You Got Capital One Lounge Access, Now What?

 

Enjoying an alberol spritz in the Capital One Lounge in Denver! So even though my flight was delayed, I was able to charge my phone, do some work, enjoy a drink or two and a nice meal. 

Lounge access comes with my Capital One Venture X credit card. In fact, I added my three children as authorized users which is FREE and they get lounge access too. Well worth, the $395 annual fee. 

But while I was waiting in line, I heard so many people confused about how lounge access works and how much it costs. 

So let's try to sort this out. 

You Got The Capital One Venture X Lounge Access, Now What?

For simplicity, I am going to focus on the Capital One Lounges (currently in Washington DC Dulles, Denver, Dallas and coming soon to Las Vegas) and the Priority Pass (a network of 1,600 lounges worldwide). I know there are other lounges out there for business class and various airlines, but we are just going to focus on these. 

First question, how do you get lounge access:

• Capital One Lounge - Capital One Venture X credit card holders get unlimited lounge access for Capital One Lounges. They can also bring two guests with them. Capital One Venture credit card holders get 2 lounge passes per year. 
• Priority Pass Lounge - Capital One Venture X credit card holders get membership included as a benefit for the card holder and authorized users. Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card holders get membership for the card holder only. Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards holders also get membership included. Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex and Capital One Venture X card holders can bring two guests. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card used to include a restaurant benefit as well which was awesome, but it dropped that benefit in July 2024. 

You Got The Capital One Venture X Lounge Access, Now What?

Once you activate your membership online to the Priority Pass, you will get a card in the mail and a digital card that you show at the lounge entrance along with your boarding pass. You can download the app and find lounges worldwide. 

You can only visit the lounge while you are waiting for a flight departure and not  upon arrival unless you are connecting to another flight. 

For the Capital One Lounges, you show your boarding pass and your Capital One credit card. Since there are only three lounges currently, they are packed and often have a waitlist. 

It's a good idea to get on the wait list, but it's a bit tricky to find in the app. 

You Got The Capital One Venture X Lounge Access, Now What?

• Login to your Capital One account
• Click on Explore rewards and benefits
• Click on Lounges in the upper right corner
• Click on the lounge
• You will see the current capacity and then a button to join the waitlist 
• Once you do that, you will get a text when it is your turn to enter 
• You have 10 minutes to show up or you will lose your turn and have to join the waitlist again

Both the Capital One Venture X and Venture card come with a 75,000 bonus for a $4,000 minimum spend. The Venture X carries a $395 annual fee, but you get a $300 travel credit, $120 Global Entry credit, Priority Pass membership and Capital One lounge access for the card holder and up to 4 authorized users for FREE. The Venture card only carries a $95 annual fee and comes with 2 lounge passes each year. 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve carries a hefty $550 annual fee, comes with a $300 travel credit, $120 Global Entry credit, Priority Pass lounge access and 1.5 to 1 value for Chase Ultimate Rewards points in the travel portal. 

Both Capital One and Chase Ultimate Reward points are considered flex points and can be transferred to dozens of airlines and hotels. 

If this sounds interesting to you, I recommend going through my points and miles course which includes a 1:1 strategy session with me, a custom tracker and ongoing group coaching. Let's get you traveling for almost FREE and making those priceless memories! 

Lounge Full? Visit Multiple Airport Lounges During Your Layover

Lounge capacity issues are real and incredibly frustrating! But here's something you might not know: you can visit multiple lounges on the same day, or even enjoy one while you're on the waitlist for another. Several credit cards offer free membership in the Priority Pass Lounge network which offers entry for you and up to two guests into more than 1,700 lounges around the world. 

Recently, I had a three-hour layover at JFK in New York. I wanted to check out the Chase Sapphire lounge, but the line stretched on forever. I decided to add my name to the waitlist anyway. The agent estimated a 20-40 minute wait, which operates through text notifications—and you only have 10 minutes to reach the lounge once they text you. While some lounges let you join waitlists through the Priority Pass app, this particular Sapphire Lounge requires in-person sign-up.

Lounge Full? Visit Multiple Airport Lounges During Your Layover

Ten minutes isn't nearly enough time to switch terminals, but it's plenty of time to visit another lounge within the same terminal. Terminal 4 offers several Priority Pass network options:

• Air India Lounge
• Virgin Atlantic
• Hello Sky
• Chase Sapphire - restricted hours for non Chase Sapphire card members

I headed downstairs to the Hello Sky pop-up lounge. No line whatsoever—I checked in quickly and walked right in. The space is compact but not overcrowded, and I immediately found a comfortable couch with a nearby charging station. An attendant approached within moments and offered me a glass of wine. What a welcome!

