A comprehensive guide to Capital One’s airport lounges

For nearly a decade, the Amex-owned Centurion Lounges have led the cobranded card airport lounge market. However, with Capital One and Chase expanding their offerings, that is beginning to change.

The inaugural Capital One lounge opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 2021, followed by two additional locations that launched in 2023 at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Recently, the issuer revealed plans to establish a new lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), although an opening date is still pending; we’ll provide updates as they become available.

Here’s everything we currently know about Capital One's lounges, including access details and what to anticipate inside.

Who is eligible for access to Capital One Lounges?

The primary method for most travelers to gain entry to a Capital One Lounge is through the $395-per-year Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, though there are other options available as well.

Venture X cardholders enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges for themselves and authorized users, along with complimentary entry for up to two guests per visit (children aged two and under are free). Additional guests incur a fee of $45 each. These guest policies are quite generous, particularly when you consider that Amex charges $50 for most guests entering Centurion Lounges with a cardholder.

Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges is also available with the Capital One Venture X Business card, which carries a $395 annual fee and offers primary cardholders the same access benefits as the personal Venture X.

Not planning to obtain a Venture X card? Cardholders with a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Spark Miles for Business—both of which have a $95 annual fee ($0 introductory fee for the first year with the Spark Miles card)—are entitled to two complimentary visits each year. However, this benefit will be removed from these cards starting January 1, 2025.

After utilizing those two visits (once the changes are implemented), Venture and Spark Miles cardholders, along with their guests, can enter the lounges at a special rate of $45 per person. Additionally, any travelers not part of these groups can access the lounges for a higher entry fee of $90 per person.

Additional rules

All visitors to Capital One Lounges must present a boarding pass for an outgoing flight. This includes access up to three hours before departure or for same-day connecting flights. Guests are not permitted to enter with boarding passes for incoming flights without an onward connection.

Where can you find Capital One Lounges?

Capital One currently operates lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Denver International Airport. Additionally, two more Capital One Lounge locations are in development: Harry Reid International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Capital One is committed to expanding its lounge network, so we anticipate further announcements. We will keep this list updated with new locations and their expected opening dates as they become available.

Denver International Airport (DEN) lounge

In November 2023, Capital One opened its third lounge at Denver International Airport. Situated in Concourse A, it is easily accessible for passengers flying with Frontier, Delta Air Lines, and most international carriers, although travelers departing from Concourses B and C must take an underground train to reach it.

This lounge showcases Denver's distinctive culture with its mountain-themed artwork and a menu of food and beverage offerings sourced from local providers.

Guests at the lounge can enjoy a variety of custom cocktails, but be sure to try the location's signature airport beer: the Sky High P.A.

The lounge also provides food and drink options that align with what we expect from Capital One: a selection of grab-and-go items at the entrance for those in a hurry, along with individual servings of more substantial dishes for guests with a bit more time to relax.

The lounge features two showers, two relaxation rooms, three private workrooms (which can be reserved), and a parents' room.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) lounge in Washington, DC

Capital One launched its second lounge at Dulles International Airport in early September 2023, conveniently located just beyond the TSA PreCheck security lines.

Inside, guests can take advantage of a variety of "grab and go" snacks and beverages for those rushing to their gates. For those with a bit more time, there’s an open-concept area where they can enjoy a selection of single-serve food items and a bar featuring some enticing drinks.

Similar to the DFW location that preceded it, this lounge reflects local culture through various elements, from artwork that pays homage to the nation's capital to offerings like the cherry blossom margarita and locally roasted coffee.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) lounge

Capital One has directly challenged American Express’s Centurion Lounge with its expansive approximately 10,000-square-foot DFW location in Terminal D, conveniently situated near Gate 22. In fact, it’s located in the same terminal, just a short walk from the Amex lounge.

Capital One's DFW lounge pays tribute to the Dallas-Fort Worth area through its design and guest offerings, featuring collaborations with local artists, breweries, coffee roasters, and cocktail bars.

