A complete guide to Capital One’s airport lounges
The first Capital One lounge opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in November 2021, and a second location opened at Dulles International Airport (IAD) in September 2023. And now, the third Capital One lounge in Denver International Airport is open as of Nov. 3, 2023.
Other upcoming lounge locations promise a similar variety of premium amenities. However, the opening dates for other Capital One Lounge locations have been pushed back, so we'll keep you updated on future openings.
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. So 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.
Access
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 (see rates and fees).
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 and get access to a special entry rate of $45 per visit after that. Pricing for guests of Venture and Spark Miles cardholders is also $45 per visit.
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.
Related: Is the Venture X worth the annual fee?
Capital One Lounge Denver (DEN)
Capital One opened its third lounge location in Denver International Airport in early November 2023. Located in Concourse A, it's convenient for those flying Frontier, Delta Air Lines and most international carriers, but passengers flying out of concourse B and C will need to take an underground train in order to access it.
This lounge celebrates Denver's unique culture through its mountain-themed art as well as 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.
Related: Capital One Denver lounge first look
Capital One Lounge Dulles (IAD)
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.
Related: Capital One Dulles lounge first look
Capital One Lounge Dallas (DFW)
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.
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.
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."
Related: Capital One Lounge Dallas Fort Worth review
Where are Capital One Lounges located?
The lounge in Denver is the third Capital One lounge to open (in November 2023), following the Dallas-Fort Worth location opening in late 2021 and the Dulles location opening in September 2023. Beyond these, just one other Capital One Lounge location is in the pipeline: Las Vegas.
More announcements are expected, as Capital One is serious about its lounge ambitions. We will update the list and expected opening dates as more lounge locations become known.
Las Vegas lounge
The Las Vegas (LAS) 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 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.
This lounge location will "offer premium amenities that provide visitors with an elevated travel experience from the moment they step through the door," according to the same spokesperson. "We will release more details on our new Capital One Lounge at LAS as the opening approaches."
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.
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.
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.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
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.
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, it's worth mentioning the new concept of Capital One Landings. 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.
Related: Capital One debuts brand-new airport lounge concept coming to NYC, DC
The first two Landings will be located in two of the busiest airports in the northeastern U.S.: New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia. Opening dates are unknown.
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 cardholders — 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.
The primary vehicle for entering Capital One Lounges is the Venture X (see rates and fees) or Venture X Business (see rates and fees), each with a $395 annual fee. In addition, cardholders with either 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, then $95 with the Spark Miles card) – receive two complimentary visits annually. Based on availability, walk-in guests can also enter at $65 per visit.
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