For the first time in Southwest’s history, the airline will have its own lounge for passengers.
Scheduled to open in late 2027, Southwest Airlines said in a release Wednesday that the first four new lounges will be located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport and Nashville International Airport. The company will partner with banking brand Chase to “create a premium and welcoming airport experience.”
“Our lounges are a natural extension of that experience, giving our customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in new ways,” Tony Roach, Southwest Airlines executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, said in a release.
The company says it plans to open at least seven more lounges in the next few years.
Travelers will be able to access the lounge by getting the new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card from Chase, which will be available next year. Passengers can expect the same design, dining, travel benefits and amenities currently offered in the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge network, the airline said.
The announcement comes as Southwest Airlines has undergone several years of turbulent changes following an activist investor campaign to boost its profitability. Recent changes include eliminating both open-seat boarding and the airline’s “carry-on bag free” policy that distinguishes Southwest Airlines from other airlines.
