Southwest Airlines Announces First Four Lounge Locations

Southwest Airlines confirmed on Wednesday the first four airports that will receive its inaugural premium airport lounges. The lounges are scheduled to open in late 2027, according to the airline's announcement reported by Paddleyourownkanoo.com.

Construction has already begun at the initial locations. The airline selected Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport, and Nashville International Airport for its first phase.

A Network Driven by Credit Cards

The report suggests the lounge network is primarily a tool to support a new, more expensive credit card. Southwest currently partners with Chase on its co-branded cards, and the lounges are part of a new 'premium' Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card deal. The source states, "Reading between the lines, the new lounge network isn’t so much about rewarding Southwest’s most frequent of frequent flyers, but rather providing a reason for people to spend hundreds of dollars on an annual fee."

Southwest's current top-tier card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card, carries a $229 annual fee. In contrast, Delta charges $650 for its Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, which includes lounge visits. Southwest's own customer surveys are reportedly testing interest in a card with a $650 annual fee.

Lounge Access and Expanded Plans

Access to the new Southwest lounges will be exclusive to holders of the premium credit card. While the initial network is small, there is talk the card may also include Priority Pass lounge access. The airline has revealed few details about the lounge amenities, only promising "sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits."

These four airports are just the start. Southwest has already identified seven more airports in high-demand business and leisure markets for future lounge expansion, though specific locations remain undisclosed.

The Competitive Landscape

The move is seen as a way for Southwest to earn more from its partnership with Chase. Customer acquisitions for Southwest's credit cards are up 28%, but the airline reportedly needs a compelling product to justify higher fees. Chase operates its own growing network of Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club, with eight locations across the United States.

The new premium card is expected to bundle benefits that were once standard on Southwest flights, such as a free checked bag, complimentary seat assignment, seat upgrades, and boarding benefits. These perks were scaled back after activist investor Elliot pushed through changes to the airline's business strategy.

Southwest's lounge rollout begins a new chapter for the carrier, which has historically operated without such premium airport spaces.