Your Ultimate Guide to VIP Lounge Access in the USA

Your Ultimate Guide to VIP Lounge Access in the USA

As travel enthusiasts, we all seek ways to enhance our travel experience, and having access to VIP lounges can significantly elevate that experience. Recently, there has been a significant change concerning the Cap1 Venture X (VX) card, a popular choice among travelers. Let’s delve into what has changed and how it affects your travel plans!

Recent Changes to the Cap1 Venture X Card

Starting February 1, 2026, there are notable changes regarding VIP lounge access:

• 🔹 Primary cardholders can still access lounges, but bringing guests will incur a fee of $45 per guest, while the PPS (Priority Pass Select) will cost $35 per visit.
• 🔹 Secondary cardholders will no longer have access.

Reflecting on a recent trip, where a primary and a secondary card allowed four people free entry into a domestic lounge, the new costs will add up rapidly. This means that in 2026, guests could cost you $265—$125 for the primary card and $35 for each of the four individuals. That’s a significant increase compared to free access!

To Keep or Not to Keep Your VX Card?

If your primary motivation for getting the Venture X was lounge access, you might want to reconsider:

• 🚫 Avoid paying $125 for the annual fee if lounge access is your only goal.
• 🚫 Don’t pay $35/45 for individual entries.
• ✅ Instead, refer someone else to apply for a second Venture X card.

Benefits of Referring for a Second Venture X Card

By referring someone for a second Venture X card, you can enjoy multiple advantages:

1. 1️⃣ You receive a referral bonus of 25,000 points.
2. 2️⃣ The referred individual gets a welcome bonus of 75,000 points, which is valued at over $750.
3. 3️⃣ Both cardholders gain free access to lounges.

With the annual fee of $395, if you travel more than once a year and spend over $1,000, you’ll easily recover that cost. If we consider only the lounge access aspect, let’s compare it with other cards:

Comparing Other Credit Cards for Lounge Access

• ♦️ Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550 annual fee, $75 for additional cards, offers Priority Pass and Chase lounges which allow bringing two guests for free.
• ♦️ Amex Platinum: $695 annual fee, $195 for additional cards, grants access to Centurion and Delta SkyClub lounges; however, only one guest can be accompanied for free.

Conclusion: Which Card is Right for You?

When selecting a credit card for travel, consider these points:

• 💰 The Venture X is ideal for couples traveling together, as the referral bonuses can offset the annual fee.
• 💰 The CSR is better suited for those traveling with additional guests, though the annual fee recovery might not be guaranteed.
• 💰 The Amex Platinum offers more experiences but is better for solo travelers since it limits guest access.

Key Considerations

As you prepare for your next adventure, remember to consider:

• Which lounges are available at the airports you frequently fly to? Many terminals do not have Priority Pass access. Consider purchasing access to lounges with the airlines you fly often.
• Are you traveling solo, or are you bringing family and friends? The CSR can be an upgrade if you plan to bring multiple guests.
• How often do you fly? If it’s just once a year, it may not be worth paying for lounge access.

Before making any changes, have a chat with customer service about retention bonuses if you plan to cancel your Venture X card next year. Happy travels and explore the lounges before the changes take effect! ✈️