Overview
Capital One Lounge is the newest premium airport lounge brand in the United States, launched in 2023 as a direct competitor to the American Express Centurion Lounge. Backed by the Capital One Venture X credit card, these lounges have quickly earned a reputation for exceptional food, craft cocktails, and thoughtful design -- often surpassing the Centurion Lounges they compete against.
Unlike airline-operated lounges such as the Delta Sky Club or United Club, Capital One Lounges are airline-agnostic. You don't need to fly a specific carrier to get in. If you have a qualifying Capital One card and a same-day boarding pass from that airport, you're welcome regardless of which airline you're flying.
Capital One Lounges have set a new standard for credit card lounges. The food is restaurant-quality, the cocktails are excellent, and the spaces are beautifully designed.
Capital One Lounge Locations
Capital One's lounge network is still growing. Here are the current and announced locations:
Open Now
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) -- Located in Terminal D near Gate D22. The flagship location spanning approximately 10,000 square feet. Features a full restaurant-style kitchen, premium bar, shower suites, and a relaxation room with zero-gravity chairs.
Washington Dulles (IAD) -- Located near Gate B47. A spacious lounge with the same premium food and drink program as DFW, plus dedicated work areas and shower facilities.
Denver (DEN) -- Located in Concourse A. One of the newer additions to the network, featuring the signature Capital One Lounge design and full amenity set.
Planned Locations
Capital One has announced plans to expand to additional airports including:
- Las Vegas (LAS) -- Confirmed and under construction
- Newark (EWR) -- Announced
- Additional locations -- Capital One has indicated plans to continue expanding, with several more airports under consideration
The pace of expansion has been measured and deliberate, with Capital One prioritizing quality over speed. Each new location maintains the same high standards as the flagship DFW lounge.
How to Access
There are a few ways to get into a Capital One Lounge. The key advantage over airline lounges is that you can fly any airline.
Capital One Venture X Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395/year) is the primary access method and by far the best value:
- Unlimited free visits for the cardholder
- 2 free guests per visit
- Additional guests can be added for $50 each
- No airline restriction -- fly any carrier
- The card also comes with Priority Pass membership for access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
The Venture X card's $395 annual fee is significantly lower than the Amex Platinum ($695) while offering comparable lounge access, making it an excellent value for travelers who prioritize lounges.
Capital One Venture X Business Card
The Capital One Venture X Business Card provides the same lounge access benefits as the personal Venture X, including unlimited visits and 2 free guests.
Day Pass
Non-cardholders can purchase a day pass for $65 at the door, subject to availability. Day passes are a good option if you want to try the lounge before committing to the Venture X card, though capacity limits mean they're not always available during peak hours.
Capital One Dining
In addition to the full lounge, Capital One operates Capital One Landing spaces at some airports. These smaller areas offer a quick-service dining experience and are accessible to a broader range of Capital One cardholders.
Learn more about credit card lounge access →
Amenities and Food
Capital One Lounges have set a remarkably high bar for credit card lounge amenities, with a particular emphasis on food and beverage quality.
Food
The food program is the headline feature of Capital One Lounges. Rather than a standard buffet, these lounges feature restaurant-quality dining with a focus on freshness and local flavors:
- Chef-curated menus that change seasonally and incorporate regional ingredients
- Made-to-order dishes at many stations, not just pre-made buffet items
- Locally inspired options -- the DFW lounge features Texas-inspired dishes, while IAD highlights Mid-Atlantic cuisine
- Dietary accommodations -- vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available
- Grab-and-go snacks -- For travelers in a rush, there's a selection of quick bites and packaged snacks
The consensus among frequent lounge visitors is that Capital One Lounge food is the best of any credit card lounge in the US, and competitive with many airline first class lounges.
Drinks
The bar program matches the food quality:
- Premium open bar -- All drinks are complimentary, including top-shelf spirits
- Craft cocktail menu -- Rotating seasonal cocktails prepared by skilled bartenders
- Local craft beer -- A selection highlighting breweries near each location
- Wine list -- A curated selection of wines that changes regularly
- Non-alcoholic options -- Premium coffee, fresh juices, and specialty non-alcoholic cocktails
Shower Suites
All Capital One Lounge locations include private shower suites with:
- Premium toiletries
- Fresh towels
- Hair dryer and grooming essentials
- Spacious, well-designed rooms
Relaxation Room
A unique feature of Capital One Lounges is the dedicated relaxation room with zero-gravity chairs, dimmed lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere. This is perfect for travelers who want to rest before a flight, especially before red-eye departures.
