Inside LaGuardia's Terminal B lounges: Luxe amenities and dining

LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in the region, trading its once-cramped corridors for a bright, modern space designed with travelers in mind. Natural light pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows, public art lines the walls and dual pedestrian skybridges — the only ones in the world spanning active aircraft taxi lanes — give passengers a rare view of planes taxiing beneath their feet.

For Long Island travelers, it’s often the airport of choice for domestic trips and shorter international routes to places like Canada and the Caribbean. Inside Terminal B, much of that pre-flight time now centers around its growing lineup of lounges.

Six of the airport’s seven lounges are here, all post-security, making it easy to settle in once and stay there or, if time allows, move between them without having to clear TSA again.

The three adjacent options to explore — Capital One Landing, Chase Sapphire Lounge and the American Express Centurion Lounge — each take a slightly different approach, from dining-driven spaces to wellness-focused retreats.

How to get lounge access

While some lounges, like the newly opened Capital One Landing, allow non-cardholders to pay at the door ($90 per person), frequent travelers can opt for a premium travel card that comes with lounge access:

• Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee). Capital One lounges access plus Priority Pass membership (a global network of 1,700 airport lounges). Guests access requires spending $75,000 annually, or costs $45 per person.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee). Unlimited access to Chase Sapphire lounges plus Priority Pass membership, both with two free guests included. Additional guests cost $27 each.
• The Platinum Card from American Express ($895 annual fee). Access to Centurion Lounges, limited Delta Sky Club visits and Priority Pass enrollment with guest access included. Guest access requires spending $75,000 annually, or costs $50 per person.

Note that airline-specific lounges often require flying that airline the same day, regardless of which credit card you carry.

Capital One Landing

Opened in February, Capital One Landing is the newest addition to Terminal B, and it puts the focus squarely on food. The concept, which debuted at Washington National Airport in D.C., leans into Spanish-inspired tapas and a strong cocktail and mocktail program, positioning itself as something closer to a restaurant than a traditional lounge.

Located near the bridge to gates 11-31, the roughly 12,500-square-foot space is hard to miss. Floor-to-ceiling windows, greenery and skyline views give it an airy feel, while a 30-foot mural and other works by local artists add personality. The Mediterranean-style design, with warm tones and open space, feels more Barcelona than LaGuardia, which is part of the appeal.

This isn’t a standard lounge setup. It operates more like a hybrid, blending sit-down dining with the flexibility of a lounge. Travelers can help themselves at a cold tapas bar or use a QR code to get made-to-order dishes delivered to their table. Either way, the essentials are covered, including outlets at every seat, luggage nooks and private bathrooms with changing tables.

The menu, created with chef José Andrés, sticks to a tapas format. Small plates make it easy to try a range of dishes, including tofu and mushroom donburi, roasted carrots with matcha, carne asada with mojo verde and gambas al ajillo, a classic garlic shrimp dish. There is also a selection of meats, cheeses and desserts, including his signature burnt Basque cheesecake.

Drinks follow suit, with both cocktails and mocktails available. Nonalcoholic options include the cuadratura, made with Seedlip Grove, honeydew, lemongrass, lime and celery; the fresa y piña, with strawberry, pineapple and lime; and the flamingo shuffle, a mix of guava, lime and soda water. Beer and wine from Spain are also on the menu.

Throughout the day, roaming “daily rituals” carts move through the space with extras like caviar service, vermouth tastings and tableside cocktails, an added touch directly from Andrés’ restaurants.

Capital One Landing is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders receive complimentary access, with guests priced at $45. Non-cardholders can enter for $90.

Reservations are available on the Capital One app from one day up to six months in advance. The app also shows how busy the space is, and if it’s at capacity, travelers can add themselves to a digital waitlist. Not all tables are held for reservations, so walk-ins are still accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chase Sapphire Lounge

A short walk away, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club offers a different kind of pre-flight experience, with the focus shifting from dining to wellness.

One of the larger lounges in Terminal B, at roughly 22,000 square feet, the space spans two levels and is anchored by a central barextending up through the room. The design leans sophisticated and modern, with a mix of seating options that range from bar stools and dining tables to quieter lounge chairs and workstation nooks.

The layout is intentionally broken up, making it easy to find a quieter corner. Upstairs, additional seating includes bar-style counters suited for solo travelers, while the main level has more communal areas by a fireplace and private phone booths.

Wellness is a major part of the experience. Tucked toward the back of the lounge is a dedicated wellness area with private relaxation spaces and private treatment rooms. Guests can book complimentary 30-minute facials by scanning a QR code on arrival, choosing from several treatment options depending. If there's no availability during your stay, you can still pick up complimentary skincare travel kits.

You could miss this lounge's coolest space if you don't go looking for it. Near the family area, which includes a dedicated kids playroom, pull back a curtain to reveal a photo booth and hidden speakeasy-style arcade. Inside, travelers will find vintage-inspired games, including a jukebox, pinball and shuffleboard.

Food is still a priority at this lounge. Guests can choose from ready-to-eat cold and hot plates, from lighter options like cucumber and radish salad and Mediterranean lentils with feta to heartier dishes like braised beef, sweet-chili chicken and roasted vegetables, or get made-to-order items via QR code for a sit-down dining experience, such as a Sapphire burger and Caesar salad, and New York–style options like a roasted chicken grain bowl and turkey “Rachel” sandwich, with simple desserts like Key lime tart and chocolate chip cookies.

At the bar, eight signature cocktails and mocktails inspired by New York City’s Apotheke are served alongside wine and other beverages, while two self-serve drink stations, one on each level, offer coffee, cold brew, rotating selections, spa water and soft drinks.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Access is available to Sapphire Reserve cardholders, with limited entry for others depending on capacity.

American Express Centurion Lounge

Located directly next to the Chase Sapphire Lounge, the American Express Centurion Lounge offers a more familiar take on the premium airport lounge experience.

At around 10,000 square feet, it’s smaller than its neighbors, but the space is efficiently laid out, with a bright, open feel and plenty of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

The lounge includes a mix of seating options, from dining tables to more private lounge chairs, along with a separate business area designed for work. That section features quieter seating, a large communal table and semi-private pods suited for calls or small meetings.

Food and drink remain a central draw. The Centurion Lounge helped set the standard for elevated airport dining in the U.S., and the LaGuardia site continues that approach, with rotating menus and a full bar. Expect hot entrees, lighter fare and a lineup of signature cocktails that change seasonally.

Additional amenities include shower suites stocked with L’Occitane products, offering another option for travelers looking to freshen up before a flight.

Access is available to eligible American Express cardholders, though entry policies and guest privileges can vary.

More lounges and places to unwind in Terminal B

• American Airlines Admirals Club: In Concourse A near Gates 30-31, featuring a quiet area with recliners, a cold buffet, and showers.
• United Club: In the Western Concourse, providing a quiet space for United travelers.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: Accessible for Air Canada/Star Alliance travelers.
• Be Relax Spa: Offers treatments like massages and nail services.