How to get airport lounge access with a credit card

Airport lounges give travelers the chance to enjoy exclusive amenities while waiting for a flight. And whether you’re interested in the comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments or Wi-Fi, your credit card could be the key to unlocking access to participating airport lounges worldwide. 

Keep reading to discover how credit card airport lounge access works—and how certain Capital One cardholders can enjoy exclusive access.

What you’ll learn:

• Capital One and other card issuers offer airport lounge access to eligible cardholders. 

• Eligible Capital One cardholders can access lounges worldwide through the Partner Lounge Network.

• Airport lounges may also be owned by airlines or other credit card issuers.

• When choosing a credit card with airport lounge access, it helps to consider all its benefits, terms and conditions to decide if it’s a good fit for you.

Airport lounge access is typically available through business or first-class tickets, airline loyalty or frequent flyer programs, travel rewards credit cards, or by purchasing a day pass. 

And there are different types of lounges and memberships, including:

• Airline lounges: Some airport lounges are owned and operated by specific airlines. Airline travel rewards credit cards might also come with lounge membership.

• Priority Pass lounges: Priority Pass is an independent network of international airport lounges. This network has lounges in hundreds of cities, and you don’t have to fly with a certain airline to access them. To become a Priority Pass member, you can purchase an annual membership or choose a credit card offering a Priority Pass membership as one of its benefits.

• Card issuer lounges: Some credit card issuers have their own airport lounges. For example, Capital One has Capital One Lounges at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Credit cards with airport lounge access are often premium travel credit cards.

When choosing a credit card that provides access to airport lounges, it’s a good idea to consider what else you’re looking for in a card. You might ask yourself whether the card comes with additional travel-related benefits, how you redeem rewards or whether the card comes with an annual fee.

Eligible Capital One Venture X cardholders can enjoy unlimited complimentary access to all-inclusive Capital One Lounge locations. Recharge with luxurious amenities like relaxation rooms, shower suites and chef-inspired food and beverages. Cardholders can also bring two guests for free per visit. 

Capital One cardholders also have access to the Partner Lounge Network, which includes Priority Pass. For Priority Pass, enrollment is required.

Airport lounges can provide a comfortable and relaxing environment on stressful flying days. While there are a few ways to access airport lounges, some travel rewards cards include lounge access as a cardholder benefit. 

If you’re ready to apply for a credit card that offers unlimited complimentary lounge access, check out Venture X today. Lounge access is just one of the benefits Venture X offers. There’s also elevated travel rewards, travel credits and much more.