NEW Capital One lounge opens at DCA (non-cardholders pay $90 to get in)

Good news for Capital One cardholders: A new Capital One lounge has officially opened at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The new lounge, called the Capital One Landing, is located in Terminal 2 near Concourse D. Not only is this a brand new lounge, but it’s also a new concept that will be replicated when the company opens a new lounge at La Guardia International Airport (LGA) later this year.

This is great news for D.C.-based travelers who have had limited options when flying out of DCA. There are currently zero Priority Pass lounges at DCA and the Amex lounge network provides access to two lounges: The Centurion Lounge and the Delta SkyCub.

The Centurion Lounge is reserved for Amex Platinum cardholders while Delta SkyClub is only accessible for cardholders flying Delta. The addition of a Capital One lounge will help alleviate some of the overcrowding at the Amex-affiliated lounges.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Capital One lounge at DCA and how to access it:

  • Opening date: November 19, 2024.
  • Location: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Terminal 2, Concourse D.
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (the “On the Fly”/grab-and-go food section will be open daily between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.).

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Why this new lounge opening is a big deal

The new Capital One lounge at DCA is a big deal because there are limited lounge options at DCA. This is a busy airport servicing business travelers, yet there are only two lounges accessible through credit cards.

Furthermore, it’s an expansion of the Capital One Lounge network. Capital One currently has just three other airport lounges (at DFW, IAD and DEN). These lounges have been very well received and feature amenities that put them above others. So, the fact that Capital One cardholders can access one more lounge (and a superior one) in a busy airport is a huge plus.

Who can access The Capital One Landing DCA?

Capital One lounge DCA: Booths next to bar seating
The stunning new Capital On lounge at DCA (Image courtesy of Capital One)

The Capital One Landing DCA is open to all travelers, though select Capital One credit cardholders get complimentary access. All you need is a valid boarding pass to visit the lounge up to three hours before departure. All others can pay a whopping $90 per visit. At this rate, you should probably just get a qualifying Capital One card since $90 covers at least part of the fee for most cards.

The following credit cards provide access to this lounge:

Access requires a same-day boarding pass for a departing or connecting flight, with entry allowed up to three hours before departure.

It’s also worth noting that Capital One Venture cardholders receive up to two free lounge visits a year. This benefit goes away in January 2025, but you still have time to take advantage of this perk.

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Amenities at The Landing DCA

The Capital One Landing DCA offers an impressive array of amenities across 5,500 sqft of space. From ample seating to wellness and productivity space, the lounge has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of various types of travelers.

  • Spanish-tapas-style menu designed by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés.
  • Bar featuring locally-inspired cocktails.
  • Power outlets at every seat.
  • A takeaway spot “On the Fly”
  • High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the lounge
  • Convenient power outlets at every seat
  • Dedicated luggage nooks
  • Two private restrooms
Five pink bar stools lined up against an ambient-lit bar at Capital One's new lounge in DCA
The bar at the new Capital One lounge DCA (Image courtesy of Capital one)

Food and drinks

The Capital One Landing DCA offers an array of complimentary food, drinks, and snacks curated by Michelin-starred chef José Andrés. There are plenty of options for folks with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

For breakfast, there are staples like bagels and lox, Eggs Benedict, scrambled tofu bowl and pancakes. There are also Spanish dishes available, including Toast Montadito and Pincho de Tortilla.

For lunch and dinner, visitors can enjoy hot dishes like Gambas al Ajjillo, Carne Asada con Mojo Verde, Eggplant and Tofu Donburi, Croquetas, classic grilled cheese, soups, salads and more.

Guests can even order these items via QR code and have them delivered to their seats.

What caught my attention (and where I’ll definitely be making numerous stops) is an afternoon cheesecake cart. The Burnt Basque Cheesecake is high on my list of things to try when I eventually stop by the Capital One Landing DCA.

Capital One lounges have earned rave reviews for their food options and The Landing DCA seems to be continuing that trend.

In addition to “restaurant-quality” food, the lounge also features a bar serving up regionally influenced cocktails and wines.

Coffee bar at the new Capital One Landing DCA
Coffee bar at the new Capital One Landing DCA (Image courtesy of Capital One)

On the Fly Cafe

The Landing DCA also operates a quick takeaway cafe called On The Fly, where travelers can purchase food on the go. On the Fly is open to all travelers. Capital One Venture X and Venture X cardholders receive a 50% discount on purchases.

This is sort of akin to Capital One Cafes, which sells coffee, breakfast items and snacks. The food at On the Fly will no doubt be slightly more elevated, since the menu is also curated by the José Andrés Group.

On the Fly opens an hour before the Capital One Landing and closes an hour after. This is great news because it provides expanded access (and likely great food options) at a typically crowded airport. Furthermore, it provides an alternative when the lounge is at capacity because visitors can still grab food to go when the lounge can’t accommodate them.

On the Fly Cafe at Capital One Landing DCA
On the Fly Cafe at Capital One Landing DCA (Image courtesy of Capital One)

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Seating

With 5,500 sqft of space, The Landing DCA offers plenty of seating options for groups and solo travelers alike.

Most of the seating appears to be restaurant-style, with booths, tables as well as smaller tables for solo travelers and couples. Every seat has its own power outlet, which is convenient if you want to charge your electronics in between flights.

Diner-style seating area at the new Capital One Lounge DCA. Bar area in the background, with lantern-style lighting hanging from the ceiling
Seating area at the new Capital One lounge DCA (Image courtesy of Capital One)

Bottom line

The new Capital One Landing DCA is a welcome addition for D.C.-based travelers who have had limited lounge options when transiting DCA.

Not only does the new Capital One lounge offer yet another place for travelers to relax before a flight, it’s likely to be a notch above other lounge offerings.

Capital One has done a great job of creating beautiful spaces at other airports that are thoughtfully designed, providing relaxing spaces and exceptional food.

Being able to access this lounge courtesy of your Capital One credit card adds extra value to an already great product.

Do you have plans to visit the new Capital One Landing DCA? I’d love your feedback.

Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. 

2 thoughts on “NEW Capital One lounge opens at DCA (non-cardholders pay $90 to get in)”

  1. While I’m grateful and happy to get Centurion access, it’s always nice to have options when one is too crowded. Now I just need to get a card!

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