Accessibility to airport lounges has become easier than ever with travel credit cards, Priority Pass, and points redemptions for an upgraded seat class. So, on our latest sabbatical leaving out of Washington, Dulles (IAD), we thought we would take full advantage of this and hop around the lounges we had access to. We arrived at the airport nice and early to have plenty of time in each lounge. On our very long metro ride across DC, we contrived a plan on how to rate our experience based upon what is most important to us. The elements of a lounge that we most appreciate and which we took into consideration with how we ranked them include bubbles selection, food offerings, seating, service, and amenities.
With each lounge we visited, we will let you know what gave us access to the lounge, our overall experience and some pertinent info that might come in handy if you find yourself traveling through Dulles (IAD).
Etihad Lounge (9.5/10)
We gained access to this lounge through our Chase Sapphire Reserve card as Chase has partnered with Ethiad in this recently reopened space. Having already visited the Chase Sapphire lounge in Boston, we had high hopes. This lounge did not disappoint! When we arrived, we were put on a short wait list and in just a few minutes we were getting a text letting us know they were ready for us. Unlike most other lounges, this wait list is not because of overcrowding and lack of seats, it is to ensure the top-level of service they are trying to achieve. Once inside, we headed up the main staircase that overlooked the bar and first-floor lounge space. There were plenty of seating options, which never filled up during our stay. We chose two comfy chairs with our backs hugging the wall and began to eye our dinner choices. Along with the buffet downstairs, they also provide a “made to order” menu which can be viewed and selected through a QR code conveniently located at each table. We opted for the delicious burger on a brioche bun with fries. Overall, the space was elegant and the only deduction came from the menu which stated it was serving champagne, when in fact, it was only a French sparkler (pinkies out as I type that.)
The Fine Print : This lounge is located in Concourse A near gate A14. It is open between 06:00-22:00 daily. If you do not have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card and are not flying Ethiad Business Class, it is possible to enter with Priority Pass, but not until later in the evening after peak travel time. If you’re on a long layover and you wish to freshen up, there are shower facilities in this lounge that you can book when you arrive.
Turkish Airlines (8/10)
When we arrived, the receptionist informed us that the lounge was nearing capacity and that there might not be any seats available. After similar experiences in the past, we have grown to expect overcrowding from this particular lounge, but the food here is worth the hassle. Of all the Priority Pass lounges, Turkish Airlines seems to be the one primarily used by Priority Pass members at Dulles IAD, and for good reason. Immediately, we headed to the bar to order some drinks and within a few minutes a couple of seats opened up. I was craving a beer and ordered a glass of Prosecco for Megan while she went and selected some snacks from the buffet. As always, the crowd gathered around the food station is thick and ravenous, but she managed to snag a little sample of traditional Turkish fare including hummus and pita. The food has always been tasty and fresh, most likely due to the frequent turnover of visitors throughout the day.
As a bonus at this lounge, you’ll be treated to a nice view of the planes coming and going.
The Fine Print : You can find this lounge located on Concourse B, near gate B43. It is open from 07:15-21:30. We gained access to this lounge through our Priority Pass membership, but this is also the Turkish Airways Business Class lounge.
Capital One (8.5/10)
This was a new lounge for us and we were excited to give it a try. It was a modern, bright, airy space with work space on the side while the space in the back surrounding the bar gave off cocktail bar vibes. Megan ordered a glass of prosecco, while I tried a beer from local Virginia brewery, Lost Rhino Brewing Company. This brewery did a collab specifically for the Capital One lounge. If rare spirits are up your alley, they even have a rare bottle club in this lounge. If you’re in need of a caffeine hit before going on with your journey, you will be please to find a full-service espresso bar just to the left of reception. There were also plenty of food options ranging from healthy to indulgent and vegetarian to meat-centric. The only thing this lounge was missing for this level was the “made-to-order” food menu. However, Capital One landing is located in Terminal 2 in the national hall near Concourse D. There, you will find a menu collab with Jose Andres’ group, who believes “food is the soul of travel.”
The Fine Print : This lounge is located in the main terminal, after TSA Pre-check and clear security checkpoints. It can be assessed from Z-gates through a lift or escalator. If this sounds slightly complicated to find – you might be right. We definitely spun in circles looking lost for a few minutes. The lounge is open from 05:30-21:00. We gained access to this lounge with our Capital One Venture X card. It Allows for unlimited entry and up to 2 guests.
Air France (7/10)
After visiting one of the Air France Business Class lounges in Paris years prior, I had very high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it was the biggest let down of them all. The space felt more like a cafeteria and less like a lounge. The only highlight was that they were pouring Taittinger by the glass which helps you forget the torn carpet and sad partitioned-off Business Class section with just three seats. The food selection consists of a charcuterie station, cold sandwiches and salads. There are hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, along with a decently stocked bar (I was only interested in champagne.) Just keep your expectations in check and don’t expect fancy cocktails here as mixers are very limited. Our flight left around 6:30 PM, but we’ve heard this lounge is potentially much better in the evening when it closes to Priority Pass members and allows only Air France Business Class passengers to enter.
The Fine Print : The lounge is located in Concourse A, across from gate 22 and is open everyday from 07:30-21:00. You can gain access to this lounge two ways : either from flying Business Class through Air France or through Priority Pass.
Final Thoughts on the Lounges in Dulles (IAD)
As I mentioned at the start of this post, accessibility to airport lounges has become easier than ever. The days of lounges being for elite status only and some unattainable thing is gone. While we enjoy a nice lounge just as much as the next guy, the overcrowding at some of these lounges has become out of control. These business class lounges were created for just that – conducting business. They were intended to be a place for business class passengers to get some work done before or in between flights. With so many lounges teaming up with Priority Pass, they can at times feel less like a lounge and more like a ball pit at your local family fun play center. The clear winners in our book were the Etihad and Capital One lounges. The next time we fly through Dulles (IAD) we will be sticking to those two lounges.
Cheers Friends,
Matt and Megan
