Capital One recently made some negative changes to lounge benefits. These changes impacted both Capital One Lounges/Landings as well as the quality of Priority Pass extended lounges (no more blanket access for guests.) Apparently I didn’t pay close enough attention to the email, as I didn’t complete a new membership enrollment like I had to fully retain benefits. Turns out it pays to pay attention to emails and act quickly. Wasted time and wasted money, wholly on myself.
What happened at SFO?
Early Monday flight from SFO (San Francisco) to OGG (Maui). It’s rough getting up at 5AM for an airport shuttle. But not to fear, The Club SFO (a priority pass lounge) DIRECTLY next to our gate in Terminal 1. Get there no problem, pop open the Priority Pass app, only to see a reflection of inactivity. Typically the pass remains active as long as the card remains open, but that’s not so with the recent Capital One changes. This required re-enrollment, which in this instance was not instant. That meant we couldn’t get into the lounge to take advantage of more comfortable space and free breakfast. $29 for breakfast snacks, but wholly unnecessary with some very minor advance planning.
Back in action thanks to AMEX
Unlike the new Capital One VentureX restrictions (no +1), AMEX Platinum retains full access for guests (up to 2) in Priority Pass lounges with no added fees. What they don’t have is instant enrollment. While I signed up in the lounge, it wasn’t until later in the week that the benefit became available. Now we’re all set until 2030. Not going to have this issue again on the return trip. Live and learn.
The real takeaway here is plan ahead, and don’t wait until the last minute to make and confirm your travel arrangements.
Post-ending gif
