Southwest Airlines Co. announced plans to establish its first dedicated airport lounge network through a partnership with Chase. The initiative marks a shift from the carrier's traditional low-cost model by introducing premium amenities that were previously unavailable to passengers.
Construction is currently underway for four initial lounges located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, and Nashville International Airport. The airline expects to welcome its first guests to these facilities in late 2027.
The carrier intends to expand the network by opening at least seven additional lounges in subsequent years across various business and leisure markets. Specific details regarding the locations of these future sites have not yet been disclosed.
The new facilities will incorporate design elements and features from the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. Passengers will access the spaces using a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, which is scheduled to launch in 2027. The lounges are designed to offer locally inspired dining options, travel benefits, and other amenities.
Tony Roach, executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines, stated that the lounges represent a natural extension of the company's hospitality focus. He described the spaces as an opportunity for customers to relax and engage with the Southwest brand in a new way.
Southwest operates flights at 120 airports across 12 countries. The airline transported more than 134 million passengers in 2025 and employed over 73,000 full-time equivalent workers as of June 30, 2026.
