Southwest Airlines Unveils First Airport Lounge Network
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Southwest Airlines is entering the airport lounge market for the first time, with plans to open its first four locations in late 2027. The airline will launch lounges at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Nashville International Airport (BNA). Southwest is partnering with Chase on the new lounge network, with at least seven additional locations planned over the next several years.
Southwest Brings Its Brand Into the Lounge
Construction has already started on Southwest’s first four lounges. The airline plans to combine its customer service approach with elements from the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. The lounges will include locally inspired dining, premium amenities and design features found in Chase Sapphire Lounges.
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic Hospitality that Customers value,” said Southwest Airlines EVP and Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach. “Our lounges will be a natural extension of that experience, offering customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way.”
The first four locations will bring the concept to a mix of business and leisure markets across Southwest’s network. Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville all have a significant Southwest presence and will give the airline an opportunity to introduce the lounge experience across different parts of its network.
The partnership builds on Southwest and Chase’s 30-year relationship. The companies already work together on Rapid Rewards credit cards, and the new lounges will extend that partnership into the airport experience.
The move marks a significant change for Southwest, which has never operated its own airport lounges. The lounges come as Southwest continues making some of the biggest changes to its passenger experience in decades. The airline has introduced assigned seating, extra-legroom seats and a new boarding process, while also expanding inflight connectivity with free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members. The lounges will extend those changes to the airport, giving Southwest its first dedicated premium spaces on the ground.
“Our lounges will … [offer] customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way.”
– Tony Roach, Southwest Airlines
Southwest Plans at Least 11 Lounges
Southwest plans to grow beyond the initial four locations, with at least seven additional lounges planned over the next several years. The airline has not yet announced where those lounges will open or provided a timeline for each location.
A new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase will launch in 2027 and include access to the lounges. Southwest has not yet announced the card’s annual fee, additional benefits or full access rules.
The airline also has not confirmed whether Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, Priority Pass members or other passengers will be able to enter the lounges.
The new card gives Southwest another way to connect its lounge strategy with Rapid Rewards and its co-branded credit card business. It also follows a broader industry trend of airlines using premium credit cards to provide lounge access and add benefits for frequent travelers.
Southwest and Chase will work together on the lounge design and amenities, while the spaces will still reflect Southwest’s own brand and customer experience.