After 59 Years, Southwest Airlines Is Opening Its First Airport Lounges. Access Comes With 1 Big Catch
The airline’s continued 30-year partnership with Chase signals a major push into premium travel perks.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 taxiing on a runway. Photo:
Southwest Airlines is making a major change.
On Wednesday, the carrier announced that it is launching its first-ever airport lounge network, which will debut in four different cities across the U.S.
The company will open its lounges in late 2027 in partnership with Chase.
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic Hospitality that Customers value,” said Tony Roach, executive vice president and chief customer & brand officer at Southwest Airlines, in a statement. “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.”
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The announcement noted that the collaboration with Chase
The announcement noted that the collaboration with Chase to create Southwest’s lounges maintains its 30-year-long partnership between both businesses.
Who will be able to access the Southwest lounges?
Customers will only be able to access the new spaces through the new, premium Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card issued by Chase, which is set to launch in 2027.
Southwest has confirmed that construction has begun on the first four lounges in preparation for the launch. These locations include:
Source: www.inc.com
