Southwest Airlines is rolling out its first airport lounges

Southwest Airlines will open its first airport lounges in late 2027, marking a major shift for the Dallas-based carrier. The initial four lounges are planned for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, and Nashville International Airport. Southwest said it will partner with Chase to create a “premium” lounge experience. Access will come through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card launching next year, positioning the amenities alongside Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network offerings. At least seven additional lounges are expected to debut over the following years, as Southwest continues post-activist-investor changes including ending open-seat boarding and the “bags fly free” policy.