We got a peek at Capital One's latest airport lounge in New York— here's what to expect

CNN

5 hours ago

CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. There's big news for travel rewards enthusiasts. As of today, Capital One has officially opened its largest lounge yet at JFK, joining its growing portfolio of airport lounges in Denver (DEN), Washington Dulles (IAD) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
As a Queens native and lifelong New Yorker, I was especially eager to see how the brand would capture the energy of New York. After touring the lounge and indulging in a few too many bagels, locally brewed beers and a charcuterie board curated by an in-house cheesemonger, I can confidently say Capital One understood the assignment. The new lounge is a sophisticated, food-centric escape from the chaos of both the terminal and the city — the kind of place that might just make you hope for a flight delay.
Here's how to get in and what to expect once you're inside.
To access Capital One Lounges, you'll need to hold a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Business, which currently include access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests.
But starting February 1, 2026, free guest access will require $75,000 in annual card spend or guests will have to pay $35. Additionally, authorized users will need to pay $125 each to retain their lounge privileges.
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This new location is, in fact, the largest in Capital One's growing network of airport lounges, at 13,500 sq. ft. To find the lounge, you'll need to get to Terminal 4, which is used by Delta Air Lines and many international carriers, including Emirates, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico.
This terminal is accessible by the AirTrain, which connects to New York's public transportation. After security, you'll have to take the escalators down to find the lounge.
Thoughtful design and space
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Building on the legacy of Capital One Lounges, the new JFK location continues the brand's reputation for polished design and elevated amenities. That much is clear from the moment you walk in, with a display of art from local painters capturing the essence of New York — think moody tableau scenes of subway life and crushed coffee cups.
Space is a rare commodity in New York and even rarer in a New York City airport. But the Capital One Lounge delivers. The expansive layout includes two private rooms available in 45-minute increments, perfect for taking a work call or sneaking in a quick catnap. While you can't reserve them in advance, there's plenty of room around the lounge to work in privacy.
Need to freshen up before takeoff? The lounge features sleek private showers, complete with Dyson hair dryers. There's also a quiet, well-equipped parents' room, designed for soothing little ones back to sleep.
Local flavor
If you're invested in the world of airport lounges, you probably know that Capital One has made a name for itself with chef-driven food and thoughtful design. The brand has even partnered with culinary titans like José Andrés for its Washington, D.C. (DCA) location, which is equipped with a caviar cart and fresh tapas.
At JFK, the food and drink offerings are just as impressive. Upon entrance, the coffee bar serves fresh bagels from the famous Ess-A-Bagel, a New York staple known for its hand-rolled perfection. With classics like a proper BEC (bacon, egg and cheese) and lox on a bagel, breakfast here can feel very New York. The menu also features healthy options like spicy tofu wraps and a New York bodega bowl filled with greens and grains.
And because New Yorkers take their caffeine seriously, the coffee selection lives up to the hype. The bar features coffee from local favorite Bean & Bean, plus La Colombe on tap, including a delightful chai draft I'd happily go out of my way for.
The small plates bar serves up bites like heirloom tomato crostini and, of course, avocado toast. You can also order hot dishes from the QR codes throughout the lounge.
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But the showstopper was the in-house cheesemonger from Murray's, the iconic New York City gourmet cheese shop. A dedicated expert is available daily to walk guests through a curated, 45-minute pairing experience, showcasing a rotating selection of artisan cheeses, fruits and wine. We savored a stunning spread of goat and sheep's milk cheeses, paired with dried fruits and finished with an elegant wine.
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A dazzling bar
As a cocktail enthusiast, my heart skipped a beat at the first glimpse of elegant glassware, glimmering bottles, beers on tap and the moody glow of ornate overhead lighting. Just from thumbing through the menu alone, I felt the team had captured New York City's charm. The Capital One Lounge bar felt nothing like a nondescript airport bar.
Capital One collaborated with Laird & Co., America's oldest distillery, to create a cocktail menu rooted in classic recipes. Alongside gorgeous photography, it paid homage to neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Red Hook. Guests can sip their way through the city with drinks like the Staten Island Sunrise or Van Brunt Old Fashioned. And for sober or sober-curious travelers, the mocktail list is just as impressive. Take the Child of Clay, for example: it's a fluffy matcha-infused drink that could rival your favorite barista's creation.
For those who can't resist an airport beer, Capital One partnered with Brooklyn-based Grimm Artisanal Ales to serve its award-winning crisp beer on tap.
Getting to the airport is often the most stressful part of travel, and JFK doesn't exactly have a reputation for being easy. But the Capital One Lounge feels like entering a tasteful tribute to the city with New York-style bagels, local craft beer and peaceful nooks that offer a genuine sense of escape.
The lounge captures the spirit of the city without the chaos — it's stylish, thoughtful and packed with authentic flavor. Of course, JFK can be a trek, but if you hop on the AirTrain (which is much smoother than it gets credit for), the Capital One Lounge at Terminal 4 is worth the adventure.
How many other lounges are at JFK?
How many other lounges are at JFK?
There are approximately 20 lounges at JFK, with Capital One's lounge being the latest addition.
How much is the Capital One Venture X annual fee?
How much is the Capital One Venture X annual fee?
The annual fee for the Capital One Venture X is $395, including access to airport lounges and other amenities.
What are the other perks of a Capital One Venture X?
What are the other perks of a Capital One Venture X?
Where is the Capital One airport lounge located in JFK?
Where is the Capital One airport lounge located in JFK?
The Capital One Lounge is in Terminal 4.
Do you need boarding pass for JFK's Capital One lounge?
Do you need boarding pass for JFK's Capital One lounge?
Yes, you must have a valid boarding pass, approved ID and access method to enter the Capital One Lounge.
Does a Capital One credit card get you into any airport lounge?
Does a Capital One credit card get you into any airport lounge?
A Capital One credit card does not automatically grant you airport lounge access. Only the Venture X and Venture X Business cards offer complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, and there are evolving restrictions on guest and authorized user access. Always check the latest terms and your specific card's benefits before you travel
When is the Capital One lounge open?
When is the Capital One lounge open?
CNN Underscored has an experienced team of writers and editors dedicated to ensure every article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted.
Carolina Gazal is an associate testing writer at Underscored, fond of all things travel and everything that comes with it. She is a self-proclaimed cocktail enthusiast and has tested all types of drinks and the accessories needed to make them, including the best nonalcoholic drinks, the best celebrity tequilas and best ice molds for cocktails. For this article, she took a trip to JFK to review the Capital One lounge herself, guided by travel editor and airport lounge expert Kyle Olsen.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.