All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum card has been collected independently by Miles to Memories.Washington National Airport Lounge Hopping
Visiting a new Washington National Airport lounge or two was probably higher on my list than yours. That’s because DCA is probably my favorite domestic airport and I generally enjoy trying out lounges, new and old. On both of those accounts, I feel like I’m in the minority. And while DCA’s probably the airport I traverse most beyond my local one, I haven’t visited since two of their recent, major lounge openings. Plus, I always like to check in on one of my favorite spots. Here’s how things shook out, in sequential order.
Amex Centurion Lounge
I tried to be enthusiastic about this new Centurion Lounge, if that’s even possible. Most of the time, Amex lounges are about as enjoyable as a warehouse club parking lot. And even if I like one, it eventually becomes a public health issue (but it’s back open now). Perhaps the one I’m most okay with (that’s the highest praise I can give any) is CLT. But that’s mostly inconsequential since I do everything possible to avoid the terrible airport experience that is CLT. But I digress….
After efficiently clearing security at DCA, I headed toward Concourse B and climbed the stairs to this new lounge. Check-in was quick during my mid-morning stop, and I entered the relatively open space (by Centurion Lounge standards). After passing the small sitting area adjacent to the entrance, I found Amex’s familiar dining area design. I passed through quickly, though, wanting to plop my bag down to claim space in a quickly-filling seating area.
Heading all the way to the back, the corner of the lounge has windows on two sides. I found a seat in the corner across from the standard Amex decor, TV, and secondary beverage station. Of course, one of the two coffee machines was out of service; perhaps I was lucky one was working. I settled down for my cappuccino and connected to wi-fi with no issues. I couldn’t help but notice a woman sitting a few aisles down moving around to find a working electrical outlet, implying the ones next to her didn’t work.
At any rate, I returned to the main dining area to peruse the selection. My timing was terrible (or for the best?), as only a few breakfast remnants remained among the large spaces of nothing. On the other side of the buffet I noticed employees diligently unpacking the lunch fare from their shiny, plastic existence, soon to be unleashed to the masses. Or maybe it’s the other way around. Knowing my future plans, I just opted out of the buffet. I flanked to the beverage station, where I figured I’d try the green-pear-drink-thingy, something with a trendy moniker I cannot remember. Said beverage was equally memorable.
I returned back to my seat and grabbed my stuff. I’d rather be in a different lounge. That sentence pretty much sums up how I feel about Amex lounges, and I doubt they care.
Card Used: Amex Schwab Platinum
Capital One Landing
Probably the most intriguing option leading up to this airport visit, I didn’t know what to expect of this option. Even after visiting, I’m still trying to figure out if I like it or not. But first, in my opinion, calling this a “lounge” is a misnomer. For better or worse, it’s a substantially different experience from a traditional airport lounge. Let me explain.
I handed over my Capital One credential, and the perky hostess led me to my table. Along the way, after discovering I hadn’t visited before, she explained highlights of the Capital One Landing. She referred to the readily-available items at the bar as “self-serve” even though they were behind glass for an attendant to provide. I’m actually fine with that, based on how I’ve seen adults poorly behave in lounges. We passed the (truly) self-serve coffee and into the main seating area. She pointed at the QR code for the order-to-table menu and wi-fi info. I particularly liked that the wi-fi info was on the table rather than endless cards which are thrown away by myriad guests. The entire space was just under half-full.
I’m loving order-to-table more with every passing day/lounge visit. I enjoy it most at Sapphire Lounges but also noticed it in AA’s Soho Lounge at JFK, and now here at the Landing. I imagine this service option continues to grow. Are you listening, Amex? Probably not.
I first grabbed a coffee, primarily because when I see free coffee I usually grab it without thinking (Hampton Inn, I love you). But this coffee was colder and weaker than that Hilton limited-service brand’s offering. Bleh. On to better things, hopefully.
The Landing’s eclectic fare was created by Jose Andres, and the variety does not disappoint. Unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly feeling adventurous during this early lunch time. I opted for the grilled cheese sandwich and an IPA. The menu cleverly calls the former “Bikini de Queso,” and upon delivery, it was itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny, indeed. Uncertain, I asked the server if this was the grilled cheese sandwich. She laughingly affirmed, probably doing her best not to pat me on the head. Thankfully, and more importantly, my IPA was normally-sized. Without rushing, I finished my cheese and bread sticks in a few seconds then daydreamed over my IPA.
There’s no kickback area to relax here, and that’s exactly the point. It’s not a place where I want to hang out, and Capital One knows this. The Landing, my friends, is pretty much a trendy, slightly-exclusive, not run-down (yet) airport restaurant. Many Capital One cardholders can and will value this. But for Capital One, there is clearly value in people holding cards to gain access, visiting, and leaving as soon as possible. Next door sits a Capital One On The Fly for grab-and-go items. Perhaps a more appropriate name for this whole Landing/On The Fly setup is Capital One GTFO.
Capital One’s been mighty clever with their new concept. Cardholders can benefit but should also take into account the limitations which come along with it.
Card Used: Capital One Venture X (Authorized User)
Admirals Club
I wrapped up my Washington National Airport lounge hopping with another stop at the American Airlines Admirals Club in the E Concourse. This space has become my favorite Admirals Club location, and it’s definitely my favorite spot at DCA. I’ve talked plenty about this lounge before. I enjoy this lounge’s updated decor, smart layout, and outstanding views.
And this lounge is trending up, as of my last visit. The food which AA has purportedly, infamously upgraded is a real thing here. This time, I loved their chicken tikka masala. And the tacky vending machine is gone! They turned it into a self-serve fridge offering fruit and Chobani Greek yogurt.
And after so many visits to this lounge, I just noticed the pair of phone rooms adjacent to the secondary refreshment area for the first time. I tried one out while talking to my kids. They don’t seem as soundproof as the Delta Sky Club versions, but I’m just happy to have something rather than nothing with AA. Finally, the cherry on top – I got my favorite seat facing the fireplace and DC skyline.
What I’m saving for a future article is the excellent service I received from AA reps manning the club’s front desk. While it’s not for everyone, this Admirals Club location is the complete package for me.
One weird note, though: I’ve noticed the men’s room door always seems to be propped open!
Card Used: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (Authorized User)
Washington National Airport Lounge Hopping – Conclusion
I have varying feelings about visiting each of these Washington National Airport lounges in the future:
- Centurion Lounge: No
- Capital One Landing: Probably
- Admirals Club, Concourse E: Yes
Plus, DCA offers a couple other Admirals Club, a United Club, and a Delta Sky Club. In general, it’s nice to have too many options than not enough at one airport. And more choices can help dissipate crowds. I look forward to returning and dwelling in the minutiae more!
What’s your favorite or least-favorite Washington National Airport lounge? Why?
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