- Southwest Airlines has announced its first airport lounge network
- Four lounges will open in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville in late 2027
- The lounges are built in collaboration with Chase
- Seven additional lounges are planned in high-demand markets
- A new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card will provide lounge access
Southwest Airlines, the airline on which Ryanair famously based its business model, has announced its first-ever airport lounge network, with construction beginning on the first four locations projected to open in late 2027. The inaugural lounges will be located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Nashville International Airport. The spaces are built in collaboration with Chase and modelled after elements of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
Southwest plans to launch at least seven additional lounges in high-demand business and leisure markets following the first wave, with access requiring a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase launching in 2027. The move marks a significant expansion of the carrier’s customer experience offerings beyond its traditional model, responding to demand for premium airport facilities.
The lounge network represents a strategic shift for Southwest as it continues to evolve its product offering, with the carrier having recently made changes to assigned seating and premium offerings. The partnership with Chase leverages the financial institution’s existing lounge infrastructure and expertise in premium travel experiences. The lounges will provide Southwest passengers with enhanced pre-flight amenities and comfort.
Southwest shared “Construction has begun on the first four Southwest lounges, with first guests expected to be welcomed in late 2027.”
Chase shared “Our partnership with Southwest will offer premium cardholders access to an expanding network of airport lounges.”
Related posts:
Alaska Airlines reveals Seattle routes to Athens and Paris for summer 2027
ERAA general assembly to bring aviation leaders to Belfast in October
Wizz Air record growth continues as it plans 10th Romanian base at Brașov
i6 Group signs partner to deploy eHandshake digital refuelling platform across operations
