Southwest Airlines’ First-Ever Lounges to Debut in Nashville, Austin, Baltimore and Honolulu; with at Least Seven More Planned
Southwest lounge network represents the latest step in elevating the Customer Experience
DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2026 -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today unveils plans for its first-ever airport lounge network, marking the next chapter of the Southwest Airlines® travel experience.
Southwest is partnering with Chase to bring together Southwest's signature Hospitality and the success of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network℠ to create a premium and welcoming airport experience. Each lounge will combine the warmth and friendliness Customers expect from Southwest with sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits that are offered today in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
"Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel1 by delivering authentic Hospitality that Customers value. Our lounges will be a natural extension of that experience, offering Customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. "The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase."
At which airports will I be able to access Southwest lounges?
Construction has begun on the first four Southwest lounges, and the first guests are expected to be welcomed in late 2027. These locations include:
- Nashville International Airport
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport
The Nashville lounge will be around 30,200 square feet, located post-security in the central lobby, on the Mezzanine level in the BNA® Marketplace. Construction is currently underway.
This is just the beginning of a broader footprint across the Southwest system, with at least seven more lounges planned to open over the next several years across high-demand business and leisure markets.
How do I gain access to the Southwest lounges?
A new, premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card issued by Chase will be launching in 2027 and will provide access to the new Southwest lounge network.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 120 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline2. By empowering its more than 73,0003 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
- As ranked in the Forbes' Most Trusted Companies in America for 2026.
- Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025.
- Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2026.