Work Spaces
For business travelers, Capital One Lounges offer:
- Dedicated work areas with power outlets and USB ports
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the lounge
- Semi-private workstations for phone calls and focused work
- Printing facilities at select locations
Other Amenities
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Power outlets and USB charging at every seat
- Flight monitors with real-time departure information
- Cycling and wellness room (at DFW)
Capital One Lounge vs Centurion Lounge
The most natural comparison for Capital One Lounge is the Amex Centurion Lounge. Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | Capital One Lounge | Centurion Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 3 (expanding) | 15+ US + international |
| Card Required | Venture X ($395/yr) | Amex Platinum ($695/yr) |
| Free Guests | 2 | 2 |
| Food Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cocktails | Excellent | Excellent (Jim Meehan program) |
| Showers | Yes, all locations | Yes, all locations |
| Relaxation Room | Yes | Some locations |
| Crowding | Less crowded | Can be very crowded |
| Airline Restriction | None | None |
| Day Pass | $65 | Not available |
The Verdict
Capital One Lounge wins on value and crowding. At $395/year vs $695/year for the Amex Platinum, the Venture X card costs significantly less while offering a lounge experience that matches or exceeds the Centurion Lounge. Capital One Lounges are also typically less crowded because the network is newer and smaller.
Centurion Lounge wins on locations. With 15+ locations in the US and growing international presence, you're far more likely to find a Centurion Lounge at your departure airport. The Centurion Lounge network covers most major US hubs.
For travelers who fly primarily through DFW, IAD, or DEN, the Capital One Lounge is arguably the better option. For those who travel widely across the US, the Centurion Lounge's broader network is more practical.
Tips
Get the Venture X card if you fly through DFW, IAD, or DEN regularly -- At $395/year with a $300 annual travel credit, the effective cost is just $95. The lounge access alone makes it worthwhile.
Visit during off-peak hours -- While less crowded than Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges can still fill up during peak evening travel. Mid-morning and early afternoon are the quietest times.
Try the seasonal cocktails -- The craft cocktail program is outstanding. Ask the bartender for recommendations from the current seasonal menu.
Use the relaxation room -- The zero-gravity chairs are remarkably comfortable and a great way to recharge before a flight. Many visitors don't realize this room exists.
Check day pass availability in advance -- If you're visiting without a Venture X card, be aware that day passes may not be available during peak hours when the lounge is at capacity.
Pair with Priority Pass -- Your Venture X card also includes Priority Pass membership, giving you access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide when there isn't a Capital One Lounge at your airport.
Don't skip the food -- Even if you're only stopping by briefly, the food quality is worth sampling. It's genuinely restaurant-calibre and included with your access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access a Capital One Lounge?
You can access Capital One Lounges with a Capital One Venture X card (unlimited free visits), Capital One Venture X Business card, or by purchasing a day pass ($65). Venture X cardholders can bring 2 free guests. You must have a same-day boarding pass from the airport, but can fly any airline.
Where are Capital One Lounges located?
Capital One Lounges are currently at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Washington Dulles (IAD), and Denver (DEN). More locations are planned including Las Vegas and Newark. The network is still young but expanding steadily.
Is Capital One Lounge better than Centurion Lounge?
Capital One Lounges are generally considered comparable or superior to Centurion Lounges, with excellent food, premium cocktails, shower suites, and a relaxation room. They're also typically less crowded. However, Centurion has significantly more locations across the US and internationally.
How much is a Capital One Lounge day pass?
Capital One Lounge day passes are typically $65 per person, subject to availability. Venture X cardholders get unlimited free access plus 2 guests, making the card the better value for regular visitors.
What food is served at Capital One Lounges?
Capital One Lounges feature restaurant-quality dining with locally-inspired, chef-curated menus that change seasonally. The premium open bar includes craft cocktails and top-shelf spirits, plus grab-and-go snacks. The food is widely regarded as among the best of any credit card lounge.
Do you need to fly a specific airline for Capital One Lounge?
No. Unlike Delta Sky Clubs, Capital One Lounges are open to cardholders regardless of which airline they're flying. You just need a same-day boarding pass from that airport.
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