Homemade Pop Tarts, Artisan Ceramics, and Midcentury Aesthetics: Capital One Launches New Airport Lounge at Washington Dulles

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On September 7, Capital One is set to unveil its eagerly awaited airport lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located just outside Washington, D.C. This marks the brand's second lounge in a expanding network of proprietary lounges, following the opening in Dallas (DFW), with upcoming locations in Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), NYC LaGuardia (LGA), and Washington DCA. Positioned just past the TSA PreCheck lanes, nestled between the East and West Security Checkpoints, the new 8,500-square-foot lounge at Dulles welcomes passengers from any airline and gate. It boasts grab-and-go options, a made-to-order coffee and pastry counter, a cocktail-focused bar, and locally sourced offerings that highlight and support diverse small businesses throughout the capital region.

Last week, Dinogo had the opportunity to preview the new lounge—and we were so impressed that we might intentionally plan our next flight to route through D.C. Here’s all you need to know about the new Capital One Lounge at Dulles, including its location and entry process.

Quick bites

Spanning 8,500 square feet, the lounge maximizes its layout to meet the diverse needs of contemporary travelers, particularly those in a rush. The entire front section is tailored for those looking to quickly grab a coffee, snacks, or a meal to go. Enjoy drip coffee from Virginia’s Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Company or a specialty drink from the barista service; alternatively, visit the self-serve tap station for La Colombe cold brew. Pick up a bottle of Bubbly sparkling water from the 'Refuel' fridge, along with sandwiches, salads, and bowls that cater to various dietary preferences, all freshly prepared daily and conveniently packaged for takeout. Recent highlights from the grab-and-go offerings included cucumber melon salad, sriracha chicken bánh mì, falafel-filled pita, acai bowls, and grilled corn salad.

Additional amenities

For those with over 10 minutes to spare, exploring deeper into the lounge reveals several tranquil spots ideal for relaxing, dining, working, or enjoying some playtime. On one side, a sunken living area features child-sized tables and chairs perfect for families, complete with numerous outlets for electronic devices. On the opposite side, you'll find a pair of semi-private cubicles equipped with long desks and quiet workspaces. Beyond these, cozy swivel chairs complement plush lounge seating in the main area, which is anchored by a full-service central bar and a self-serve array of hot and cold dishes. A flight status display keeps travelers informed of boarding times, while individual power outlets at every seat and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi ensure seamless connectivity.

The culinary offerings

When it comes to main dining options, don’t anticipate messy buffets, shared utensils, or frozen, preservative-packed items. Instead, look forward to elegantly presented single-serve dishes that you can enjoy at your own pace and in your desired portion size. Each dish is crafted with locally sourced ingredients and prepared fresh in the lounge kitchen by skilled chefs. For breakfast, for instance, the robust breakfast sandwich features locally sourced eggs, applewood smoked bacon from a Maryland smokehouse, and cheddar cheese from a Virginia dairy, all nestled in a brioche bun from Lyon Bakery in Hyattsville, Maryland. Accompanying the sandwiches are delightful options like stone-milled cheddar grits, shakshuka, and homemade strawberry pop tarts from Maribeth’s Bakery in Alexandria, Virginia. For lunch and dinner, highlights include asparagus guacamole with corn chips, whipped goat cheese and spicy peach crostini topped with candied jalapeño, Thai shrimp curry bao buns, and skillets of truffle corn pudding made with sweet corn from Newmarket Plantation in Milford, Virginia.

The beverage selection

The overall wine, beer, and cocktail offerings at the Capital One Lounge at Dulles rival those of a premier mixology bar—but at no cost to you. A must-try cocktail here is the Bee’s Knees, originally concocted by beverage expert Will Patton for the Michelin-starred Bresca in Washington, D.C. This delightful mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, Suze, lemon, and kombucha honey is now also available at the Capital One Lounge, served in the same eye-catching bumble bee glass as the original. Another highlight is the Georgetown Headspinner, a rum-based espresso martini topped with shaved chocolate.

Lost Rhino Brewing Co., based in Ashburn, has crafted a unique 'Pre-Flight Lager' on tap for the lounge, alongside their Virginia-style Face Plant IPA. Guests can also enjoy Prosecco and three cocktail options, including a cherry blossom margarita, enabling bartenders to serve drinks swiftly. The selection is rounded out by six additional local craft beers, a variety of specialty cocktails and mocktails, a fully stocked bar with popular spirits, and half a dozen wine choices.

For those willing to indulge in premium brands during their lounge visit, 'Upgrades' from the wine and cocktail menu are available. This includes 375ml bottles of bubbles like Taittinger Champagne for $32 and 2-ounce pours of high-end spirits such as Del Maguey Tobala tequila for $25.

In addition to alcoholic beverages, travelers can opt for mocktails, utilize a self-serve soda fountain, enjoy fresh juices, and refill their reusable water bottles from the filtered water system.

Additional thoughtful local details

The lounge expresses its appreciation for the region beyond just food and drink. Selected midcentury-modern furnishings pay tribute to the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed terminal that houses the lounge. Coffee served 'for here' is enjoyed in custom mugs and pottery from Virginia’s Acorn Pottery & Farm, marked with 'on permanent loan from Capital One Lounge' (for those tempted to take home a souvenir). The lounge walls feature works by contemporary local artists, including Josh Young, Kristen Gaudio Ensley, Michael Crosset, Judy Southerland, and others.

Accessing the Capital One Lounge at Dulles

All travelers holding a boarding pass for a departing or connecting same-day flight can access the Capital One Lounge at Dulles up to three hours before their flight. Those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (and authorized users) enjoy free entry, with two complimentary guests and a fee of $45 for each additional guest. Cardholders of Capital One Venture and Capital One Spark Miles receive two free visits to Capital One Lounges annually, with subsequent visits available at a reduced rate of $45 per person. Notably, walk-ins who do not hold a Capital One card can also enter for a reasonable fee of $65 per person.

While the offers stated here are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change and may no longer be available.