Southwest Plans Its First Airport Lounges

Southwest is building its first four airport lounges, with at least seven more planned over the next several years.

• First locations: Austin, Baltimore (BWI), Honolulu and Nashville.
• Construction: has begun at all four.
• First guests: expected in late 2027.

A new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase is planned to launch in 2027 and will provide access to the lounge network. The card's exact launch date, name and fee haven't been announced, and the full access rules are still to come.

There is nothing to act on yet, and this is not a reason to open, keep or cancel any card. Come back to it when the card terms are published.