My favorite airport lounge isn't what you think

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I live in New York, which means three airports and a long list of airport lounge options. But I almost always pick the same one.

Some lounges offer the bare minimum, while others provide full sit-down dining experiences, showers, and premium liquor. So even if I have multiple options, picking which one I visit isn’t a difficult decision. If I’m in a city with a Capital One Lounge, that’s the one I’m choosing every time. Here’s why.

So far, Capital One Lounges have a modest presence compared to other lounge networks. The first location opened at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in 2021. Other locations include Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), New York City (JFK), Washington, D.C. (DCA), and Washington Dulles (IAD), though there are plans to expand.

Capital One Lounge access is complimentary for primary Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders, but you’ll need to spend $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year to bring in up to two complimentary guests. You can pay $45 per guest per visit, though, or $25 per visit per guest age 17 and under. Children under 2 can enter for free. Authorized users can also get access for a $125 annual fee.

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Airport lounges have become notoriously busy — it’s not uncommon for them to be so full that you need to be waitlisted for entry at Priority Pass lounges as well as American Express Centurion Lounges and Delta SkyClubs.

We haven’t seen that same level of overcrowding at Capital One Lounges yet. Each time I’ve visited a Capital One Lounge, whether at New York-JFK or Washington Dulles, I’ve had no problems accessing the lounge, finding a seat, or getting food.

As the network continues to expand, I hope Capital One continues to excel at crowd control. That alone will make me continue choosing the Capital One Lounge over others.

Any frequent traveler knows airport lounge food can run the gamut from restaurant-quality to practically inedible.

Each Capital One Lounge I’ve visited so far has had an excellent food and beverage program. For instance, ahead of a flight to the Dominican Republic last summer, I popped into the JFK lounge to grab a quick bite to eat. One of the options on the menu was a bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel — a New York staple. I also loved that the bagel was from a New York business, Ess-a-Bagel.

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These lounges offer amenities such as relaxation rooms, shower suites, and private workspaces. You’ll also find perks for busy travelers, like individual power outlets at every seat, flight status displays, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Even if they aren’t the flashiest, these amenities actually improve your day and can make a real difference when you’re traveling regularly. And since Capital One Lounges are generally less crowded, you’ll have a better chance of actually getting to use them.

Until something changes, the Capital One Lounge will keep being my first stop before a flight — and a real reason I keep the Venture X in my wallet.

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