Note: The photo above is just a stock photo, not a photo of either lounge. I’ll update if I get access to either lounge.
One of the biggest innovations at airports over the last two decades is that credit card issuers are opening lounges. These lounges are often better than lounges associated with airlines. While I have no data to support this, I think part of the reason that American Airlines has opened Flagship Lounges, and United has opened Polaris lounges, is partially to be able to compete with these credit card lounges for premium customers. Innovation breeds competition!
The most expansive lounge collection are the American Express Centurion Lounges, which has more than 40 locations across the globe. These were the first true credit card lounges, open to anyone holding an American Express Platinum or American Express Centurion card.
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Capital One and Chase have begun to open there own set of lounges. Chase has opened lounges in Boston and at two New York airports (I’ve been to the Boston, it’s really nice). You can access these lounges using a Chase Sapphire Reserve card or Priority Pass (but only once per year).
Capital One has opened lounges at Washington-Dulles (it’s quite nice), Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver. The primary way to access these is by using a favorite card of the Professor of Points, the Capital One Venture X.
American Express & Capital One are Building Lounges at DCA
Both American Express and Capital One have been building lounges at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The American Express Centurion Lounge at DCA will be the traditional American Express lounge (although, presumably one of the smallest). Capital One is opening the Capital One Landing in collaboration with Jose Andres. This lounge was presumably supposed to open in 2022, but, as with all airport projects, it has clearly been delayed. Given the space that it will be taking up, I’m not convinced it will be a traditional lounge, but we’ll see.
Why would these issuers want to have lounges at Reagan National? This airport is important because it’s the “close-in” airport within the DC region. When I lived a block north of the National Mall, I could leave my apartment 1 hour before my flight would leave, get on the Metro, and be at security within 20 minutes. It’s really close to DC proper, and it’s definitely the preferred airport to fly out of in the region.
Both American Express and Capital One Will Open Their Lounges in Q2 2024
Every month, I get a newsletter as part of my volunteering with Travelers Aid International. As I was reading it, I noticed a section that covered future restaurant and lounge openings. Tucked away in the list is both the American Express Lounge and Capital One Landing opening in Q2 2024.
Obviously, as I said earlier, these are predicted times, but the fact that it’s being distributed in communications suggests that both are close to ready.
I won’t be able to access the Amex Centurion Lounge (as I dumped my Platinum card), but I am excited to use the Capital One Landing. Ever since Capital One dropped the ability to use Priority Pass at restaurants, I’ve only been able to access the Admirals Clubs. (The one in Concourse E is quite nice.) Sometimes, I have flights departing from Concourses B or C, so the Capital One Landing at the entrance to Concourse D will be much easier to walk from then shlepping out to Concourse E (although it’s not that far at all).
To be frank, I’m probably more interested in Lucky Buns opening in National Hall than anything over by Concourse B. When I am a mobile guide (basically, I make sure no one needs help around the terminal), I always look longingly at the Lucky Buns area wanting to know when it will open! It is my opinion that they have some of the best burgers and fries in DC. However, that’s not really of interest nationally.
Conclusion
It appears that the Capital One Landing and American Express Centurion Lounge are opening in Q2 of this year. I’m very much looking forward to seeing them open. I’m particularly interested to see how the Capital One Landing will work.
What do you think about these two new lounges opening up? Do you plan on using either one?
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!