The food and drink selection pleasantly surprised me, featuring both hot and cold options plus an impressive variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A large monitor, computer, and printer were available for business needs. The only downside to this pop-up lounge? No restroom facilities inside.

Lounge Full? Visit Multiple Airport Lounges During Your Layover

After 40 minutes of relaxation, my phone buzzed with the text I'd been waiting for—time to head to the Chase Sapphire Lounge. I gathered my belongings and headed upstairs, passing a Capital One Lounge along the way.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge was busy but manageable when I arrived. An attendant immediately seated me at a spot with charging capabilities. The amenities included hot and cold food buffets, an extensive drink selection, and an espresso machine. There's also a full-service bar with a QR code menu featuring items like hamburgers, grilled cheese, and french fries.

The takeaway? You have numerous options available, so explore them all and don't hesitate to visit multiple lounges during a single layover!

How to Get Access

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card: This remains the best way to access the Priority Pass lounge network. The current offer includes 100,000 points for meeting a $5,000 minimum spend requirement. While the $795 annual fee might seem steep, the credits and benefits provide excellent value. We hear this offer is ending soon! 

Capital One Venture X Credit Card: This alternative offers access as well, currently providing 75,000 points for a $4,000 minimum spend. The $395 annual fee comes with fewer benefits compared to the exceptional Chase Sapphire Reserve offer.

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process. Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the program. Not ready to dive into th coaching program, download the ebook or custom tracker or book a 1:1 consulting call with me.  I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

Unveiling the Money-Saving Magic of Priority Pass Lounge Access: Elevate Your Travel Experience!

 

If you are travelling this summer and it seems like almost everyone is, you may want to get Priority Pass Lounge Access to save money and just make the trip more comfortable. 

On a recent trip cross country, we had a quick layover in St. Louis. Even though it was only about one hour, with my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, we were able to drop into the Priority Pass lounge, Wingtips, in Terminal 2 across from Gate E29. The Priority Pass lounge network features 1,300 lounges around the world and is a free benefit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card 

The benefit allows the card holder and two guests to enter. We also hold the Capital One Venture X card so that gets the rest of my family into the lounge. 

I always check to see if there are lounges available in the airports when I fly. Besides snacks, drinks, and a quiet place to charge cell phones, the lounges offer a place to sit down. The pass is good for the holder plus one guest. 

Sometimes the lounge may not be a lounge at all, it could be a credit at a restaurant in the airport. If that's the case, the pass is valid for $28 for the pass holder and their guest. Wow! 

A few years back I flew out of JFK to London Gatwick. There is an amazing restaurant in JFK Terminal 8 Bobby Van's Steakhouse that is on the lounge pass. My daughter and I feasted on a full dinner before boarding our red-eye flight across the pond. Our bill came to $5 and that's only because we ordered a dessert. 

On the way back, we stopped at the Grain Store Cafe and Bar in London Gatwick South Terminal. Whew, we had a hard time spending our $28 credit each. We ended up loading up on croissants and desserts to bring home to the family. 

Lounges vary from airport to airport in quality and offerings, but sometimes you luck out. 

The Priority Pass is a FREE perk with the following credit cards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One Venture X
• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card From American Express 
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 

Note that the American Express cards do not have restaurant benefits. My favorite card which you probably know by now is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Right now, that card is offering 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in three months. It carries a $550 annual fee but includes a $300 travel credit, $100 global entry credit, 10x points on Lyft, and complimentary access to Door Dash, Instacart and GoPuff. If the Reserve is too expensive, try the Sapphire Preferred card, it does not include Priority Pass membership, but it is a great card. Though the offer has changed, you can read about why I love this card so much. 

Why Priority Pass Lounge Access Is Great For Family Travel

       

We added a slice of cheesecake at Bobby Vans

         My new favorite credit card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. I have been waiting almost a year to drop under 5/24 so I could be approved for this card. Chase limits you to five credit cards every 24 months. This includes all credit cards not just Chase cards. So you have to be strategic when applying for cards. I reached my 5/24 limit a year ago when I applied for two Southwest credit cards in order to secure the companion pass.
          But recently I dropped below again as some old cards began to fall off. Woohoo!
You can check out my past post comparing the Sapphire Reserve vs the Preferred if you are interested and consider using my referral link if you decide to apply.
One of the perks included in the Sapphire Reserve card is FREE membership to the Priority Pass Lounge network. The network has 1200 lounges in 143 countries.

