Southwest Airlines plans first airport lounges, targeting late 2027

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced plans to build its first airport lounge network, with construction underway at four locations and at least seven more planned in the years ahead.

The first four lounges are being built at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, and Nashville International Airport. The company expects to welcome the first guests at these locations in late 2027.

Southwest is partnering with Chase on the lounge network, which the airline said will draw on the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. Each location is expected to feature locally-inspired dining and travel amenities.

Access to the lounges will be tied to a new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, which is also slated to launch in 2027.

Tony Roach, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement: "The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase."

The company said the four initial lounges are part of a broader expansion across its network, with at least seven additional locations planned for high-demand business and leisure markets over the next several years. Specific airports for those future locations were not disclosed.

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