Capital One Launches Culinary-Focused Airport Lounge Experience: A New Standard in Travel
Capital One is revolutionizing the airport lounge experience with the debut of Capital One Landing, a unique culinary-focused space in partnership with renowned Michelin-starred chef José Andrés. Located at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA), Capital One Landing offers a sophisticated dining experience, surpassing the typical airport fare. While access is primarily offered to Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders, it’s also accessible to the public, albeit at a higher cost. This innovative concept promises to redefine pre-flight relaxation and redefine the airport lounge landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy a curated menu designed by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés, featuring Spanish-inspired cuisine and rotating interactive food carts.
- Exclusive Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards and Venture X Business cardholders receive complimentary or discounted access, a significant perk for frequent flyers.
- Public Access Available: Non-cardholders can still experience the lounge, though at a cost of $90 per person per visit. There’s also the à la carte "On the Fly" public quick service which is open to everyone.
- Prime Location: Capital One Landing is conveniently situated in Reagan National Airport’s Terminal 2, near Concourse D.
- Beyond the Standard Lounge: Expect a more elevated dining experience than traditional lounges, focusing less on typical amenities such as resting pods or showers and more on high-quality meals.
How to Access Capital One Landing
Accessing Capital One Landing offers several options catering to various budgets and cardholder statuses. The most straightforward access is through eligible Capital One credit cards.
Cardholder Access: Perks and Privileges
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card offer the most lucrative access: unlimited visits for the cardholder and two complimentary guests. Additional guests can be added for a reduced rate of $45 per person. Children under two years old are free. This represents significant savings compared to the standard $90 per-person fee for non-cardholders.
Non Cardholder Access: Exploring Alternatives
If you don’t hold an eligible Capital One credit card, accessing Capital One Landing requires a $90 fee per person per visit. This still allows access to the full culinary experience and other amenities. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option yet still want to experience Capital One’s offerings, the public quick-service restaurant experience, "On the Fly," features packaged snacks and drinks available to everyone. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders will receive a 50% discount on items purchased at "On the Fly".
What to Expect at Capital One Landing DCA
Capital One Landing at DCA is designed to set a new standard for airport dining. The lounge’s focus on curated food and beverages is a significant departure from what traditionally defines an airport lounge space.
A Culinary Journey: Food and Beverages
The collaboration with Chef José Andrés ensures a sophisticated dining experience. During the day, travellers can select from the a la carte option with items such as Spanish omelets, olive oil pancakes, croquetas, gambas al ajillo, and gazpacho. Also available is the tapas bar. A key feature is the rotating interactive carts throughout the day, offering morning mimosas, afternoon cheesecakes, and evening gin and tonics. A full bar is also available, providing both classic and unique cocktails, espresso drinks, and a selection of wines and beers, some with Spanish and DMV origins. The "On the Fly" offers a speedy to-go option for those pressed for time, providing packaged food, snacks, and beverages. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders further benefit from a 50% discount here.
Amenities and Services: Beyond the Eats
While not a full-service lounge, Capital One Landing prioritizes comfort and convenience. Unlike traditional lounges, features like rest pods or showers are absent, reflecting the lounge’s focus as a hub for elevated dining. Essential amenities, however, are incorporated; this includes power outlets at every seat, high-speed Wi-Fi, and dedicated luggage nooks. To enhance the visitor experience, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card holders can leverage the Capital One app for advanced reservations, real-time capacity monitoring, and seamless waitlist management.
Capital One Venture X Credit Cards: A Deeper Dive
Two key players in unlocking the Capital One Landing experience are the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and its business counterpart, the Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card. Both cards offer compelling benefits beyond their Capital One Landing privileges.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Unveiling Key Features
This premium travel rewards card is a significant investment, boasting a high annual fee, yet it also packs an impressive array of features. It provides:
- Generous Welcome Bonus: The card offers a substantial 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.
- Excellent Rewards Earning: Earn 2X miles on all eligible purchases and 5X miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars, all offering amazing value.
- Travel Credit: With its annual fee, offers valuable statement credits for those seeking Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Extensive Lounge Access: Includes unlimited complimentary visits to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges (and the Partner Lounge Network).
It is important to note the card’s high annual fee along with lack of an introductory APR.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: A Strong Contender
The Venture Rewards Credit Card presents a compelling alternative. Though lacking the unlimited lounge access of the Venture X, it still holds considerable appeal:
- Lucrative Welcome Bonus: Offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in three months.
- Strong Rewards Rates: Earn 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, with 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel Portal.
- Travel Credit Benefit: Similar to Venture X, the Venture Rewards card also offers a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
This card is also notable for its lack of a introductory APR and a relatively modest annual fee of $95.
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