Southwest Opens First Airport Lounges in Four Cities Backed by Chase

Southwest Airlines is moving to add its first ever airport lounges, with four lounges under construction for a late-2027 opening in Austin, BWI (Baltimore/Washington), Daniel K. Inouye International (Honolulu), and Nashville. The lounges will be developed in partnership with Chase to deliver a premium airport experience, with access via a forthcoming premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase next year and amenities designed to mirror the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. The carrier also plans at least seven more lounges in the coming years as part of broader changes after recent profitability-focused shifts.