Southwest Confirms Lounge Network With Initial Four Airports

Southwest Airlines has confirmed it will launch a network of airport lounges. The first four locations are Austin, Baltimore/Washington International, Honolulu, and Nashville, all expected to open in late 2027.

Seven more airports are planned, with lounges opening over the next several years.

Access will be tied to a soon-to-be-launched premium Southwest co-branded credit card with Chase. The card will be introduced before the lounges open. Chase is a development partner. The lounges will draw on design and amenity elements from the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, though the airline has not said the lounges will be operated by Chase.

The move follows JetBlue's earlier entry into premium lounges. Unlike JetBlue, Southwest does not offer a premium cabin on board.