What is credit card airport lounge access?

Airport lounges can be a smart way to escape the crowds while you’re waiting to board your flight. They can help make travel simpler and more enjoyable by providing a relaxing place to work or recharge.

Your credit card could be the key that unlocks access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world. Learn more about how it might work for you.

Key takeaways

• Some credit card issuers, including Capital One, offer airport lounge access to eligible cardholders. 
• Airport lounges may be part of Priority Pass™ or our partner network, owned by airlines or other credit card issuers.
• When choosing a credit card with airport lounge access, you can consider all its benefits, terms and conditions to help determine if it’s a good fit for you.

To access an airport lounge, you can typically purchase a membership or day pass. Generally, there are a few different types of lounges and memberships:

• 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 network lounges: Priority Pass is an independent network of airport lounges around the world. There are hundreds of lounges within this network, and you don’t have to fly with a certain airline to access them. To become a Priority Pass member, you can either purchase an annual membership or choose a credit card that offers 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).

Some types of credit cards, particularly travel credit cards, offer airport lounge access as one of their cardholder benefits. The type of access you get depends on the card issuer.

Eligible Capital One cardholders may be able to access airport lounges in a few ways.

Eligible Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can enjoy unlimited complimentary access plus complimentary entry for two guests per visit and special pricing of $45 per visit for additional guests to the all-inclusive Capital One Lounges, where travelers can recharge with luxurious amenities like relaxation rooms, shower suites and healthy, chef-inspired food.

Cardholders also have access to lounges worldwide with Capital One’s Partner Lounge Network, which includes Priority Pass and 100+ Plaza Premium Lounge locations. For Priority Pass, enrollment is required with an eligible Venture X credit card through the Capital One Priority Pass page. Additional terms and conditions apply.*

Kids under 2 are welcome for free, and all other travelers can enter Capital One Lounges for $90 per visit.

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 if the card comes with an annual fee. 

For example, Venture X comes with a $395 annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. Some of the card’s benefits include:

• 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases during the first three months after account opening
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Flexible redemption and transfer options
• Unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book through Capital One Travel 
• Unlimited 5X miles on flights when you book through Capital One Travel.
• Unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases every day.

Airport lounges can provide a comfortable and relaxing environment on stressful flying days. Some credit cards include lounge access as one of their cardholder benefits.

If you’re ready to apply for a credit card that grants unlimited complimentary lounge access, you can consider checking out the Capital One Venture X travel rewards card.