Here's how to access Capital One's airport lounges, which feature nap pods and Peloton bikes (2024)

As airlines deal with record-high flight delays and cancellations, Capital One, along with other major card issuers such as Chase and American Express, is doubling down on its presence at major airports across the country.

One thing travelers can look forward to is more Capital One Lounges, known for their high-speed Wi-Fi, relaxation rooms, showers, locally sourced and curated food, craft co*cktails and other luxe amenities. The first Capital One Lounge opened at Dallas/Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) in Nov. 2021, followed by a second lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Sept. 2023 with a third location scheduled to open at Denver International (DEN) in late 2023.

Below,CNBC Selectdetails what it takes to access the different Capital One Lounges and which credit cards are best if you want to visit them —or any partner lounges worldwide.

Capital One currently has one lounge open, with two more planned to open in 2023.

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Terminal D near Gate D22; Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Denver International Airport, Concourse A on the Mezzanine Level (opening in late 2023)
• Dulles International Airport, in the Main Terminal directly after TSA PreCheck; Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All lounges offer complimentary premium food and beverages, grab-and-go refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated work zones and plenty of power outlets. Some locations provide additional amenities like shower suites, a yoga room, relaxation rooms with nap pods and even Peloton bikes.

There are a few ways to access Capital One Lounges, and you don't necessarily need to be a Capital One cardholder to get in.

Note that all visitors must present a boarding pass for a same-day departing or connecting flight, meaning you can't access the lounge upon arrival at your final destination. Additionally, lounge access is based on availability —you're not allowed to make reservations in advance. All children ages two and under get in free with an adult.

Free or discounted access

Travelers with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, as well as their authorized users and account managers, receive unlimited access and two complimentary guest entries per visit, while additional guests will run you $45 each.

Paid access

Anyone else with a boarding pass for a same-day departing or connecting flight can still visit Capital One Lounges regardless of which credit card they have. However, they will have to pay a steep $90 entry fee per person per visit.

Several Capital One credit cards offer free or discounted airport lounge access. What's more is that each of the cards is currently offering valuable welcome bonus offers to help you start earning heaps of Capital One miles.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
• Capital One Spark 2X Miles Credit Card*: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 within the first three months of account membership.
• Capital One Spark 1.5X Miles Select Card*: Earn 20,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

While Capital One's lounge network may be a bit modest with just three locations (after the two new ones open next year), Capital One Venture X Rewards cardholders also have access to more than 1,400 Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges across the globe through Capital One's Partner Lounge Network.

Capital One Venture X Rewards cardholders receive unlimited access to each brand's lounges, as well as complimentary access for up to two guests, while Capital One Venture Rewards and Capital One Spark Miles* cardholders get two free visits each year to Plaza Premium Lounges or Capital One Lounges.

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Capital One has made concerted efforts to connect with its cardholders and the general public, whether through its new Capital One Lounges or range of Capital One Cafés, which offer more opportunities to maximize the value of your card on a regular basis.

Before applying for a new credit card, be sure to calculate how often you'll be able to use its associated benefits so you can see if the annual fee is worth paying. It's also a good idea to check your credit score since most Capital One credit cards require it to be good to excellent to apply.

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