Today was the first day that I was heading to the Capital One Lounge after they made the changes to lounge access that severely impacted families. I have been used to long lines every time I go there, and was curious what it would look like today.

No line. I walked straight to the check-in area. In the past, I had to give my name and find a seat in the crowded area, where everyone else was trying to get into the lounge, until they texted me that I could go in. Many times, the wait was so long that I gave up because I was afraid I’d miss my flight.

Peaceful quiet. Because the lounge wasn’t full, it was so quiet. The staff looked calm because they didn’t have to refill stations or clean up after people so often.

A choice of seating. Usually, I am crowded at the counter areas because I can’t find a nice seat. Not today. I had multiple soft seats, even my favorite cozy stations on the side were open!

My favorite seats that have always been full!

Comments From People in the Lounge

The employee who checked me in said there’s still occasionally a line because they are so popular. And with good reason—the food and vibe are excellent.

I noticed about three families in the lounge. One family had three children and were headed to the Phillipines. I asked them how they got their whole family into the lounge. This was how they did it.

$75,000 spent, then paid $125 for an additional user who could bring in 2 guests. Wow! That is a lot of spending just to access a Capital One Lounge.

Check out all this open seating – amazing!

Bottom Line

I really thought that Capital One could have baby-stepped their lounge access change by letting cardholders bring in one guest. However, I have to admit, the lounge experience I had today was everything an airport lounge should be—a quiet respite from a crowded terminal, easy access, and comfortable seating areas!