Capital One announces new lounge for New York's JFK Airport

Capital One is expanding its lounge network to include New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This lounge will join Capital One's other lounge offerings at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Denver International Airport (DEN). It will also share the Big Apple with Capital One's Landing, a new lounge experience planned for LaGuardia Airport that will incorporate the culinary expertise of the José Andrés Group.

Capital One hasn't announced an opening date yet, but CNBC Select has early details on the lounge's planned luxuries and perks, and how you can access it.

You can access Capital One's lounges for free with the right credit card (though the number of complimentary visits depends on which card you have). Noncardholders can still join in on the fun, but will have to pay a $65 entrance fee.

Whether you have a card or not, you must show a boarding pass for a same-day departing or connecting flight to enter the lounge — in other words, you can't land at your final destination and then hit the lounge before leaving the airport. Lounge access is based on availability, and reservations are not allowed. All children ages two and under receive free entry with an adult.

Cardholder access

Travelers with either the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business, plus their authorized users and account managers, receive unlimited access and two complimentary guest entries per visit. Access for additional guests costs $45 each.

Note that Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles cardholders currently get two complimentary visits per year, which can also be used by their authorized users, account managers or any guests who are traveling with the cardholder. However, starting Jan. 1, 2025, these cardholders will no longer receive the two free lounge visits every year because Capital One is eliminating the benefit for those cards.

Paid access

You can still visit the lounge without one of the credit cards if you have a boarding pass for a same-day departing or connecting flight. However, there is a steep $65 entry fee per person per visit.

The Capital One Lounge at JFK will be 13,000 square feet, making it the largest Capital One Lounge yet. It will be located in the retail hall of the airport's Terminal 4 (T4). JFK's terminals are not connected by airside walkways, so if you are departing from another terminal, you would need to go through security again in your departure terminal.

T4 hosts several lounges, including two other credit-card-branded lounges: 

• Air India Maharaja Lounge
• American Express Centurion Lounge
• Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways
• Two Delta Sky Clubs
• Emirates Lounge
• Primeclass Lounge
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

The lounge's design

Capital One says the lounge is designed to give travelers a taste of New York City's charm without having to leave the airport. The lounge will feature destination-inspired artwork from local artists, including original works on wood, acrylic, silkscreen prints, paintings on canvas/paper and textile pieces.

A central focal point for the lounge will be a hanging glass sculpture from Brooklyn-based Shakúff Custom Lighting. The piece symbolizes the varied and colorful experiences throughout Manhattan with its small glass stones suspended in a cascading form.

Above the main bar, another glass fixture will feature a combination of hand-blown glass and brass elements meant to invoke the branches and vegetation found in New York.

Food and beverages

The lounge's culinary experiences are meant to pay homage to NYC's vibrant food and beverage scene, thanks to partnerships with local breweries, mixologists, coffee roasters and bakeries.

Unique to the JFK location will be an in-lounge bodega, where travelers will be able to order a selection of coffees and bagels featuring popular New York flavors. 

A selection of local cheeses from artisans in the larger New York region will be handpicked by a specially-trained cheesemonger. The cheeses will be served alongside cured meats and housemade accompaniments, paired with wine and beer selections.

The "Perfect Airport Beer" program will continue at the JFK lounge with a local brewery partner. This partner will be tasked to create what they believe is the perfect exclusive brew, which will be served at the lounge.

Capital One's signature grab-and-go food selection, locally sourced in-lounge menu options served as small plates and a full-service coffee bar will also be available.

Amenities

The JFK location will include several amenities that travelers enjoy in the other Capital One Lounges, including fully stocked shower suites, power outlets at every seat and high-speed Wi-Fi. More details on the amenities will be announced closer to the lounge's opening.

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