Joe McConnell
For those without an eligible Capital One credit card, visiting a Capital One Lounge before a flight just got more expensive.
While Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card holders have unlimited access to Capital One lounges, and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card holders receive a discounted rate when visiting Capital One lounges, other travelers must pay full fare to access these lounges.
Effective August 12, Capital One has increased the entry fee for non-Capital One cardholders from $65 to $90. Children under 2 still enter free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Related: A Complete Guide to Capital One Airport Lounges
Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can continue to bring two guests at no additional charge and pay a special rate of $45 per visit for additional guests. To share lounge access with family and friends, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can add authorized users, who will also receive lounge access for themselves and up to two guests each, at no charge.
It seems fairly clear that Capital One is trying to control the capacity of its lounges and avoid the overcrowding issues often seen in American Express Centurion lounges or the long lines at Delta Sky Clubs.
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We reached out to Capital One to report the overcrowding issue.
“We know that entering a Capital One Lounge is important to our customers,” a Capital One spokesperson told TPG, “and we are making this change to ensure guests receive a first-class experience in our Capital One Lounges every time they visit.”
Related: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
This is just the latest in a series of changes to Capital One lounge access. Late last year, the issuer announced that Venture Rewards and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders will lose their two free annual lounge visits starting January 1, 2025. However, these cardholders will continue to receive Capital One lounge access at a special rate of $45 for themselves and their guests per visit.
Overall, these changes will limit the number of non-cardholders who choose to pay for lounge access, given the high price tag. If you find yourself frequenting Capital One lounges multiple times a year, you’ll be much better off getting the Venture X or Venture X Business instead of paying these new non-cardholder admission fees.
Related: How to Choose a Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access
