In addition to adding new flexible point transfer partners and increasing the transfer rates, today Capital One announced it would be opening two airport lounges at DFW & IAD airports. Details are as follows:
- Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) lounge will open in late summer 2021 and be ~10,000 square feet. Lounge will be located in Terminal D near Gate 22
- Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) lounge will open in 2022 and be ~9,000 square feet. Lounge will be located near the security check point.
Unfortunately it doesn’t look like any Capital One cardholders will get free access to the lounges with Capital One stating that “customers will be eligible for special cardholder pricing, depending on their card.” The lounges will include things such as grab and go food, restaurant quality dine in options, coffee bar, wellness rooms (e.g cycling and yoga), shower suites, semi private work spaces and soundproof relaxation rooms.
My guess is that Capital One is gearing up to launch a more premium style card and that will include free access to these lounges among other benefits. Capital One has always catered to the lower end of the market so this would be an interesting change of direction. It’s also possible that Capital One won’t launch a premium style card and existing cardholders will just be able to access these lounges for ~$30 with it costing non cardholders $50+.
