- Southwest plans to open its first lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville in late 2027.
- Customers will access the lounges through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card that Chase is expected to launch in 2027.
- The airline plans seven additional lounges over the following several years across high-demand business and leisure markets.
- The lounge rollout extends Southwest's broader business-model changes, including assigned seating and checked-bag fees aimed at increasing revenue.
Quotes
“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”
“The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
“I think lounges would be a huge, next benefit for our customers”