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In June 2025, Capital One unveiled the highly anticipated airport lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking a bold new chapter in the brand’s own lounge and expanding portfolio of “landing” (a smaller hybrid lounge cafe). Existing lounges in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (den), Las Vegas (LAS) and Washington DC (IAD and DCA) will not only bring this latest addition to joining the club, but also setting the tone.
Past security at the lower levels of the T4 retail hall, the 13,500-square-foot lounge is a sensory homage to New York, from hand-covered Esbager and stacks of Bean & Bean Coffee Bar to full-service cheesemongers, designing details that nod to the city’s creative grit. In other words, it is reconsidered as “I love NY”, kitschy and has more seats.
Open 24 hours a day, which is unicorn status at Loungeland. The vast, mid-century meat modern space is soaked in natural light (or sparkling stars and city lights), thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac. It is made for gaze, fantasy or decompression day and night.
Capital One marks its mark with a lounge game that enhances fresh aesthetics and food and plenty of options, but this JFK front post seems to be the most ambitious ever, both in design and concept. It is the first to be labelled as a global flagship and often wears the title.
I had the opportunity to explore the lounge last week, but honestly, I didn’t want to leave. Here’s what you’re expected and why it’s worth reaching JFK early.
A flagship with a soul
Step inside and JFK’s frenzy slips off. A wooden panel welcome desk, carved glass lighting by Brooklyn-based design company Shakúff, and snack walls will welcome you. Are you turning the corner? Complete NYC style bodega counter with bagel shelves and handwritten sign shelves. Playful, yes, but functional.
The lounge is divided into a variety of individual zones, yet cohesive. A cozy seating cluster with power ports in every seat, a dining area lined with original works by New York artists (including photographer Amanta Media artist Marilyn Henryon), and a tarmac face lounger next to the splouring bar. There is also a full-service cheese counter by the iconic Murray cheese shop in Manhattan’s West Village. Yes, it looks great.
“We wanted a flagship lounge to provide travelers with a place to relax and inspire the creativity and energy of the city without leaving the airport.” “For us, it was important to build a space that suits the different types of travelers passing through JFK: business, leisure, family and friends.”
NYC taste (no crowds or bills)
New York is all over the menu. You can sample black and white cookies and classic smoked salmon bagels. We started the day with iced latte and catsmo smoked salmon sandwiches (bagels, cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, capers, chef kisses) at Bodega. I then ordered mascarpone cara french toast (with blueberry maple syrup) via the QR code on the table. Was it necessary? No, did I regret that? Also, no.
Capital One continues to avoid the scary co-buffet traffles. Instead, there is a beautifully plated single serving dish made fresh in the lounge kitchen, using locally produced ingredients. You can grab a selection of dishes from our dedicated food display. Alternatively, certain hot dishes will be delivered to the table by ordering via a QR code. favorite? Arugula panzanella salad with devil eggs of all the spices and red wine vinaigrette. My companions rave reviewed the Berkshire pork shank stewed over pea risotto and chicken pailard.
But a real gem? Murray cheese counter. It’s worth coming first, being offered first and stalking nearby seats. You can build your own boards from over 12 selections (think Hudson Valley Sharp Cheddar and Vermont Blue) that NYC-based Franca offers in custom ceramics.
A drink with a story
The illustrated cocktail menu is a journey in itself and presented like a mini storybook through Greater New York City. Some neighbours roughly inspire craft cocktails that are smart, complicated, free and thoughtful. One of the highlights is Jack’s Manual (made from locally distilled Fort Hamilton double barrel rye, dry bellum, Chinamina and Laxdrud), a favorite riff in Manhattan found in the “Williamsburg” chapter. In the Staten Island section, Alice Austin (Tiki Bitters with Ray Campelo Mezcal, orange, pineapple, lime, tiki bitters and toasted coconut) adorns the Staten Island ferries and honors documentary photographers of the century, whose home is a public museum. And of course there is the Idol Wild section, named after the original Monica at JFK Airport. Here you can find modernized classics like the bloody Caesar (Culci vodka made in New York, Bloody Mary Mix, Clam juice with Chili Lime Salt Trim).
The front of the beer includes the Skyscraper IPA, an offering from local favourite Talea Beer Co., Ltd., in addition to the sessionable brewery created by Brooklyn’s Grimm Ale for the lounge. The wine list has a strong display of solid rosé for bubbles, white, red and singles. There are also varieties from the Finger Lakes area of New York.
And if you feel extra? A spinning choice of vintage and limited run spirits available in rare bottle clubs, 2 oz pours – ask about the gin of the prohibition era, bourbon from the 1950s, and hard-to-find cognac. Prices vary, but they tend to be more accessible than you think. Selections change frequently, so ask your bartender what is currently available.
Mocktails, juice, self-service soda stations, specialty coffee and filtered water stations round out the options.
Benefits, power, play
Beyond food and drinks, the lounge has seven all-gender toilets, a private shower suite, two bookable rooms, a parent’s room and fast free Wi-Fi. All seats have a power outlet and a USB-C port. Workstations are available, and many corners can make calls and decompression easier.
Another factor that sets this lounge apart is the activation of roaming. Morning Cafe Shackart, a mobile espresso bar offering Italian-style iced coffee, offers dairy-free Boosie upgrades. After it gets dark, there is a midnight snack cart that delivers warm and comfortable hood bites to tired redeye travelers (New York doesn’t sleep, so neither does the people at the airport).
How to get in
JFK’s Terminal 4 is not connected to any other terminals on the airside, so you will need to fly (or connect) from the T4 to access the lounge. Dozens of airlines operate from T4, including Delta, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Ratum, Avianca, Hawaiian Airlines and AeroMexico. (Note: It may be possible to enter Terminal 4 to use the lounge when flying from another terminal, but this is at the discretion of the TSA agent.)
If flying or passing through Terminal 4, regardless of airline or class flight, all travelers with boarding passes departing or connecting for departure or connection can enter one lounge at JFK three hours prior to departure time. The lounge is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Here’s how access collapses:
These terms will remain in effect until February 1, 2026, at which time Capital One will update its policy regarding guests and additional users to handle overcrowding issues.
As a reminder, Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card and Capital One Venture Reward Credit Card headlines and counted the list of the best travel credit cards for two years. They continue to do so with robust travel perks and generous sign-up bonuses (75,000 miles each).
The above offers are accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change at any time and may not be changed or become unavailable.
