Southwest Airlines Unveils Plans for Its First Airport Lounge Network
Dallas, TX – September 2, 2026 — In a groundbreaking move, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), one of the most well-known budget carriers in America, has announced plans for its inaugural airport lounge network. Construction has already commenced at four key locations: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, and Nashville International Airport (BNA). The first guests are anticipated to be received in late 2027.
Southwest is collaborating with financial behemoth Chase, merging with the well-established Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network℠ to offer a high-end yet accessible airport experience. Each lounge will boast a refined design, locally inspired dining, and top-tier amenities — all enveloped in the signature Southwest hospitality. Access will be linked to a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase, slated for launch in 2027.
The airline, which transports more domestic passengers than any other U.S. carrier, has confirmed that at least seven more lounges are in the pipeline across high-demand business and leisure markets in the upcoming years. This move marks another significant stride in Southwest’s ongoing evolution — which has already seen the termination of open seating and the introduction of checked baggage fees.
Source: CNBC – Southwest to debut airport lounges in four cities, with more to come (Sept. 2, 2026)