         You have to activate your membership, but it's a simple online process. Then you will receive your card in the mail. You do need to carry your card with you if you plan to use the lounge network. You can also enroll in the mobile app.
         You can check the website to see what lounges are available in different cities around the world.
Some airports offer a variety of lounge access in different terminals with snacks, wifi, drinks even showers.
         But here's the best part, some airports offer credits at specific restaurants. On the website, you will see the restaurant, menu, credit offered, hours and any other pertinent information. On a recent flight from JFK to London, we saw that Bobby Vans Steakhouse was on the lounge site.

          The restaurant was past security in terminal 8  so you need a valid boarding pass and be sure to leave enough time to go back through security again in your flight terminal. But the restaurant offered $28 per person credit. With the Sapphire Reserve, your membership is good for you and a guest. Most entrees at Bobby Vans run about $15-$30 so it's very generous. You will still need to pay tax and gratuity.


       
       My daughter and I enjoyed Ahi Tuna Burgers, Baked Mac And Cheese and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. The bill came to $63 dollars and then they deducted the $56 credit. Pretty sweet! And sure beat the dinner served onboard our flight to London.

The Grain Cafe in London Gatwick

         On our way home from London Gatwick, we noticed the Grain Cafe was also included in the Priority Pass Lounge network. This cafe is located on the second floor after you pass through the security while you are waiting for your gate to be announced on the board so it's super convenient.
          The cafe has sandwiches, baked goods, salad, coffee, tea and much more. The 15 pound per person credit goes a long way. We actually asked for everything we wanted and the sales person told us we will had 5 pounds left and stuck a few croissants in our bag. YUM!

Grain Cafe Staff Puts Extra Croissants In Our Bag

        Since we took away here, there was no tax or gratuity so they just handed us our food and off we went.  The value of this perk on this trip was approximately $100. Even though the annual fee is $450 on this card, the perks make this card totally worth it.
In a future post, I'll review the Chase Travel Portal and how my daughter flew to New Orleans for $45.
That's how we do it at almost FREE family travel.

How To Make Travel Chaos Easier On You

 Quick flight home

from San Francisco this week turned into travel weather chaos but I learned a few things that helped me navigate the changes more quickly.

I was notified of the changes for my Alaska Airlines flight through email, but there was a serious lag. I was actually sent a free $50 airport voucher for food and drinks BEFORE I found out my flight was delayed. That's when I decided to check the board to confirm the delay and saw my flight was actually cancelled. Hmmmm.

The app and flightaware.com still showed the flight delayed.

The Alaska Lounge rep told me to head to the Alaska service center, but the line was 50 deep so I hopped on the app.

The app immediately offered me several alternative flights to cities within 70 miles of my intended destination. I could check the flight board at the airport to see if those alternative flights were still taking off and I was able to rebook myself on an American Airlines flight leaving in an hour. Alaska even refunded 8,000 points when I booked the new flight.

That American Airlines flight ended up getting delayed as well, but I still departed that night instead of spending the night in San Francisco.

While I was changing flights, I was trying to help a woman in the service center line, but she had not downloaded the app and didn't have her confirmation code or loyalty number so we were not having much success. The Alaska rep ended up rebooking her on a flight leaving the next day and she was forced to pay for a hotel near the SFO airport. Sidenote, she had also checked her bag and could not get it back. Bummer.

I had access to both the Alaska Lounge with the Atmos Summit credit card lounge passes and The Club at SFO through Priority Pass with my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card.

I was disappointed with the food at the Alaska Lounge though the Whiskey Sour welcome drink was pretty tasty!

There was a waiting list for The Club at SFO so I spent the $50 voucher from Alaska on a sandwich, yogurt and protein bar from one of the restaurants. Since I still had a balance available, I bought some chocolate and pretzels. The credit showed up instantly on my credit card.

Then I got off the waitlist at The Club and my flight got delayed again so I went in and found a quiet place to work.

So lessons learned from this experience:

Always download the app for the airline you are traveling with. I was able to rebook myself from a cancelled Alaska flight to an American flight on the app and skip waiting in the huge line. The Alaska rep was surprised! She could only rebook on Alaska flights and Alaska refunded my miles thru the app

Check your credit card benefits, Atmos Summit sent me a $50 voucher to use in the airport during the delay

Lounge access is awesomea welcome drink and free food makes the delay much easier

Be flexible. I ended up flying to LA and renting a car for $32 instead of spending the night in a hotel

Another reason not to check bags. My carryon stayed with me.

