Capital One launches real-time lounge capacity tracker and waitlist in its app

As of Friday, Capital One loungegoers can view lounge capacity ahead of their visit and remotely join the waitlist, if applicable, at one of the bank’s three airport lounges.

Per an email sent out by the bank early Friday, travelers can now check how busy their desired lounge is in real time through the Capital One mobile app.

“These new features are now live in the Capital One app for a majority of eligible cardholders and will continue to roll out to the remaining eligible cardholders in the coming weeks,” Capital One said in the email announcing the rollout.

To use these features, open your Capital One mobile app and select the “Travel” tab before selecting “Lounges.” From there, you can enter the specific lounge you are attempting to visit in the search bar to gauge real-time availability.

If your intended lounge has a waitlist, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business card holders can use the app to digitally join the waitlist queue by selecting “Join waitlist.” Then, you’ll be prompted to enter your name, phone number and party size. Once you sign up, the app will provide an estimated wait time, which you’ll also receive via text.

When a spot opens up, you’ll be notified via text. You’ll have 15 minutes from that point to arrive. If you’ve changed your mind while waiting, you can notify the lounge within the 15-minute wait period. You can also let the lounge know if you are running late or have arrived.

As of February, travelers have three Capital One airport lounges to choose from: the Capital One Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which opened in 2021; the Capital One Lounge at Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), which opened in 2023; and the Capital One Lounge at Denver International Airport (DEN), which opened in late 2023. A future lounge is also planned for Las Vegas.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the primary way most travelers can access a Capital One Lounge, but Venture X cardholders also get unlimited access for their authorized users, along with complimentary entry for up to two guests per visit. Additionally, the Capital One Venture X Business provides unlimited access. Otherwise, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Spark Miles for Business both provide two complimentary visits annually, but note that this perk is being removed from these cards starting next year.

If you don’t have a card that grants access, you can pay $65 per person to enter.

Bottom line

If you don’t use the Capital One app or would prefer to join the waitlist in person, know that you can still do so by visiting the relevant Capital One Lounge reception desk. As is the case with the mobile waitlist, you’ll be notified via text when it’s time to enter the lounge.

With these features, Capital One joins the ranks of American Express, which also offers capacity indicators and waitlist capabilities for its lounges.

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