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Southwest is a radically different airline than it was a few years ago. The former low-cost carrier has added seat assignments and checked bag fees, a major departure from its old way of doing business.
Now, Southwest just unveiled plans to open “at least” 11 lounges across the United States. The biggest surprise? They're partnering with Chase to build them out.
Let's dig into all the new details.
Southwest Airlines Announces First Four Lounges
According to today's Southwest press release, construction has already begun on its first four lounges to be located in:
- Austin (AUS)
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Honolulu (HNL)
- Nashville (BNA)
Southwest expects “first guests are expected to be welcomed in late 2027” — although it's unclear if all four lounges will open by the end of 2027 or just the first one.
These first four lounges will be followed by “at least seven more,” but Southwest has not yet listed which airports will host them. Each lounge will feature “sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits,” and be a part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
We already knew one of these lounges was in the works. In November 2025, we first reported on interesting planning documents in 2025 leaked from Honolulu airport (HNL) that suggested a two-story lounge in the works.
Related: Southwest
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 3,000 anniversary points each year.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
- Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Member FDIC
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases
- 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases
How to Access the Southwest Lounges
In the press release, the only mention of access to these lounges was through a “new, premium Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card issued by Chase” that will launch sometime in 2027. That's no surprise, as every airline is vying for more premium credit cardholders as part of its broader business strategy.
Since the press release mentions the “Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network,” Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees) and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees) may offer access when flying Southwest, similar to how American Express Platinum Card® gives Delta flyers access to Sky Clubs.
There could even be reciprocal access to Sapphire Lounges, especially now that Priority Pass members are no longer allowed access.
What Are the Implications of Southwest Building Airport Lounges?
As we know at AwardWallet, credit card products are the most important part of the program today; Jordan agrees. He mentioned the importance of airport lounge access for credit card holders on a recent earnings call.
Southwest has long been known as a low-cost carrier. Still, with the introduction of new, upgradeable onboard products, international airline partnerships, and now lounges, it's clear the airline is trying to attract higher-end customers.
Lounges are a core benefit of some of the highest-end travel credit cards available. Launching a compelling credit card product will require lounges across the U.S. to fill that customer need.
If we were to guess, Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Denver (DEN) may be on the shortlist for future lounges.
Honolulu is an interesting first pick for Southwest, but it shows how crucial the state has become to its overall strategy. Southwest only began flying to Hawaii in 2019. Since then, we've seen a merger of Hawaii's own Hawaiian Airlines with Alaska Airlines.
Nearly 10 million visitors visit the islands each year. Adding a lounge as a premium option for visitors returning home on Southwest Airlines may help the airline compete better against other mainline carriers.
Related: Upgrade Your Travel Experience: Best Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access
Bottom Line
Southwest Airlines is finally building an airport lounge network, something that would have been unheard of less than five years ago. The airline is now trying to compete more aggressively than in years past, with a total airline makeover that shocked loyal customers.
Will lounges help the airline win more customers, or, more likely, more credit card sign-ups? We'll have to see when the lounges open and what new credit card products Southwest has planned for the future.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (Rates & Fees)
