DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) is preparing to launch its first-ever airport lounge network, expanding its customer experience beyond the aircraft and into major airports. The airline is partnering with Chase to develop premium lounges that combine Southwest hospitality with features associated with the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
The first four Southwest lounges are under construction at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL), and Nashville International Airport (BNA). The first guests are expected to enter the lounges in late 2027.
Southwest Begins Its First Lounge Network
Southwest Airlines is making a strategic move into airport lounges as it expands the benefits available to its customers and Rapid Rewards members.
The airline will work with Chase to combine Southwest’s signature Hospitality with elements of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. The planned lounges will feature sophisticated designs, locally inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and travel benefits.
The lounges are intended to extend the Southwest brand beyond the aircraft. The airline said the spaces will provide customers with places to relax while maintaining the warmth and friendliness associated with Southwest.
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, said the lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and builds on the airline’s 30-year partnership with Chase.
Four Airports to Get Southwest Lounges First
Construction has already started at the first four announced locations. Southwest expects the lounges to begin welcoming customers in late 2027.
The initial locations are:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Serving the growing Austin, Texas, market.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Providing access to the airline’s important Baltimore and Washington market.
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL): Expanding the lounge offering at Southwest’s Honolulu gateway.
- Nashville International Airport (BNA): Supporting Southwest’s presence in a major leisure and business market.
These four airports represent the starting point for a broader lounge strategy rather than the complete network.
Southwest Plans More Lounge Locations
Southwest plans to add at least seven more lounges over the next several years.
The additional locations will target high-demand business and leisure markets across the airline’s network. Southwest has not yet provided the specific airports or opening dates for those additional lounges.
The expansion will allow Southwest to extend its lounge offering beyond the four initial markets as the network develops.
New Southwest Chase Card to Provide Access
Southwest will introduce a new premium Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase in 2027.
The card will provide access to the new Southwest lounge network, creating a direct connection between the airline’s loyalty program, its credit-card partnership, and the new airport facilities.
The access benefit is part of Southwest’s broader effort to strengthen Rapid Rewards while giving customers additional reasons to engage with the program.
Chase Partnership Expands Beyond Credit Cards
The lounge project adds another major component to the long-standing relationship between Southwest and Chase.
The two companies have partnered for 30 years, primarily through Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards. The new lounge network expands that relationship into the airport environment.
By combining Southwest’s brand and hospitality with Chase’s experience operating premium lounge facilities, the partnership will create a new type of customer touchpoint for the airline.
Southwest Airlines Network and Customer Base
Southwest Airlines operates across 120 airports in 12 countries and remains one of the largest U.S. airlines by domestic nonstop passenger traffic.
The airline carried more than 134 million customers in 2025 and had more than 73,000 full-time-equivalent active employees as of June 30, 2026.
Southwest began operations in 1971 with a focus on friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The introduction of airport lounges marks a significant expansion of its traditional customer offering while maintaining its focus on hospitality.
The airline said its brand is ranked among America’s most trusted companies in Forbes’ 2026 list of the Most Trusted Companies in America.
What the Lounge Expansion Means
Southwest’s entry into the airport lounge market gives the airline a new way to compete for higher-value customers while strengthening the connection between its airport presence and Rapid Rewards program.
The first four lounges will establish the initial footprint, while at least seven additional locations are planned. The 2027 launch will therefore mark the beginning of a larger airport lounge strategy for Southwest rather than a limited four-airport initiative.
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