Southwest Airlines on Wednesday unveiled details of its long-rumored airport lounge network, announcing that the first four locations will open in Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Honolulu; and Nashville, Tennessee. The carrier said construction is already underway at those airports, with openings expected in late 2027.
The airline is partnering with Chase on the initiative, aiming to build on the bank’s existing Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. Southwest framed the lounges as a way to deepen its relationship with frequent flyers and expand its Rapid Rewards program.
A premium card and a strategic bet on loyalty
Access to the lounges will be tied to a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase, which is slated to launch next year. Southwest did not disclose pricing or other card details. The airline said it plans to open seven additional lounges over the following several years in what it described as “high-demand business and leisure markets.”
Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president, said in a statement that the lounges would give customers “a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way,” calling the lounge network “a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards” that builds on the company’s three-decade partnership with Chase.
CEO Bob Jordan has been teasing lounge plans for months. In a CNBC interview in December, he said the airline was “actively pursuing” the possibility and called lounges “a huge, next benefit for our customers.”
Industrywide lounge race heats up
Southwest’s move comes as rivals from Delta Air Lines to JetBlue Airways, along with credit card giants American Express, Capital One, and Chase, have been expanding their airport lounge offerings to attract and retain premium travelers. Lounges have become a key battleground for high-spending customers, and Southwest is the latest carrier to join the fray.
The announcement is the latest step in a sweeping transformation for Southwest, the largest domestic carrier by passenger volume. Over the past 18 months, the airline has abandoned its trademark open seating in favor of assigned seats and has begun charging customers for checked bags, part of an effort to boost revenue amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.
The carrier said it expects the initial four lounges to open in late 2027, with additional locations to follow. Further details on lounge amenities and membership terms have not yet been released.
Source: www.cnbc.com — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/02/southwest-airport-lounges.html
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