Southwest Airlines to Launch First-Ever Airport Lounges in Four U.S. Cities Next Year

Southwest Airlines, for the first time in its history, is bringing airport lounges to at least four airports, with plans for a total network of 11 not far behind.

The airline, which at one point was the poster child for a burgeoning class of low-cost carriers, announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with Chase to launch lounges in 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). Those lounges are expected to open in late 2027.

Southwest also said Wednesday that it expects “at least seven more” lounges to open over the next several years in its higher-demand business and leisure markets.

As part of the rollout, Southwest will launch a new premium Rapid Rewards Credit Card by Chase in 2027, which will grant cardholders access to the 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, executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines.

Since 2024, for better or worse, Southwest has transformed itself from a low-cost carrier known for open seating and free checked bags into an airline focused on premium and long-haul travelers. Open seating ended in 2026, and its free checked bag policy followed soon thereafter.

Since then, it has added longer-haul flights, including nonstop service to Hawaii, assigned and premium seating, interline agreements with some major international carriers, and now, airport lounges.

The lounges were one of the last major difference between Southwest and other major legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American. The cities Southwest chose, like Austin and Nashville, are ones where credit card lounge networks and legacy airline clubs are actively vying for market share.