Have you ever considered flying to a destination but not leaving the airport? Neither had I until the Capital One Lounge opened at DFW. I’d seen the photos and videos online–food, cocktails, showers, Peloton bikes. I needed to go! And I’d have free access with my Capital One Venture X card. I decided to try a Capital One lounge day out to see what kind of fun I could find! (This post is written by our good friend Jess from Made Possible by Points.)

I first attempted to find some flights from Houston with a layover in Dallas. But then I thought, “It’s such a quick flight. What if I flew to DFW for the day and then flew home?” It seemed crazy. But also like it could make for a really fun day out.

 

Getting to/from DFW

I booked my ticket from Houston to Dallas using American Airlines miles that had been sitting in my account for years. For the return trip, I booked through the Capital One travel portal using some of my $300 annual travel credit that comes with the Capital One Venture X  Credit Card.

The return ticket only cost around $60, and a few days later I received a statement credit for the full amount.

 

First Up: The Spa

While spending the day at the Capital One Lounge was my main goal, I also wanted to put some of my Priority Pass benefits to use! The Venture X comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership which includes access to certain lounges, restaurants, spas, and other airport activities.

The Be Relax Spa at DFW is in the Priority Pass network and offers a few different complimentary spa treatments for members. I went with the Be Back 30-minute chair massage, and it was great!

   

 

Next Up: The Main Event

After my free massage, I headed over to the Capital One Lounge. I knew I wanted to take a Peloton ride (which requires a reservation with the front desk). A bike wasn’t available when I arrived, so I gave them my cell phone number and they said they would text me when one became available.

In the meantime, I had some snacks and watched planes take off.

Half an hour later I received a text that my bike was ready. I also reserved a shower suite at that time.

I had the fitness room to myself and definitely had the most unique view from a Peloton I’ve ever experienced! It was awesome to ride while watching planes take off. The room could also be used for yoga or other types of exercise, though it was a bit small.

 

 

After a quick 30-minute ride, I was off to the shower suite that they had prepared for me while I was cycling. It was huge! It had everything I needed–shower, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, a hairdryer, etc.

 

 

By that point, I had worked up quite an appetite, so it was onto the food and cocktails. The Capital One Lounge has an extensive menu of cocktails and mocktails. I sampled a few different cocktails and they were all great (the Bluebonnet was my favorite). They also have a wide selection of beverages on tap: lemonade, iced tea, oat milk lattes, root beer, and more!

 

 

The food was delicious and plentiful. I really liked that everything was plated individually–no waiting in a long buffet line! I loved being able to eat, drink, and take in the fabulous runway views! After a few hours, it was time for me to head back to Houston.
 

 

One Last Stop at IAH

I bet you thought I was done getting free food, didn’t you? Not so fast! Upon arrival at IAH, I stopped in for a quick dinner at one of the Priority Pass restaurants (yes, you can access the restaurants upon either arrival or departure!).

With Priority Pass restaurants, you get a $28 credit for the primary cardholder and another $28 for up to one guest (note that the Priority Pass restaurant benefit is not included with any AMEX cards). I had some tacos and a margarita for $0 (I did bring cash to tip)!

 

Bottom Line

I could enjoy a day out at the lounge for less than the cost of going to the movies! While the Capital One Lounge at DFW is currently the only one open, there are lounges at both DEN and IAD opening later in 2022. I can’t wait to visit more Capital One Lounges in the future! My Capital One lounge day out was successful and fun!