I’ve flown through DFW plenty of times, but I’d never actually flown out of the airport after staying in the area—until recently. That finally gave me the chance to check out the Capital One Lounge in Terminal D, something I’d been meaning to do since it opened in 2021.
Plenty of first-look reviews are still floating around, but lounges can change fast, especially when it comes to food quality, crowding, and upkeep. So how is the Capital One Lounge holding up after a few years? Here’s what I found.
A Quick Look at Capital One Lounges
Capital One launched its first lounge at DFW in late 2021, around the same time it introduced the Venture X card. The goal wasn’t just to offer a new space—it was a full dive into premium travel, with curated food, upscale design, and amenities that went beyond the basics.
The DFW location set the tone, and Capital One followed up with lounges at Washington Dulles (IAD), Denver (DEN), and most recently, Las Vegas (LAS). More are on the way, with confirmed locations at New York–LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK.
But the big question remains—has the original DFW location maintained that opening-day shine?
Who Can Get In?
If you have the Capital One Venture X or Venture X Business card, you’re in luck—you get complimentary lounge access, and you can bring up to two guests for free. That’s a great value, especially compared to some other premium lounges that now charge for guests or limit access altogether. Additional guests beyond the first two can enter for $45 each.
Children under 2 are also allowed in for free when accompanied by an eligible cardholder.
As of January 1, 2025, Venture and Spark Miles cardholders no longer receive complimentary lounge visits, but they can still purchase access at a discounted rate of $45 per visit.
For everyone else—including other Capital One cardholders and non-customers—entry is available for $90, subject to availability.
This is a departure-only lounge, so access is limited to travelers with a departing flight. You can enter up to three hours before your scheduled departure time, and flight delays don’t change that window—once you’re in, you’re in, but you must arrive within that original 3-hour timeframe.
You can find the full breakdown of policies and pricing on Capital One’s lounge site.
Lounge Location at DFW
The Capital One Lounge is located in Terminal D, near gate D22. You’ll take an elevator up to the lounge level, which it shares with the American Airlines Flagship Lounge.
If you’re not departing from Terminal D, don’t worry—all of DFW’s terminals are connected airside via the Skylink train. It runs frequently and makes it possible to visit the lounge even if you’re flying out of a different terminal.
That said, be sure to factor in travel time, especially if you’re tight on your departure. The Skylink is efficient, but it’s still a few minutes between terminals—plus the time it takes to get to and from the lounge itself.
First Impressions – Still Sleek?
While One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing captured the lounge’s early days, I wondered if the shine had worn off. Things could have even changed since Thrifty Traveler’s 2024 update, as lounge quality can slip quickly if budgets get cut or maintenance takes a backseat.
That wasn’t the case here.
My first impression was that the lounge looked fantastic. The entrance is sleek and modern, with a light color scheme featuring wood and marble throughout. The overall space feels open and calming, unlike many lounges, which can sometimes feel cramped or even a bit claustrophobic.
One of the standout design choices is the wall of windows overlooking the tarmac. Capital One clearly knew what it was doing by placing seating along the windows, perfect for anyone who enjoys planespotting or just prefers natural light while they relax.
The bar area, which doubles as a coffee bar, carries through the same modern aesthetic. A visually striking light fixture adds a design-forward touch without being over the top.
What impressed me most was how well the lounge has held up. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve guessed it had opened just a few months ago—not back in 2021. There were no apparent signs of wear and tear, and a steady stream of staff made their way through the lounge, tidying up as they went. While it was busy during my visit, the space never felt crowded or chaotic.
The Food – Worth the Hype?
In reading other reviews, one thing that consistently stands out about the Capital One Lounge at DFW is the food. And for good reason.
I’ve seen plenty of airport lounges open with a wide variety of locally inspired dishes, only to scale everything back within a year or two. The menus shrink, the flair disappears, and you’re left with the usual lineup of cold salads, one vegetarian option, a protein (almost always chicken), and maybe a cookie or brownie wrapped in plastic.
