Nearly two years after opening its first-ever airport lounge at Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW), Capital One is set to open the doors to its second lounge – this one at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD).
The brand-new Dulles Capital One Lounge will open to the public tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 7. The 8,500 square-foot lounge is located in the main terminal building just after clearing security.
It's welcome news for travelers and cardholders with the *venture x* hoping to visit more Capital One lounges outside of Dallas. The bank's premium travel rewards card comes with free access to its branded lounges, among other perks.
The Dulles lounge was the first Capital One lounge to be announced way back in early 2020. It was originally scheduled to open last fall, but Capital One quietly delayed its opening until 2023.
Still, it's better late than never. Capital One set the bar sky-high with its Dallas lounge featuring top-notch seating, amenities, and decor, and by all accounts, travelers can expect the same at Dulles – if not more.
With the lounge located a good 10-plus minute walk from any gates, Capital One is placing a bigger emphasis on grab-and-go options so that travelers can simply drop by the lounge, pick up something to eat or drink and head off to their gate. The grab-and-go food section will feature sustainably packaged, healthy selections like jarred salads, granola bowls, and fresh juices as well as coffee to go from the full-service coffee bar, according to a news release.
Capital One says the full-service coffee bar is unique to the Dulles lounge, serving La Colombe cold brew on tap and drip coffee from Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Company, a Virginia-based coffee roaster.
From the food and drink offerings to the art and decor to the design, Capital One said the IAD lounge highlights some of the best of the D.C. area. Photos show plenty of beautiful teak wood architectural elements and mid-century modern furniture throughout and a color scheme of red, white, and blue is likely a nod to the nation's capital – or maybe just Capital One's own branding. At 8,500 square feet, the new lounge is slightly smaller than the flagship Dallas lounge, which clocks in at 10,000 square feet – and feels even bigger
Like the Dallas lounge, Capital One says there will be a selection of locally sourced, health-conscious small plates for travelers to choose from as well as craft beer on tap. from local breweries like Lost Rhino Brewing and cocktails inspired by D.C. like the Cherry Blossom Margarita.
As for workspaces, Capital One says there will be two semi-private open-air rooms for travelers who are working on the go as well as outlets at every seat and free Wi-Fi.
The lounge is family-friendly, too, with a parent's room that provides a comfortable and private space for visitors who are feeding or nursing their children and ample seating for families with children. Kids under two are allowed in the lounge for free so long as they're accompanied by a cardholder.
Read more: How to Get Lounge Access for the Whole Family with 1 Credit Card
Capital One cardholders with eligible cards get exclusive access to Capital One lounges.
- *venture x* and their authorized users or account managers enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus complimentary entry for two guests per visit — and special pricing of $45 per visit for additional guests.
- *venture x business* primary cardholders enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges, plus complimentary entry for two guests per visit — and special pricing of $45 per visit for additional guests.
- *capital one venture card* cardholders receive two complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges — or Plaza Premium Lounges — annually. These complimentary visits may be used for themselves, their authorized users or account managers, or guests who are traveling with them. Additional visits can be purchased for a discounted rate of $45.
- *capital one spark miles for business* cardholders receive two complimentary visits to Capital One Lounges — or Plaza Premium Lounges — annually. These complimentary visits may be used for themselves, their authorized users or account managers, or guests who are traveling with them. Additional visits can be purchased for a discounted rate of $45.
To get into the new Capital One lounge, you must be flying that day or connecting through Dulles. Travelers are restricted from entering the lounge until three hours before their flight.
With the Dulles lounge now finally open, attention will now turn to Capital One's two other planned lounge locations in Denver (DEN) and Las Vegas (LAS). Capital One still maintains the Denver lounge will open sometime in 2023, while no firm date for the Las Vegas location has been announced.
Capital One is also launching another concept, Capital One Landings, at several airports, although these will be more sit-down dining spaces than full-blown lounges. Locations are planned for Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA) and New York-La Guardia (LGA), however, there's no word yet on when they will open.
Bottom Line
At last, Capital One is opening its highly-anticipated second lounge at Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD) this week. The new Dulles Capital One Lounge will officially open to the public tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 7.
From what we know so far, Capital One cardholders won't be disappointed.
All photos courtesy of Capital One