to certain card members, includingThe American Express Platinum Card® and The American Express Business Platinum Card®— Capital One offers travelers expanded opportunities to access its lounges, including options available to the general public.
Discover more: Capital One Venture X
Discover more about the Capital One Venture X Business.
Discover additional information: Capital One Venture Rewards
Find out more: Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Related: The comprehensive guide to gaining access to the American Airlines Admirals Club