It's official! Southwest's newest perk will be airport lounges

It's official! Southwest's newest perk will be airport loungesSept. 02, 2026•3 min readIt's official! Southwest's newest perk will be airport loungesThe cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Lounges are officially coming to Southwest Airlines.Construction is already underway on four locations, with outposts in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville expected to open late next year.And there are more on the way.More from TPG: When to buy holiday, spring break and summer flights for the best fares in 2026-27"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," the carrier said in a Wednesday statement.Southwest Airlines plane. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYNews of Southwest's lounges comes without much surprise, as CEO Bob Jordan and other executives have openly discussed the possibility for more than a year.Still, Wednesday's confirmation of those plans represents another milestone in a radical transformation of what was once the largest no-frills carrier in the U.S.More: The true Southwest Airlines reboot is almost here — and it may be just the beginningSouthwest still doesn't offer all the same amenities as full-service rivals American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, but its makeover during recent years has been dramatic.Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.Once known for open seating in an all-economy cabin, Southwest now offers assigned seats and has added extra-legroom sections for customers willing to pay for extra space.Southwest Airlines extra-legroom seat. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYAlso gone is the airline's "Bags Fly Free" mantra — once a seemingly unshakeable pillar of Southwest's brand identity. That ended last year when the carrier began charging for checked luggage, though there are exemptions for elite frequent flyers, customers traveling in more expensive fare classes and for Southwest credit card holders.Speaking of credit cards, Southwest says that's how customers will be able to enter its lounges. Access will be granted via "a new, premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase" that will debut next year.'The Day Southwest Died': Reactions pour in about the carrier's big changesThat comes as cobranded airline credit cards have become increasingly important revenue drivers for all U.S. airlines. A number of carriers have begun pushing more customers to apply for their credit cards by offering perks such as discounted award tickets, preferential boarding and waivers for certain fees.By tying lounge access to its credit card, Southwest joins that list — another step in a transformation that makes it more similar to the full-service legacy carriers it used to be proudly different from.Related reading:Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid RewardsThe best Southwest Airlines credit cardsHow to quickly earn the Southwest Companion PassSouthwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn itMaximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flightsThe best credit cards to reach elite statusHow to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flightFeatured image by SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.