Southwest to debut airport lounges in four cities, with more to come

Southwest Airlines is introducing its first-ever network of airport lounges, beginning with locations in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. Construction has started on these four lounges, though passengers will have to wait until late 2027 to access them. Southwest isn't stopping at four; the airline plans at least seven more lounges in high-demand business and leisure markets over the next several years.

This marks a significant shift for an airline that has traditionally shied away from premium perks offered by larger rivals. Southwest is partnering with Chase to develop the new lounges, leveraging the bank's experience with its Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. The lounges aim to blend Southwest's casual hospitality with upscale elements such as locally inspired food, sophisticated design, premium amenities, and travel benefits akin to those found in Chase Sapphire Reserve lounges.

"Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel 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," said Tony Roach, Southwest's executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer.

Access to these lounges will require a new Southwest credit card, which Chase plans to launch in 2027. The card's annual fee and other benefits have not been disclosed yet. This move aligns with Southwest's broader strategy to revamp its customer experience, which includes abandoning open-seating and introducing assigned seating, extra-legroom options, fare structure changes, and loyalty program modifications.

By venturing into the lounge network space, Southwest is entering territory traditionally dominated by legacy carriers like American, Delta, and United. For loyal Southwest customers, the lounges will offer an experience that, until now, would have seemed out of character for the airline – arriving at the airport early with the intention of spending time there.