A complete guide to Capital One’s airport lounges

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

The Amex-owned and -operated Centurion Lounges have dominated the cobranded card airport lounge space for nearly a decade. That’s changing with Capital One and Chase expanding their offerings.

The first Capital One lounge opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 2021, and two locations opened in 2023, at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Plus, the issuer recently announced plans to open a new lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); no opening date has been announced yet, but we’ll update this post when one has.

Here’s everything that we know about Capital One’s lounges, including who has access and what to expect inside.

Who has access to Capital One Lounges?

The $395-per-year Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) is the primary way most travelers can access a Capital One Lounge. However, this card is not the only way you can get access.

Photo shows signage leading to a Capital One lounge further down the hall — WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

Venture X cardholders get unlimited access to Capital One Lounges for primary cardholders and their authorized users, and complimentary entry for up to two guests per visit (children two and under are free). Additional guests are $45 each. These guest policies are fairly generous, especially considering Amex charges $50 for most Centurion Lounge guests who enter with a cardholder.

You can also gain unlimited access to Capital One Lounges with the Capital One Venture X Business. It has a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees) and provides primary cardholders the same access privileges as the personal Venture X.

Don’t plan on getting a Venture X card? Cardholders with a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) or Capital One Spark Miles for Business (see rates and fees) — cards that have a $95 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year with the Spark Miles card) — receive two complimentary visits annually. However, this perk is being removed from these cards as of Jan. 1, 2025.

After those two visits (and once the changes take effect), Venture and Spark Miles cardholders and their guests can access these lounges at a special entry rate of $45 per person. Finally, Capital One lounges are also open to any travelers outside those groups who want to pay a steeper entry rate of $65 per person.

Other rules

All Capital One Lounge visitors must present a boarding pass for a departing flight. This includes access up to three hours before departing or connecting same-day flights. Guests can’t enter with boarding passes for arriving flights that don’t have an onward connection.

Where are Capital One Lounges located?

Capital One operates lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dulles International Airport and Denver International Airport. Beyond these, two other Capital One Lounge locations are in the pipeline: Harry Reid International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Capital One is serious about its lounge ambitions, so we expect more announcements. We’ll update this list and expected opening dates as more lounge locations become known.

Denver International Airport (DEN) lounge

Capital One opened its third lounge in Denver International Airport in November 2023. Located in Concourse A, it’s convenient for Frontier, Delta Air Lines and most international carriers, but passengers flying out of Concourse B and C need to take an underground train to access it.

This lounge celebrates Denver’s unique culture through its mountain-themed art and food and beverage offerings created by local providers.

Lounge guests have their choice of bespoke cocktails, but don’t miss the Denver location’s signature airport beer: the Sky High P.A.

The lounge also offers food and beverage options consistent with what we’ve come to expect from Capital One: a selection of grab-and-go items at the front of the lounge for those passing through, as well as individual servings of heavier bites for those who have a bit more time.

Additionally, the lounge has two showers, two relaxation rooms, three private workrooms (available with a reservation) and a parents’ room.

Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) lounge

Capital One opened its second lounge location in Dulles International Airport in early September 2023. It’s conveniently located just past the TSA PreCheck security lines.

Inside, visitors can take advantage of multiple “grab and go” snack and drink options if they need to get to their gate quickly. Those with more time can find a spot in the open-concept space to settle in, where they can choose from a wide range of single-serve food options and a bar with some eye-catching drinks.

Like the DFW location that opened before it, elements of the local culture are evident throughout, from a nod to the nation’s capital in some art pieces to the cherry blossom margarita and locally roasted coffee available.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) lounge

Capital One has hit American Express’s Centurion Lounge head-on with its approximately 10,000-square-foot DFW location in Terminal D, near Gate 22. In fact, it’s in the very same terminal, just steps from the Amex lounge.

seating area at an airport lounge — WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

Capital One’s DFW lounge honors the Dallas-Fort Worth region in its design and guest experience, including partnerships with area artists, breweries, coffee roasters and cocktail bars.

sign inside the Capital One Lounge — WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

In creating this first lounge, Capital One focused on eco-friendly materials, unique textures and eye-catching effects like curved surfaces. More than 55 pieces of original artwork by local artists curated by the Tappan Collective and a wide array of original works are on display, featuring diverse perspectives and mediums, giving travelers “an opportunity to experience the region through its art.”

Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) lounge

The Las Vegas Capital One Lounge will be located in the D Concourse. It will wrap around the rotunda and occupy almost 8,000 square feet. We don’t yet have an official opening date for this lounge. This information comes from public documents for the lease approval in November 2022, and details were confirmed by a spokesperson for Capital One.

This will be Capital One’s second attempt at securing a lounge in Las Vegas. Its previous attempt for a space at the LAS airport didn’t work out, as the space was allocated to the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

According to the same spokesperson, this lounge location will “offer premium amenities that provide visitors with an elevated travel experience from the moment they step through the door. We will release more details on our new Capital One Lounge at LAS as the opening approaches.”

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

In June 2024, Capital One announced plans to open a fifth lounge at JFK. This lounge will be located in Terminal 4 and have special features to honor New York City. A bodega serving coffee and bagels will give the lounge a true urban feel. Visitors can also sample cheeses and cured meats from the Hudson Valley while sipping lounge-exclusive wine and beer selections.

Like the other Capital One lounges, the JFK lounge will feature art from local artists and grab-and-go food options. At 13,000 square feet, it will be 2,000 square feet smaller than the Centurion Lounge. Given how many travelers pass through JFK every year, it’s no surprise that Capital One is pursuing efforts to open a lounge here. No opening date has been set yet.

What is the food and beverage like at Capital One Lounges?

Capital One lounges offer a premium in-lounge dining experience with seasonal menus and regionally sourced ingredients.

During our visits, the dishes we’ve sampled have been quite top-notch. One standout has been a beef bibimbap bowl that perfectly balances spicy and sweet. Speaking of sweetness, the cannolis we’ve tasted have been deliciously crisp on the outside and sweet and decadent on the inside.

Food offerings at a Capital One Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth's airport

Small bites at the Capital One Lounge at Dalls-Fort Worth Airport.

A ready-to-eat food station features grab-and-go snacks, including salads, fresh fruits, juice shots and rotating warm selections like breakfast sandwiches in the mornings or fresh-from-the-oven cookies in the afternoons.

close-up of La Columbe coffee with branding waiting to be served

For those who have the opportunity to take a seat and relax before their flight, other catering highlights include craft cocktails on tap, local beers and regional wines, dining stations (with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) and a full-service coffee and espresso bar from La Colombe.

What wellness features are in Capital One Lounges?

Wellness is an important element in the Capital One lounge strategy.

In fact, the DFW location gives you the option to get a full workout in before your flight with Peloton bikes and a yoga room.

close-up of Peloton exercise bikes in an airport lounge — WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

And if you have time for a nap during your layover, both the DFW and DEN locations offer relaxation rooms with state-of-the-art nap pods and other amenities such as blankets and eye masks.

Additionally, the DFW, IAD and DEN locations have private nursing rooms outfitted with lounge chairs and footrests, bottle warmers and minifridges with beverages and extra counter space for diaper changes.

Capital One Landings: A different take on lounges

While they’re not actually Capital One Lounges, the new concept of Capital One Landings is worth mentioning. These will focus largely on delivering an elevated dining experience.

The Capital One Landings will partner with the highly acclaimed José Andrés Group to curate each location’s food and beverage options. Remaining true to its culinary heritage, the Landings locations will serve Spanish-style tapas.

The first two Landings will be located in two of the busiest airports in the northeastern U.S.: New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which has an unknown opening date, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, which is slated to open in the second quarter of 2024.

Bottom line

In recent years, American Express transformed the lounge landscape by launching its own Centurion Lounges. Capital One is playing in this space, too, and Chase Sapphire lounges are also joining the conversation. From what we’ve seen so far, it seems like Amex has stiff competition.

This is excellent news for all cardholders, especially those who value travel perks. While Amex’s Centurion Lounges are exclusively accessible to select cardmembers — such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Capital One provides travelers with increased options to access its lounges, including the general public.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards
Learn more: Capital One Spark Miles for Business