Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced plans for its first-ever lounge network, confirming months of rumors the Dallas carrier was eyeing the new offering as it continues its major business transformation.
Construction has begun on lounges at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Nashville International Airport. The first lounge guests are expected to be welcomed in late 2027, Southwest, the dominant carrier at Love Field, said.
Southwest will launch a new premium credit card with Chase next year that will give customers access to lounges. The airline said it has plans for “at least seven” more lounges it plans to open in the next several years “across high-demand business and leisure markets.”
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic hospitality that customers value,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president, chief customer and brand officer, said in a statement. “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. The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”