Southwest Airlines to Open First Airport Lounges

Southwest Airlines is entering the airport lounge market with plans to open its first network of lounges, the company announced Wednesday. Construction has begun on the initial four locations in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, with an expected opening in late 2027.

The airline intends to expand the network to at least seven additional locations in subsequent years, targeting markets with high business and leisure travel demand. Specific airports for these future lounges have not yet been disclosed.

This move represents a significant departure for Southwest, an airline that has historically differentiated itself by eschewing many premium services offered by larger competitors. The lounges are being developed in partnership with Chase, leveraging the bank's experience with its Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.

The new lounges aim to blend Southwest's informal hospitality with upscale amenities, including locally inspired food and sophisticated design. Access will be granted through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, co-branded with Chase and slated for a 2027 release. Details regarding the card's annual fee and additional benefits remain undisclosed.