The flight cancellation notice from Alaska Airlines eventually came through and cited Air Traffic Control Restrictions as the reason for cancellation. Since I did have to rent a car and pay for a half tank of gas, I filed a claim with Alaska Airlines. Stayed posted to see if I get reimbursed. If I had paid for my flight or just the taxes with my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, I could have filed a claim with Chase under trip delay reimbursement. But since I used my Atmos Summit credit card to pay the $6 taxes for this flight, I was awarded the $50 trip delay voucher to use in the airport.

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Book a 1:1 consulting call, download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

Why I Love The Priority Pass

 

On a recent trip cross country, we had a quick layover in St. Louis. Even though it was only about one hour, we dropped into the Priority Pass lounge, Wingtips, in Terminal 2 across from Gate E29. The Priority Pass lounge network features 1,300 lounges around the world and is a free benefit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card 

I always check to see if there are lounges available in the airports when I fly. Besides snacks, drinks, and a quiet place to charge cell phones, the lounges offer a place to sit down. The pass is good for the holder plus one guest. 

Sometimes the lounge may not be a lounge at all, it could be a credit at a restaurant in the airport. If that's the case, the pass is valid for $28 for the pass holder and their guest. Wow! 

A few years back I flew out of JFK to London Gatwick. There is an amazing restaurant in JFK Terminal 8 Bobby Van's Steakhouse that is on the lounge pass. My daughter and I feasted on a full dinner before boarding our red-eye flight across the pond. Our bill came to $5 and that's only because we ordered a dessert. 

On the way back, we stopped at the Grain Store Cafe and Bar in London Gatwick South Terminal. Whew, we had a hard time spending our $28 credit each. We ended up loading up on croissants and desserts to bring home to the family. 

Lounges vary from airport to airport in quality and offerings, but sometimes you luck out. 

The Priority Pass is a FREE perk with the following credit cards:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Citi Prestige Card 
• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card From American Express 
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card 
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card 
• US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card 
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 

Note that the American Express cards do not have restaurant benefits. My favorite card which you probably know by now is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Right now, that card is offering 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in three months. It carries a $550 annual fee but includes a $300 travel credit, $100 global entry credit, %15 off Lyft, and $60 Door Dash credit. If the Reserve is too much, try the Sapphire Preferred card, it does not include Priority Pass membership, but it is a great card. Though the offer has changed, you can read about why I love this card so much. 

Why I Visited Two Capital One Lounges In The Same Day

They say once you experience something you can't go back. Well, that's how I feel about airport lounges. A quiet space amongst the chaos of the airport. A place with food, drinks and my favorite, coffee. A place with WIFI, comfy chairs and sometimes even a resting room and showers. 

Recently, I spent time in the new Capital One Lounge in Washington DC Dulles Airport and then just hours later during an extended layover, visited the Capital One Lounge in Denver. 

How much does this all cost? Nothing if you are holding a Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card or  Capital One Venture X credit card. There are a few others too that include this benefit, but I'm going to focus on these two credit cards. 

There are 1,500 Priority Pass lounges around the world and three Capital One lounges (Dallas, Denver, Washington DC Dulles). Everyone must present a valid boarding pass to enter and check in at the lounge desk. You can find a list of all the lounges worldwide on the Priority Pass website or app.

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card includes the Priority Pass membership. Once you receive your credit card, just login to your Chase.com account and activate the membership. Priority Pass will send you a physical card in the mail. You can also access a digital card online. Through July 1st 2024, the pass includes some restaurants too where you are eligible for a $26 per person credit. The pass is good for the card holder and two guests. Authorized users also get a Priority Pass membership, however, it costs $75 per year to add an authorized user so that's not the best option.  
• The Capital One Venture X  credit card includes the Priority Pass membership as well, but not the restaurant credit. It is also valid for the card holder and two guests. A benefit of the Capital One Venture X is that you can add authorized users for FREE and they ALSO get FREE Priority Pass lounge access for themselves and two guests. I added all three of my children as authorized users which helps them build their credit and gives them an emergency credit card plus they have access to Priority Pass lounges and the three Capital One lounges. Pretty sweet! 

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is offering an increased bonus offer right now of 75,000 points for a $4,000 minimum spend, but it does carry a $550 annual fee. 

The Capital One Venture X is offering 75,000 bonus offer for $4,000 minimum spend and a $395 annual fee. 

