Pick #2

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American Express Centurion Lounge – Luxe Perks for Amex Cardholders

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• Location: Terminal D, near Gate D18, mezzanine level (one level up from the concourse).

• Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.

• What it offers: The Centurion Lounge is another top-notch option, known for its premium amenities: chef-prepared cuisine, signature cocktails, a spa, semi-private workspaces, a family room, and even shower suites. At ~13,000 square feet after a 2018 expansion, DFW’s Centurion Lounge provides plenty of space to relax, though it can get crowded during peak times.

• ‍How to access: Centurion Lounges are exclusive to certain American Express cardholders and their guests.

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Cards eligible for access:

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• The Platinum Card® from American Express (personal or business) is the most common way in – cardholders get free entry for themselves at DFW (regardless of airline or class of travel.

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• The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also grants entry when flying on a Delta flight; however, starting Feb 1, 2025, Reserve cardholders are limited to 15 visits per year (unless they hit high spend thresholds).

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• Centurion (Black Card) Members have access, of course.

Pick #3

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American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Elite Dining for AA’s Best

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• Location: Terminal D, between Gates D21 and D22 (one level above the concourse).

• Hours: ~5 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. (aligned with AA international flight bank timings).

• Highlights: The Flagship Lounge is American Airlines’ premium international lounge, offering elevated amenities beyond a standard Admirals Club. Inside you’ll find hot chef-inspired meals, an open buffet, premium wine and champagne, a self-serve liquor station, showers, and quiet zones. It’s a significant step up in food and drink quality – more akin to a true first/business class lounge.

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How to access: The Flagship Lounge is not open to the general public or via credit card perks – it’s reserved for American’s top customers:

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• First or Business Class passengers on qualifying international or transcontinental routes (Flagship-designated flights) can enter. For example, flying AA Flagship Business to London or LAX-JFK transcon in First gets you access.

• AAdvantage Elites: Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members (oneworld Emerald/Sapphire) when flying internationally can access Flagship Lounges.

• Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire elites flying on AA or a partner from DFW also get access.

• Unlike Admirals Clubs, no credit card alone grants Flagship Lounge access. There are also no day passes sold for Flagship.

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If you qualify, Flagship Lounge is arguably the top lounge for dining at DFW, with a high-end buffet and drink selection. But because of the stricter access rules, most travelers will need to look to other lounges if they don’t have an appropriate ticket or status.

Pick #4

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American Airlines Admirals Clubs – Solid Options in Every Terminal

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• Locations: Admirals Club lounges are available in all five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) at DFW, generally near the center of each terminal (e.g., A24, B3-B4, C20, D24, and Terminal E satellite). Hours are typically ~4–5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

• What to expect: Admirals Clubs are American Airlines’ network of membership lounges. They offer a comfortable, quiet space with complimentary snacks, house drinks, free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and power outlets. Most have a full-service bar and light buffet (think salads, soups, hummus, veggies, cookies, etc.), with premium food items for purchase.

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How to access: Admirals Club entry requires any one of the following:

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• Club membership: Purchase an annual Admirals Club membership (cost ~$850/yr, or discounted with elite status). This is pricy, so many travelers opt for the credit card option below.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: The primary cardholder of this American Airlines credit card gets full Admirals Club membership as a benefit. This is a popular way to access Admirals Clubs if you fly AA often – the card’s $595 annual fee is lower than buying membership outright, and you can bring immediate family or two guests with you.

• Day Pass: Available for anyone (even non-AA flyers) to purchase at club reception, $79 per person (or 7,900 AA miles) for a 24-hour Admirals Club pass. A day pass can be used at any AA lounge at DFW (or other airports) during that period. Note capacity controls: if the lounge is very full, day pass sales may be limited.

• Eligible tickets or status: Flying on a oneworld partner in business/first class or having oneworld Sapphire/Emerald status will get you into Admirals Clubs (when that ticket/status wouldn’t already get Flagship access).

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Because Admirals Clubs are in every terminal at DFW, they’re the easiest to find. They may not be as flashy as Capital One or Centurion Lounge, but if you’re an AA regular, these clubs are convenient for a quick snack, drink, and Wi-Fi.

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Pick #5 - Plaza Premium Lounge

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Plaza Premium Lounge – Independent Lounge in Terminal E

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• Location: Terminal E, near Gate E31.

• Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.

• About: Opened in 2020, the Plaza Premium Lounge at DFW is a pay-per-use lounge that’s part of the international Plaza Premium network. It offers a bright, modern space with comfortable seating, power outlets, decent food and cocktails, plus extras like showers.

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Access methods: This lounge is accessible to a wide array of travelers:

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• Priority Pass: Great news: as of 2023, Plaza Premium lounges re-joined the Priority Pass program. If you have a credit card that grants Priority Pass membership, you can use your PP card/app for free entry here.

• Walk-in Purchase: You can buy access on the spot. Day passes start around $50 for a 3-hour stay if pre-booked online. There’s also a bundle offer: 2 visits for $80 (via Plaza Premium’s Americas Pass). If you arrive without pre-booking, the price might be a bit higher at the door.

• No special membership is needed – any passenger can pay to enter. No airline restrictions.

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Plaza Premium is a hidden gem, especially if you’re not an American Airlines flyer. For example, if you’re in Terminal E flying Delta but have a Priority Pass card, this lounge is a great alternative to the Delta Sky Club. It’s also less likely to be packed since Terminal E has lighter traffic.

