What happened
Southwest announced airport lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville for late 2027, the carrier's first lounge network, with access confirmed only for a new premium Rapid Rewards card Chase will issue in 2027. Construction is under way. At least seven further lounges are slated for busy airports after that.
Collinson Group's Airport Dimensions will operate the lounges. Chase will not operate them. Southwest described dining and amenities in the style of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, mixed with the airline's own hospitality. The airline has not said whether Rapid Rewards elites or Companion Pass holders will get in, or whether any fares will include access.
Southwest framed the project as an investment in Rapid Rewards and the Chase partnership. Watch the 2027 card terms and any later rules on elite or fare-based entry.
- Announced
- Sep 2, 2026
- Numbers
- late 2027 timeframe: expected first lounge openings
- 2027 year: premium Southwest Chase card launch
- Where
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Takeaway
- Nothing to book or register for yet; watch 2027 card details and any later elite or fare-based access rules.