In developing this inaugural lounge, Capital One prioritized sustainable materials, distinctive textures, and striking features like curved surfaces. It showcases over 55 pieces of original artwork by local artists, curated by the Tappan Collective, along with a variety of original pieces that provide travelers "an opportunity to experience the region through its art."

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) lounge in Las Vegas

The Capital One Lounge in Las Vegas will be situated in the D Concourse, encompassing nearly 8,000 square feet and wrapping around the rotunda. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, this information is based on public documents related to lease approval from November 2022, and details have been confirmed by a Capital One spokesperson.

This will mark Capital One's second attempt to establish a lounge in Las Vegas. Its earlier effort to secure space at LAS airport was unsuccessful, as that area was designated for the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

According to the same spokesperson, this lounge will "provide premium amenities that enhance the travel experience from the moment visitors arrive. We will share additional information about our new Capital One Lounge at LAS as the opening date approaches."

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) lounge in New York

In June 2024, Capital One unveiled plans to launch its fifth lounge at JFK. This lounge will be situated in Terminal 4 and will feature special elements celebrating New York City. A bodega serving coffee and bagels will create an authentic urban atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy cheeses and cured meats from the Hudson Valley, paired with lounge-exclusive wines and beers.

Like the other Capital One lounges, the JFK location will showcase artwork from local artists and offer grab-and-go food options. Spanning 13,000 square feet, it will be 2,000 square feet smaller than the Centurion Lounge. Given the high volume of travelers at JFK each year, it’s no surprise that Capital One is eager to establish a presence here. An opening date has not yet been announced.

What can you expect from the food and beverage offerings at Capital One Lounges?

Capital One lounges provide an elevated dining experience featuring seasonal menus made with locally sourced ingredients.

During our visits, we found the dishes to be exceptionally high quality. A standout was the beef bibimbap bowl, which strikes a perfect balance between spicy and sweet. And when it comes to dessert, the cannolis we tried were wonderfully crisp on the outside and rich and sweet on the inside.

A convenient ready-to-eat station offers grab-and-go snacks, featuring salads, fresh fruits, juice shots, and a rotating selection of warm items such as breakfast sandwiches in the morning and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon.

For travelers who can sit back and unwind before their flight, the lounge features highlights such as craft cocktails on tap, local brews, regional wines, dining stations that cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, and a full-service coffee and espresso bar by La Colombe.

What wellness amenities are available in Capital One Lounges?

Wellness plays a significant role in the design of Capital One lounges.

At the DFW location, guests can enjoy a complete workout before their flight with access to Peloton bikes and a dedicated yoga room.

If you find yourself with some time to spare during your layover, both the DFW and DEN lounges provide relaxation rooms equipped with advanced nap pods, along with amenities like blankets and eye masks.

Moreover, the DFW, IAD, and DEN locations feature private nursing rooms furnished with lounge chairs, footrests, bottle warmers, and minifridges stocked with drinks, plus extra counter space for diaper changes.

Capital One Landings: A unique lounge alternative

Though not traditional Capital One Lounges, the new concept of Capital One Landings is noteworthy. These spaces will primarily emphasize providing an elevated dining experience.

The Capital One Landings will collaborate with the renowned José Andrés Group to design the food and beverage offerings for each location. Staying true to its culinary roots, these Landings will feature Spanish-style tapas on the menu.

The first two Landings will be situated in two of the busiest airports in the northeastern U.S.: New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with an undisclosed opening date, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, set to open in the second quarter of 2024.

Conclusion

In recent years, American Express has reshaped the lounge scene with its Centurion Lounges. Capital One is now entering this arena, with Chase Sapphire lounges also becoming a part of the mix. Based on current trends, it appears that Amex will face some serious competition.

This is fantastic news for all cardholders, particularly those who appreciate travel benefits. While access to Amex's Centurion Lounges is limited to select cardmembers — such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Capital One is offering more options for travelers, including accessibility for the general public.

Discover more about: Capital One Venture X
Discover more about: Capital One Venture X Business
Discover more about: Capital One Venture Rewards
Discover more about: Capital One Spark Miles for Business