Pick #6 - The Club DFW

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The Club DFW – Priority Pass Lounge in Terminal D

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• Location: Terminal D, mezzanine level near Gate D27 (upstairs).

• Hours: 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily.

• What it is: The Club at DFW is a typical Priority Pass network lounge. It’s relatively small with an open-floor plan overlooking the terminal. Amenities include snacks and light bites, a self-serve bar, Wi-Fi, a business area, and a small quiet zone.

• Access: The Club is open to Priority Pass members (unlimited free visits if your card gives that) – simply scan your membership for entry. If you don’t have Priority Pass, day passes were advertised around ~$33 when capacity allows, which is relatively affordable.

Other Lounges: Delta, United, and More

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In addition to the big names above, DFW has a few airline-specific lounges and unique spots worth noting:

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• Delta Sky Club (Terminal E, between E10–E11): If you’re flying Delta, their Sky Club in Terminal E provides the usual comforts – a decent snack buffet, full bar, lots of seating, Wi-Fi, even showers and a business center‍.

• United Club (Terminal E, near Gates E6–E7): United’s lounge serves its flyers at DFW’s Terminal E. It’s a standard United Club – comfortable chairs, snacks, and drinks – nothing flashy. Access for United Club members, United Club Infinite Visa cardholders, Star Alliance Gold, or business/first passengers on United/Star Alliance flights.

• Minute Suites (Terminal A & D): Minute Suites aren’t traditional lounges, but rather private mini-rooms you can rent by the hour for napping or work. Located at Terminal A near A38 and Terminal D near D23, they operate 24/7‍. Priority Pass members get 1 hour free at Minute Suites (subject to availability), which can be a quiet escape to lie down or make phone calls. Additional time costs ~$42/hr.

• Be Relax Spa (Terminals B & D): These are spa facilities (not lounges) where travelers can get massages, manicures, etc. Uniquely, Priority Pass covers a $28 credit for services at Be Relax (one visit per flight) for members whose PP comes from a non-Amex card.

• Gameway (Terminal B & E): A newer concept, Gameway is essentially a video game lounge with private gaming stations (Xbox/PCs, big screens, recliner chairs, noise-cancelling headsets). Priority Pass members can get free 2-hour sessions at Gameway locations in B (near Gate B42) and E (Gate E16)‍.

• USO Center (Terminal B, Gate B15): DFW has a large USO Lounge exclusively for active-duty U.S. military members and their families. It’s free of charge for those who serve. Inside, military travelers will find comfy seating, snacks, games, and a friendly environment to relax during layovers.

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Put Your Cards to Work with Kudos

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Maximizing lounge access at DFW often comes down to having the right credit card – and using it smartly. Kudos is your ultimate wallet companion, helping you manage all your credit cards in one place and make the most of their benefits. By adding Kudos to your browser, you can automatically see which card to use for travel purchases, track rewards, and discover perks like airport lounge access that you might otherwise overlook.

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Kudos users have reported saving $750+ a year by optimizing card rewards and benefits. Whether it’s reminding you that your Venture X card gets you into the Capital One Lounge for free, or suggesting which card yields the most points on airfare, Kudos ensures you never leave value on the table. Travel smarter – consider using Kudos (it’s free!) to unlock all the rewards your cards offer.

Our Expert Takeaway

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DFW’s lounge scene has something for everyone, but a few standouts rise to the top. The Capital One Lounge is the best all-around lounge at DFW for most travelers, thanks to its excellent amenities and accessible entry via credit card.

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The Amex Centurion Lounge is a close second, delivering a luxury experience if you have the Platinum card. American Airlines flyers should take advantage of the Admirals Clubs in every terminal (and the superb Flagship Lounge if eligible). Meanwhile, Priority Pass holders can choose between The Club in Terminal D or the nicer Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal E – we recommend the trip to E for a better experience.

Airport Lounge Access FAQs (DFW)

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What is the best lounge at DFW?

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The Capital One Lounge in Terminal D is often rated the best lounge at DFW for its modern design, great food, and amenities. The Amex Centurion Lounge is another top choice for those with Platinum cards. American’s Flagship Lounge is excellent too, but it’s limited to premium AA customers.

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Can economy class passengers use DFW airport lounges?

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Yes – you don’t need a business class ticket to enjoy a lounge. Many lounges at DFW can be accessed with certain credit cards (e.g. Amex Platinum, Venture X) or by purchasing a day pass. For instance, anyone can pay to enter the Capital One Lounge ($90) or Admirals Club ($79), space permitting.

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How can I get into the Centurion Lounge at DFW?

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You’ll need an eligible American Express card . Simply show your Amex, ID and boarding pass at the front desk. Entry is free for the cardholder, but guest fees apply and visit limits start Feb 2025.

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Does DFW have Priority Pass lounges?

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Yes. The Club at DFW (Terminal D) and Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal E) accept Priority Pass. Additionally, Priority Pass membership covers Minute Suites (1 hour free) and Gameway video game lounges at DFW. Note that if your PP comes via Amex, you won’t get the Be Relax spa credit, but you can still access the lounges.

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Can I use a lounge in a different terminal than my departure at DFW?

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Absolutely. Once you’re through security at DFW, you can ride the Skylink train to any terminal within minutes and visit its lounges. Just ensure you leave enough time to get back to your gate. Many travelers departing from Terminals A, B, C or E purposely go to Terminal D first, since it has the most lounge options, then return to their gate before boarding.