Both are great cards and can have a vital part in your travel strategy. Join my travel coaching program for help to determine which one best fits your needs for your future travel goals. 

What does the Starwood/Marriott Merger Mean For Family Travel

Now that the details of the Marriott and Starwood merger are being released, we can figure out what this means for family travel. I'll give you a hint, it's not great. 

One of the best perks for me personally is the FREE lounge access with the Starwood American Express Business card. My family has saved hundreds of dollars by using the Sheraton hotel lounges for breakfast and happy hour around the world. 

When I spoke with the Starwood American Express rep she confirmed that the perk was being dropped. However, they will be adding a free 1-night certificate good for a cat 1-4 hotel on your anniversary when you pay your annual fee. 

In my case, my annual fee paid in March and the lounge access perk will drop in August so for 6 months of the year, I neither get lounge access or a free night. 

The rep did not seem bothered by this at all. I will probably call again as we get closer to August. She did mention that Starwood will offer a new luxury credit card with the FREE lounge access, but she did not have details yet. She also indicated I may be able to upgrade to the new card. 

A big perk to the Starwood program that will remain intact is the bonus 5,000 points when you transfer 20,000 to an airline partner. This is good and helps when you are trying to gather enough points to fly an entire family. 

We will find out in June/July how the categories will be merged for the hotels. Rumors circulating say this could be a good thing for lower end hotels. I prefer the lower end because those brands include breakfast which I find super important when traveling with my children. 

At this point, we are still trying to sort out the positives and negatives of the merger. Stay tuned! 

San Diego's Brand New Terminal One is Finally Here – And It's Spectacular! ✈️

San Diego International Airport just unveiled its gorgeous new Terminal One, and honestly, it couldn't have come soon enough! As someone who's traveled through the old terminal countless times, I'm thrilled to share that this transformation addresses every single frustration I had with the previous space.

Why the Old Terminal One Needed a Major Makeover

Let me be real with you – the old Terminal One was rough. Between the barely-functioning water stations that took forever to fill a bottle, the confusing dual security checkpoints (yes, I once had to exit and re-enter security because I chose the wrong line 🤦‍♀️), and the cramped, low-ceiling gate areas with zero lounge options, it felt more like an endurance test than the start of a vacation.

The limited food choices and overall dated feel made layovers feel longer than they needed to be. But those days are officially behind us!

5 Game-Changing Improvements in the New Terminal One

1. Local Flavors Take Center Stage 🌮

The dining scene has been completely transformed with beloved San Diego favorites like The Taco Stand, Luna Grill, Novacientos Grados by Tony Hawk, and Better Buzz Coffee. 

2. Security Made Simple

Gone are the days of security checkpoint confusion! The new terminal features one streamlined security checkpoint serving all gates. No more guessing games or accidental wrong turns.

3. Lounge Life is Coming Soon ✨

Two lounges are set to open: The Green Room near Gate 114 and The Studio near Gate 122. While they're not yet listed on the Priority Pass app, word is that The Studio will accept Priority Pass membership through American Express, Chase, and Capital One. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements!

4. Bright, Airy Spaces That Actually Feel Good

The soaring ceilings and abundant natural light create such a welcoming atmosphere. You'll find diverse seating options throughout, with plenty of charging stations. The real showstopper? An outdoor deck complete with fire pits and lounge chairs – perfect for soaking up that famous San Diego sunshine before your flight.

5. Finally, Functional Water Stations! 💧

Remember those painfully slow water fillers that always had lines? The new terminal features multiple efficient water stations with strong flow. The bathrooms deserve a mention too – they're bright, clean, and equipped with individual hand dryers and those fancy makeup mirrors that make everyone look good.

Art That Catches Your Eye

The terminal showcases stunning local artwork, from the eye-catching jellyfish installation outside to the beautiful pieces adorning the interior walls and ceiling. It's clear that thought went into making this space feel uniquely San Diego.

Which Airlines Call Terminal One Home?

Currently, you'll find Southwest, Sun Country, Breeze, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier operating from the new Terminal One. There is plenty of parking nearby for $2.50 per 15 minutes for quick pickup and drop off.  Unfortunately there is no walkway access to Terminal Two, but there is a shuttle. There are also Rental Car Shuttles in front of the terminal. 

San Diego has truly outdone itself with this renovation. The new Terminal One transforms what was once a travel hassle into a genuinely pleasant experience. Whether you're heading out for vacation or returning home, this terminal sets the right tone for your journey.

Have you experienced the new Terminal One yet? I'd love to hear about your first impressions!