Three years after first teasing plans for a restaurant-style airport lounge, Capital One has finally opened the doors to its flagship Capital One Landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The dining-forward concept centers on Spanish-inspired tapas and a robust cocktail program—and, notably, it’s operated by acclaimed chef José Andrés and his team at the José Andrés Group.
“This is not only one of the most beautiful spaces at an airport,” Andrés told Afar during a media preview last week, “but the food is meant to be memorable and is damn good, too.”
Andrés, a James Beard Award winner who helms several Michelin-starred restaurants and is the founder of the disaster-relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen, brings major culinary credibility to Capital One. Unlike the bank’s traditional airport lounges, the Landing concept prioritizes high-quality food and drink delivered with quick, efficient service. And the collaboration even goes beyond the menu.
“It’s not just the food and drink,” said Callie Kooiker, head of airport lounges for Capital One. “Even the steps of service and the training of the staff were all influenced and overseen by José [Andrés].”
Capital One Landing originally debuted at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in late 2024, but the LaGuardia flagship expands the concept with a significantly larger footprint. Having visited both locations, I found the LGA outpost to be the more visually compelling of the two, while the dining experience is just as strong.
A roaming bar cart serves small bites and tableside drinks.
Courtesy of Capital One
Located inside Terminal B on the bridge to gates 11 to 31, the 12,500-square-foot space is decorated with lush greenery and murals from New York–based artist Amrita Marino. The standout design elements, though, are the soaring 30-foot ceilings and a skylit terrace that floods the lounge with natural light. In fact, Capital One converted what was once the terminal’s outdoor patio into a fully enclosed, year-round dining space. From nearly every seat, travelers can take in sweeping views of both the Manhattan skyline and planes taking off.
During my preopening visit, I sampled a handful of tapas-inspired small plates, including croquetas stuffed with chicken béchamel; zesty confit piquillo peppers; gambas al ajillo (red shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic, chili, bay leaf, and oloroso wine); and a grilled hanger steak topped with mojo verde. Each dish was thoughtfully plated and genuinely restaurant-caliber.
In addition, roaming bar carts add a bit of panache to the overall experience. Depending on the time of day, a “daily rituals” cart may include goat-cheese–infused caviar cones, burnt Basque cheesecake, or tableside martinis.
Upon entering the lounge, guests are greeted by a host and seated at a table, as in a restaurant. Then, they can request made-to-order small plates—there is a breakfast menu and a separate lunch/dinner menu—and a selection of craft cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine via QR code, in addition to choosing from a small display of ready-to-eat tapas. There are also lounge-like amenities: integrated power at every seat for charging devices, fast and free Wi-Fi, dedicated luggage nooks in various storage areas throughout the space, and five private restrooms.
LGA’s Terminal B already houses two other credit card lounges: the American Express Centurion Lounge and the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club. From a design standpoint, both are more enclosed, with limited natural light and no runway views. From a culinary perspective, Capital One’s dining model stands apart. (However, Chase has a wellness area with complimentary facials, a thoughtful perk for travelers with extra time to kill.)
Soaring 30-foot ceilings and windows flood the lounge with natural light. Capital One converted the terminal’s former outdoor patio into this fully enclosed, year-round dining space.
Photo by Ron Blunt/Courtesy of Capital One
Access follows Capital One’s broader lounge playbook. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders receive complimentary entry when departing from LGA (up to three hours before a flight), and guests are charged $45 per visit. Venture and Spark Miles cardholders can purchase entry for $45, while all others pay $90. All visitors must present a same-day boarding pass.
Venture X and Venture X Business members can also reserve a spot through the Capital One app up to six months in advance, a useful feature as airport lounges grow more crowded.
Capital One is continuing to expand its airport footprint, with a new lounge planned for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), though an opening date has yet to be announced. Currently, Capital One has lounge locations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Denver International Airport (DEN), Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The new Capital One Landing at LaGuardia Airport will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