But if Capital One has plans to downgrade the food, they haven’t done it yet.
The food setup here is clever and well thought-out. Everything is presented around a central island, with different options on each side. One area features self-serve drink stations, including a row of taps with cold brew, soft drinks, and sparkling water. . I almost forgot to mention the water bottle filling station—something every lounge should have nowadays, but surprisingly few do.
There’s a hot section with individually plated portions—no need to mess around with tongs or chafing dishes. And there’s a dessert and pastry bar with a rotating selection of baked goods.
I was pleasantly surprised to see kolaches on offer—a local favorite and a nice touch for a Texas-based lounge. (Remember when we visited West, TX, which is known for some of the best kolache bakeries in the state? Here’s that post if you missed it.) They’re also a staple at Buc-ee’s, our go-to breakfast stop whenever we’re in New Braunfels.
But what sets the Capital One Lounge apart is what’s right near the entrance: a grab-and-go station. This section is stocked with sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks, including cold-pressed juices and flavored waters—perfect for taking with you on your flight. Sure, you can eat these items inside the lounge, but with all the fresh options available, most people will save them for the plane.
It’s a simple idea, but one that makes a big difference, especially if you’re short on time or skipping the in-flight meal service.
Extra Amenities You Might Miss
Beyond the food and design, the Capital One Lounge at DFW includes a few thoughtful extras you don’t see in most U.S. airport lounges.
There’s a dedicated prayer room, a rare find in American lounges, and it shows a real effort to accommodate travelers of different faiths. Right nearby is a nursing room, offering a quiet, private space for parents—another feature you wish more lounges had, but few do.
Some of the best views in the lounge are tucked away in the relaxation and exercise rooms. There’s a quiet room across from the showers with two Peloton bikes, perfect if you’re trying to sneak in a workout between long flights. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or find a quieter space away from the main seating area, it’s nice to have these options available.
These details may not be the first thing you notice when you enter, but they add real value, especially for frequent travelers who appreciate spaces that go beyond the basics.
Other Lounge Options at DFW
DFW has a surprisingly wide variety of lounges spread across its terminals. If you’re flying American Airlines, you’ll find multiple Admirals Clubs, plus the more exclusive Flagship Lounge in Terminal D for international premium passengers and select elite members. There’s also the Centurion Lounge, a favorite among Amex Platinum cardholders—though it’s no secret that it can get very crowded, especially during peak travel times.
Beyond those, there’s a Plaza Premium Lounge, and even a couple of Minute Suites, better suited for privacy or rest than full lounge amenities. In short, there’s no shortage of options—but many of them come with limitations in access, quality, or crowd control.
What Makes Capital One Lounge Different
What sets the Capital One Lounge apart isn’t just its design or even the food—it’s the little things. The space still feels fresh and well-maintained years after opening, the food is original and well-executed, and thoughtful amenities like a grab-and-go station and cold brew taps elevate the experience beyond the basics.
And then there are the unexpected moments.
When I was leaving the lounge, I noticed an employee—possibly a manager—standing by the exit, thanking guests for visiting and handing out small boxes of chocolate. That kind of personalized farewell wouldn’t have surprised me at a lounge in Singapore or Doha. But at a U.S. lounge, accessible with only a credit card? That felt genuinely special.
Is the Capital One Lounge the absolute best lounge at DFW? That probably depends on what you value most. But between the hospitality, food quality, and smart design, it’s undoubtedly one of the most thoughtful and well-rounded options at the airport, especially if you have access through the Venture X.
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2 comments
I was there a few weeks ago myself and agree wholeheartedly with you about the service and the place feeling fresh. I do think the food quality has dropped a bit – no offense to kolaches – and the wait to use a bathroom was around 10-15 minutes.
Having no frame of reference, if that’s the “Downgraded” food, I can only imagine what it was when the lounge opened. I can see the lack of bathrooms being a problem.