Capital One Lounges (2024): Airport Locations, Access, Cost, & Credit Cards
Capital One entered the airport lounge foray with its Capital One Lounge brand in 2022. This network is small, although steadily expanding, and an excellent alternative to American Express Centurion Lounges, Chase Sapphire Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges that are more popular and potentially crowded.
This comprehensive guide reviews how to visit Capital One Lounges the next time you fly.
Table of Contents
What is the Capital One Lounge?
Capital One Lounge is an airport lounge network that opened its first location in 2022. It will be opening two additional spots during 2023. So far, the network operates in the United States at some of the nation’s busiest airports for domestic and international travel.
This network offers premium benefits similar to the Amex Centurion Lounges; Examples include shower suites and private relaxation rooms. You can also grab hot or cold food and drinks. Unfortunately, the fare isn’t as luxurious as the Centurion Network.
Simultaneously, the lounge experience can be better than the Priority Pass network which has many participating locations worldwide. The amenities can vary widely by location as each location is independently managed and can be a lounge or a participating restaurant.
Typically, the Capital One Lounge experience lands somewhere between these two independent networks and competing airline-operated lounges such as American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, or United Club.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounges
Who Can Access Capital One Lounge?
There are three different ways to gain access to the Capital One Lounge locations:
- Use a participating Capital One travel rewards credit card
- Fly in business or first class on participating airlines
- Buy one-time passes
You can gain access by presenting your eligible Capital One card, flight itinerary, or pass. However, as you can only enter no sooner than three hours before your scheduled departure, you cannot visit when the lounge spot is your final destination. Most lounges have similar entry policies to minimize crowding.
Buying Capital One Lounge Passes
A Capital One credit card is the most affordable way and consistently easiest way to gain entry. However, you may decide to purchase a one-time pass before exploring an ongoing membership or when you can’t access your preferred lounge network.
You don’t have to be a Capital One customer or fly with a particular airline to pay the walk-up rate.
One-day passes cost $65 per person; Accompanying children two years or younger are free.
The Vacationer Tip
Cardholders with participating Venture and Spark Miles credit cards can receive discounted access of $45 for guests ineligible for complimentary access.
Airlines with Capital One Lounge Benefits
Qualifying First Class and Business Class passengers can visit Capital One Lounges free of charge with an active itinerary for these airlines:
- Finnair
- Korean Airlines
- Lufthansa
You can review your lounge benefits through the airline when booking a flight. If you’re curious, Capital One doesn’t broadcast this entry strategy on its website.
Credit Cards with Capital One Lounge Access
Depending on your Capital One credit card, you may have unlimited membership or two one-time passes per year. Complimentary lounge visits are only available to Venture and Spark Miles products with an annual fee.
It’s also possible for accompanying guests to enjoy a discounted rate of $45 instead of the usual $65 guest rate.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best option since all cardholders and account managers receive unlimited visits for themselves and two guests. Each additional guest can visit at the discounted rate of $45.
Unlike most premium credit cards, you can request up to four authorized users for free. These users don’t need to be with the primary cardholder to visit this lounge. Each authorized user can also bring in two free guests, making it easy for large travel parties to enjoy lounge visits.
This card also provides several valuable travel benefits:
- Annual $300 credit on Capital One Travel purchases
- Earn up to 10x miles on travel purchases
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- $100 experience credits and on-site benefits at Premier Collection hotels and resorts
Its annual fee is $395 and the first four secondary cards are free.
Capital One Partner Lounge Network
Cardholders and up to two guests can also enjoy complimentary access to these networks:
- Plaza Premium
- Priority Pass (enrollment is required here)
Learn More: Capital One Venture X Rewards Review
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Leisure travelers anticipating infrequent visits should consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card as you receive two free visits per year to pay a lower annual fee ($95 instead of $395).
The primary cardholder receives two one-time passes each calendar year. These passes can be used by the primary cardholder, authorized user, or guests. Discounted visits cost $45 per person after redeeming both passes.
You can use these one-time passes at Plaza Premium Lounges but not at Priority Pass locations.
