Homemade Pop Tarts, Local Ceramics, and Midcentury Design: Capital One Opens New Airport Lounge at Washington Dulles

06.09.2023 - 21:41 / afar.com / Dulles

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On September 7, Capital One will debut its highly anticipated airport lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) just outside of Washington, D.C. It’s the brand’s second in a growing network of proprietary lounges, with Dallas (DFW) already open, and Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), and NYC LaGuardia (LGA), and Washington DCA on the way. Located just beyond the airport’s TSA PreCheck lanes, between the East and West Security Checkpoints, the new 8,500-square-foot lounge at Dulles is accessible to passengers flying any airline and from any gate. The lounge features grab-and-go options, a made-to-order coffee and pastry counter, a mixology-forward bar, and locally sourced items that speak to—and support—eclectic small enterprises across the capital region.

Last week, AFAR got a sneak peek of the new lounge—and we were so impressed we’d consider routing our next flight through D.C. on purpose. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Capital One Lounge at Dulles, including where to find it and how to get in.

The welcome lobby at the Capital One Lounge at Dulles had dedicated grab-and-go areas for coffee and snacks.

Courtesy of Capital One

The 8,500-square-foot lounge optimizes its space to cater to the varied needs of the modern traveler, starting with those in hurry. In fact, the entire front area is designed for travelers with limited time, seeking to pop in and out of the lounge and grab, say, a coffee, snacks, or a meal to-go. Order the drip coffee from Virginia-based Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Company or a specialty drink from the barista-attended coffee counter; alternatively, head to the self-service tap station to caffeinate on La Colombe cold brew. Snag a bottle of Bubbly sparkling water from the “Refuel” fridge along with sandwiches, salads, and bowls, catering to a variety of dietary needs, all made on premises daily and conveniently packaged to-go. Recent highlights from the grab-and-go area included: cucumber melon salad, sriracha chicken bánh mì, falafel-filled pita, acai bowls, and grilled-corn salad.

In addition to a play area for kids, there are plenty of quiet corners to get work done.

Courtesy of Capital One

Those with more than 10 minutes to spare will want to continue deeper into the lounge, finding several idyllic spaces for relaxing, drinking, eating,