Inside the New Capital One Lounge at JFK

As someone who usually flies out of LaGuardia (LGA), traveling through New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) always means a fun, fresh lounge pool. 

And now, a new option has entered the chat: the Capital One Lounge in JFK’s Terminal 4. And let me start by saying… heart eyes. Major heart eyes. 😍

At roughly 13,500 square feet and open 24 hours a day, this space feels like a love letter to NYC — with natural light, runway views, a bodega serving fresh Ess-a-Bagels, and a cheesemonger (!!!) who’ll pair blue cheese with matcha jam and completely reset your standards for airport food.

How to Get In

JFK’s Terminal 4 isn’t connected airside to the other terminals, so you’ll need a same-day boarding pass for a departure or connection from T4 to visit. Eligible travelers can enter up to three hours before departure.

Here’s how access works:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business primary cardholders get in for free, along with two guests per visit

• Additional guests are $45 for adults, $25 for those 17 and under

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders can pay $45 per person for access

• Children under two get in free

• You’ll need your physical card or digital pass (not a virtual card number)

Location and Hours

The Capital One Lounge JFK is located in Terminal 4’s main corridor between the A and B gates. It is one level below the American Express Centurion Lounge, the Etihad/Chase Sapphire Lounge, and the Delta One Lounge.

Terminal 4 serves Delta, along with foreign carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, LATAM, and Avianca.

Although some sections may be closed during off-peak hours, the lounge itself is open 24/7. Score!

The Space

From the moment you step inside, the chaos of JFK melts away. The lounge is bright, clean, and super quiet, even with a steady stream of guests. The layout gives people space to spread out without feeling sterile. It has character, but still feels polished.

The lounge is divided into a few distinct zones:

• A peaceful library nook

• A Central Park–inspired dining area with a tree centerpiece

• Rows of airplane-style recliners by the windows for my fellow aviation nerds (this is where I spent most of my time)

• Reservable private rooms near the bar, great for families or small groups

Food and Drinks

Instead of one big, boring buffet, the lounge offers several food experiences:

Grab‑and‑go

The bodega has plenty of solid to-go picks, including fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads, and those iconic Ess-a-Bagels. It’s genuinely easy to grab something for your flight and be on your way. I hate to admit it, but I’m always sneaking food out of airport lounges for flights (especially the long hauls). This lounge encourages takeout and to-go snacks, which was super refreshing. You already know I snagged a bagel and some chocolate-covered espresso beans for the road. ❤️

Table service

There’s table service for hot food (ordered via QR code). Think deviled eggs with everything‑bagel seasoning, mascarpone challah French toast, arugula panzanella salad, braised pork shank, and more.

Signature carts

Rolling carts come around throughout the day with tea, cookies, La Colombe coffee, Champagne, and even midnight snacks.

Cheese station

The standout feature for me was the cheese counter by Murray’s. Once you arrive, you can reserve a tasting experience that includes a rotating selection of about 10 cheeses, meats, paired wines, and a black‑and‑white cookie. I tried a blue cheese and matcha jam combo that I would never have ordered on my own (shoutout to Kevin!), but it was incredible.

Drinks

The bar features NYC-inspired cocktails like the Jack’s Manual (a Brooklyn take on the Manhattan) and the Alice Austen (a smoky mezcal pineapple creation). There’s also a Skyscraper IPA brewed by Grimm Artisanal Ales and a curated wine list featuring New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Non‑drinkers will appreciate La Colombe drip coffee, draft coffee drinks, made-to-order espresso drinks, as well as a self-serve soda station with fun options.

Amenities

The whole place is full of outlets, which is a major win. You’d think this would be a given in an airport lounge, but my fellow airport goers know… that is not always the case.

Other amenities include reservable private rooms, a parents’ room, and a shower suite with the fancy Dyson hair dryer.

Pros and Cons 

What I loved:

• Friendly, attentive staff who make the space feel personal

• Excellent food and beverage options (with real NYC vibes)

• Beautiful design and natural light

• Tons of seating, private rooms, showers, and plugs everywhere

• Peaceful, not overcrowded, and genuinely relaxing

• Open 24/7 (!)

What could be better:

• Cheesemonger station is first-come, first-served (so arrive early!)

• No arrivals access, must have a departing or connecting flight

• Guest policies will tighten in 2026

Bottom Line

Whether you’re grabbing a bagel to-go or settling in for cheese pairings and cocktails, the JFK Capital One Lounge is ideal for all kinds of travelers. It’s practical without being boring, elevated without being snobby, and, above all, feels like it was built for real people.

And speaking of people… the people here are what really set this lounge apart. Everyone I interacted with, from the bar to the bodega to the floor staff, was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. 

I can’t wait to check out the more dining-focused Capital One Landing at LGA when that opens! 🥂