Southwest to open first-ever airport lounges in premium push

Southwest Airlines on Wednesday unveiled plans to debut its first-ever network of airport lounges, with work underway on the first lounges due to open in late 2027.

The airline announced that four Southwest lounges will open in late 2027, with those locations including Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville.

Southwest’s announcement also included the news that it will partner with Chase to build off the financial service provider’s Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, offering dining options, amenities and travel benefits through the network.

DELTA, SOUTHWEST HIKE CHECKED BAG FEES AS AIRLINES FACE SURGING FUEL COSTS

“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, EVP and chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines.

“The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase,” Roach added.

RETIRING SPIRIT PILOT WHOSE FINAL FLIGHT WAS CANCELED GETS TRIBUTE FROM COMPETITOR AIRLINE

Customers will be able to access Southwest’s lounge network with a new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase that is planned to launch in 2027.

Southwest Airlines said in the announcement that the first four lounge locations that are set to come online next year represent the “beginning of a border footprint across the Southwest system, with at least seven more lounges planned to open over the next several years across high-demand business and leisure networks.”

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES OFFICIALLY ENDS LONGSTANDING OPEN-SEATING MODEL, BEGINS PLUS-SIZE PRICING CHANGE

In September last year, Southwest Airlines indicated that it was exploring the creation of a network of premium airport lounges that would boost the airline’s loyalty revenue, according to a Reuters report at the time.

Data from a J.D. Power study released in December 2025 showed that about 47% of lounge users plan their routes based on access to lounges, while 82% choose airlines based on whether they offer lounge access.

FOX Business’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.