Southwest Airlines Sets Timeline for First-Ever Airport Lounges

Southwest Airlines is going where Southwest Airlines has never gone before—the airport lounge.

The airline, once known for its no-frills business model, has been rapidly undergoing a facelift in recent years. After ditching its unique open-seating model and its two free checked bags policy, the airline announced it will be making a splash with its first-ever airport lounges beginning in 2027.

Southwest Airlines announced a partnership with Chase—known for their luxury Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounges—to create a premium and welcoming airport experience, the company announced on Wednesday, September 2.

Construction in underway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport, and Nashville International Airport, with grand openings slated for late 2027. Seven other airport lounges are planned for opening over the next several years.

"Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel1 by delivering authentic Hospitality that Customers value. 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," Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, said on Wednesday. "The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase."

Travelers will need to obtain a premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card issued by Chase in order to gain access to the upcoming lounges. The new credit card is set to debut in 2027.

This story was originally published by Parade on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.