This card also lets you earn up to 5x miles on travel purchases (2x on everything else) along with free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Our Capital One Venture benefits guide provides in-depth details.
The annual fee is $95 and additional cards are free.
Related: What Credit Score Do You Need for the Capital One Venture?
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers two one-time passes per year that are redeemable at Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium locations. It earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases and its travel benefits are similar to the consumer Venture Rewards.
The annual fee is $0 for the first year and then $95. Additional employee cards are free.
Capital One Venture X Business
The invite-only Capital One Venture X Business (previously the Spark Travel Elite) offers similar benefits as the personal Venture X Rewards. Cardholders and two guests have complimentary access to the Capital One Lounge and partner networks.
Its annual fee is $395 for the primary card and additional cards are free.
Capital One Lounge Locations
One location is open, and two additional lounges will open at U.S. airports later in 2023. Further, a fourth location is planned for Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), but a target opening date isn’t published yet.
- Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
The Capital One Lounge in Dallas/Ft. Worth is currently the only location in operation. But that’ll change as 2023 progresses.
- Location: Terminal D near Gate 22 (shared entrance with the American Airlines Flagship Lounge)
- Size: 10,000 sq. feet
- Hours: 6 am – 9 pm
- Cuisine: Dining stations, Grab & Go food
- Beverages: Coffee bar, full bar (premium drinks for a fee)
- Featured Amenities: Premium bar, shower suite, relaxation room, multi-faith room, cycling and yoga room
Denver International Airport (DEN) – Opens in 2023
- Location: Concourse A on the Mezzanine Level (opens in 2023)
- Size: 11,200 sq. feet
- Hours: TBD
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Opens in 2023
- Location: Main Terminal just after TSA PreCheck (opens in 2023)
- Size: 9,100 sq. feet
- Hours: TBD
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – Opening Date TBA
- Location: Concourse D Rotunda (no target opening date yet)
- Size: 7,857 sq. feet
- Hours: TBD
Check back often. We will be updating this post as new lounges open.
FAQ
The general public can purchase single-visit passes at $65 per person (children 2 or younger are free). Cardholders of the Capital One Venture Rewards, Venture X Rewards, and Spark Miles for Business (2x) can receive complimentary passes and discounted access for additional guests. Premium cabin passengers with select airlines can also visit during qualifying itineraries.
No, any air traveler can purchase a one-time pass although Venture and Spark Miles credit cards with an annual fee can access the lounge for free.
You can visit a lounge no sooner than three hours before your scheduled departure. It’s possible to enter before your first departing flight of the day or before a connecting flight. However, access is denied if you have finished your last flight for that day.
Yes, children are allowed to enter, but minors older than two years can cost up to $65. Kids can count as free guests or qualify for the discounted $45 rate for Capital One cardholders. Children under two are always free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Venture X Rewards and Venture X Business cardholders and two guests per cardholder have unlimited access. Venture Rewards and Spark Miles for Business primary cardholders receive two one-time passes each calendar year. Additional guests for these cards are eligible for passes at a discounted rate of $45.
In addition to Capital One Lounge access, Venture X cardholders (consumer and business) and two guests can have unlimited visits to Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges. The two one-time passes for Venture Rewards and Spark Miles accounts can be used at Plaza Premium as well.
Yes, food and most beverages are free including alcohol, although premium spirits and wine can incur an additional fee.
No, these airport lounges don’t provide banking services despite being part of the Capital One family.
The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts
The Capital One Lounge and partner lounge networks are a valuable travel benefit if you have an eligible Capital One travel card such as the Capital One Venture X or Venture Rewards.
At the moment, you should have the Venture X Rewards and fly through Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport (DFW) on a regular basis to maximize your membership. Thankfully, more travelers will be able to access this network once its upcoming locations open and enjoy its luxury benefits such as a warm meal, premium drinks, and perhaps a refreshing shower.
It’s exciting to see this airport lounge network grow as competitors seemingly restrict access to prevent overcrowding. Being able to visit a Capital One Lounge can be the difference between waiting in the terminal or purchasing a pricey pass for an alternate network.
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