Where and when Southwest lounges will open
Southwest confirmed on Sept. 2, 2026 that its first lounges will be at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville. Construction has begun, with the first guests expected in late 2027. At least seven more locations are planned over the following years, but those airports have not been named.
Late 2027 is a window, not a promise that all four lounges open together. Terminals, footprints and individual launch dates are still missing, so travelers should not count on lounge access for trips before an airport-specific opening is confirmed.
| Airport | Code | Confirmed so far |
|---|---|---|
| Austin-Bergstrom | AUS | Initial construction location; expected from late 2027 |
| Baltimore/Washington | BWI | Initial construction location; expected from late 2027 |
| Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu | HNL | Initial construction location; expected from late 2027 |
| Nashville | BNA | Initial construction location; expected from late 2027 |
Which credit card will include Southwest lounge access
Southwest says Chase will launch a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card in 2027 and that the card will provide access to the network. The announcement does not extend lounge access to today's Plus, Premier or Priority cards.
The annual fee, welcome offer, visit allowance, authorized-user policy and guest rules have not been announced. There is no reason to apply for an existing card today solely for these lounges. Wait for the formal application page and benefits guide, then compare the fee with the airports you actually use.
What the Southwest lounges are expected to offer
Southwest currently promises space to relax, work and recharge, plus food and beverages with locally inspired details. The airline is working with Chase and explicitly points to the experience of the existing Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.
That comparison does not guarantee identical dining, showers or family spaces at every location. Until floor plans and amenity lists arrive, treat the concept as a premium waiting area rather than a commitment to any particular feature.
What frequent Southwest flyers should watch
- AUS, BWI, HNL or BNA regulars should count annual visits before valuing the future premium card.
- Travelers with Priority Pass or other lounge access should wait for terminal locations, hours and guest policies before comparing options.
- Welcome-offer applicants should not assign value to unpublished lounge benefits; use the terms available when applying.
- Families should watch the guest and child rules, which may determine whether one premium card is useful at all.
Frequently asked questions
When will Southwest airport lounges open?
The first openings are expected from late 2027. Individual dates for the four airports have not been announced.
Which airports get the first Southwest lounges?
Austin (AUS), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Honolulu (HNL) and Nashville (BNA).
Will current Southwest credit cards include access?
Southwest has only confirmed that a new premium Chase Southwest card launching in 2027 will include access.
Will day passes be available?
Southwest has not announced memberships, day passes, guest access or authorized-user rules.
Sources and verification
What to do now
- Traveling before 2027：Plan around today's lounges and do not count on a facility that has not opened.
- Frequenting the first four airports：Track your annual visits and wait for the card fee and guest policy before assigning value.
- Considering a Southwest card：Use the future Chase application terms rather than applying or switching cards based on incomplete details.
The announcement establishes the cities, broad timing and premium-card access path. The useful value calculation must wait for the annual fee, guest rules, terminal locations and your real visit count.