Southwest Airlines has unveiled plans for its first airport lounge network, with locations set to open in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville, and at least seven more planned across the airline’s system in the coming years.
The lounges are being developed in partnership with Chase, combining Southwest’s hospitality with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. Each location will feature locally inspired dining, design and amenities plus travel benefits currently offered through the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, according to Southwest.
Construction has begun on the first four lounges, at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Nashville International Airport. Southwest said it expects to welcome its first guests to these locations in late 2027.
Access to the lounge network will be tied to a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, set to launch in 2027.
Tony Roach, executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines, said the lounge network builds on the airline’s brand reputation for hospitality. “Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic hospitality that customers value. 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,” he stated. “The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
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