In early September, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. unveiled plans for its first airport lounge network, partnering with Chase to offer similar amenities and benefits available in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. Construction is underway on the first four Southwest lounges, expected to open to travelers late next year, which are located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland, Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic hospitality that customers value,” says Tony Roach, the airline’s executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, in a prepared 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. The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
In addition to the four lounges underway, Southwest has plans for at least seven more lounges to open over the next several years at airports in key business and leisure markets. Travelers can access the lounges with the new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, issued by Chase, which will launch next year.
