Southwest Airlines to open airport lounges in 2027

Southwest Airlines has today unveiled plans for its first-ever airport lounge network, marking a new chapter for the Southwest travel experience. The airline is partnering with Chase to bring together Southwest’s signature Hospitality and the success of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network to create a premium and welcoming airport experience.

Construction has already started on the first four lounge locations, which are expected to open in late 2027. These locations include:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)

The airline claims this is only the beginning of a broader lounge footprint across the Southwest system, with at least seven more lounges planned to open over the next several years across high-demand business and leisure markets. So far, no renderings or additional guest experience details about the lounge network have been released.

Who will have access to Southwest airport lounges?

Access to the lounges will be provided through a new, premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card launching in 2027. Southwest has not indicated that the lounges will be generically open to Priority Pass members. The announcement has led to speculation about whether Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders might get access or if the new Southwest card might grant entry to Chase Sapphire Lounges, but these details remain unconfirmed.

Partnership with Chase and lounge design

The lounge network deepens Southwest's 30-year partnership with Chase. As described, each lounge will combine the warmth and friendliness Customers expect from Southwest with sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits that are offered today in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.

Tony Roach, Southwest’s Chief Customer & Brand Officer, said: “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.”

A shift in strategy

The move is part of a major transformation for Southwest, which has recently started charging for checked bags and introduced assigned and extra legroom seating. Opening a lounge network aligns the carrier more closely with the premium offerings of its competitors and is seen as part of a larger credit card strategy.

The announcement confirms long-standing speculation about Southwest entering the airport lounge business. With the first openings scheduled for late 2027, many specifics regarding access rules and amenities remain to be finalized.