The Guide to Capital One Lounges

Who doesn’t want to hang out in an airport lounge? Away from the crowded terminals, these spaces provide a comfortable place to sit, relax and enjoy some free food. Businesses know this — it’s the reason that competitors such as American Express and Chase have begun operating their own branded lounges.

Capital One is no exception, with Capital One lounges planned for a handful of locations around the U.S. But how does Capital One airport lounge access work? And what are the Capital One airport lounge locations? Here are answers to these questions and additional recommendations for airport lounge access worldwide.

Anyone can gain entry to the Capital One lounges, but the cost will vary depending on which, if any, credit cards you hold.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have unlimited complimentary access to the Capital One lounge. This includes the ability to bring up to two guests for free; the fee for other guests is $45 per visit.

» Learn more: Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth the annual fee?

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card airport lounge access is possible even if you don’t have the high-end Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Those who hold the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Spark Miles for Business can also visit Capital One airport lounges.

However, unlike those who hold the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, these cardholders don’t get unlimited complimentary access. Instead, they get two free visits per year.

These cardholders aren’t entitled to bring guests for free. Any guests incur a fee of $45, as will visits beyond those two complimentary ones each year.

All other visitors

Even if you’re not a Capital One cardholder, Capital One lounge access still is possible. You’ll pay $65 per visit, though children younger than 2 can enter for free.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Currently, there are three Capital One airport lounges:

» Learn more: Credit cards with airport lounge access

Capital One lounge Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)

The Capital One lounge in the airport at Dallas is located in Terminal D near Gate 22. Currently, it’s open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., which allows plenty of time for visitors to gain access.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

The Capital One lounge at Denver International Airport is in Concourse A near Gate 34 on the mezzanine level. The lounge features a grab-and-go food section, small plates and beverages in the sit-down dining section. There's also a dedicated parents room, private working rooms and relaxation rooms. The operating hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

The Capital One lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport is in the main terminal, just after TSA PreCheck. It has a grab-and-go section for food and beverages that you can take with you to your gate, as well as a coffee bar with cold brew and iced lattes on tap. There's also a hot food buffet inside the lounge and seating options.

These lounges are meant to be high-end spaces, which means you’ll find a variety of amenities. This includes high-speed Wi-Fi, relaxation rooms, shower suites and luggage lockers.

Other comforts include:

• Grab-and-go food.

• Dining stations.

• Fully stocked bars and coffee bars.

• Quiet areas for working and recharging devices.

• Exercise rooms for cycling and yoga.

• Family-friendly amenities, including parent rooms.

• Multifaith rooms.

Although the Capital One lounge is an excellent option if you’re traveling through Dallas, you may want to find an airport lounge elsewhere. If this is the case, there are plenty of ways to gain airport lounge access.

Priority Pass

The Priority Pass network includes more than 1,300 airport lounge experiences. If you’re looking for airport lounge access with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you’ll want to take advantage of this membership. The card, along with many others, provides a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

You’ll have a much wider selection of airport lounge access with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card when taking advantage of Priority Pass. Experiences vary at lounges, from restaurants to sleep pods and some offer massage services.

» Learn more: The best Priority Pass lounges in the United States

If you’re not a Capital One cardholder, you can also find a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with these popular travel credit cards:

You’ll want to compare the benefits and annual fees on each of these credit cards to see if they fit your needs.

» Learn more: Are Priority Pass lounges usually crowded?

American Express Global Lounge Collection

We’ve already mentioned The Platinum Card® from American Express, but although the card includes a Priority Pass membership, you may want it for another reason. Along withThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the Centurion card, AmEx Platinum cardholders have access to the Global Lounge Collection. This includes Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), in addition to:

• The Centurion Lounge.

• Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner.

• Aspire lounge.

• Plaza Premium.

• Select Lufthansa lounges (when flying on a same-day Lufthansa flight).

• Delta Sky Club lounges (when flying on a same-day Delta Air Lines flight).

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The guide to the American Express Global Lounge Collection

Airport lounge membership

If you’re loyal to one airline, you may want to consider purchasing an airport lounge membership. These memberships grant you access to any of an airline’s lounges when flying on that airline, no matter where you’re located.

Some credit cards, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® provide this benefit as a perk of holding the card.

» Learn more: Reasons you should be using airport lounges

Capital One is going toe-to-toe with other card issuers by opening its own branded lounges. As of now, there are two Capital One lounge locations operating, though another one is expected to welcome visitors by the end of 2023.

Until then, those seeking lounge entry can pursue a Priority Pass Select membership, an airport lounge membership or even choose to access AmEx’s Global Lounge Collection to enjoy those delicious free drinks.