Lounge Review: Capital One – Terminal D – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

….Raising the bar

When: July 11, 2024

Rating: 9.5/10 – Supreme

Access: Free access with Capital One Venture X Card, Select airline customers, Fee otherwise. Access limited to 3 hours before departure.

This outstanding lounge raises the bar for what can be found in a US lounge: Shower suites, relaxation pods, an exercise room, pre-plated buffet, items to go for passengers with tight connections, a huge cash free bar, and a terrific staff. The lounge sports a very modern and light décor.

American Express introduced Centurion Lounges starting a decade ago and, in so doing, elevated what can be expected in a lounge. These were the only credit card branded lounges – until Capital One opened its first lounge in Terminal D at Dallas Fort Worth. The lounge is located in Terminal D – the nicest of DFW’s five terminals, near gate D22, and on the second floor next to American Airline’s Flagship Lounge.

After presenting your credentials, the first thing you notice is a large rectangular display. The side nearest the entrance has many food items to go, designed for passengers with tight connections or those who would rather not linger in the lounge. Two sides of the display are filled with a variety of warm buffet items that are individually plated. I remember a Korean beef dish, turkey pastrami sandwiches and a variety of other items. The far side of the display is a self-serve fountain of nonalcoholic beverages. 

To the right of the display is another buffet table with tasty dessert items and a table with juices. Behind that a variety of seating, with tarmac views. Further along is a huge bar, with an amazing selection of cocktails and mocktails. There is a variety of lounge like and table seating throughout, with some interesting artwork along the walls.

In the back of the lounge are individual restrooms and functional shower suites. Also in the back are rooms with fascinating sleeping pods (I think there is a time limit) and an exercise room with some stationary bikes – something I have not seen in a US lounge. This makes having a shower not just luxury – but a necessity!

The staff in this lounge is amazing, always cleaning and asking if I need anything else. Electrical outlets are everywhere.

I rate this lounge 9.5/10. Best features: The food, drinks, staff, and other amenities. Flaws: This lounge can get very crowded!