Southwest Airlines recently announced the launch of its first airport lounges. Expected to open in the Fall of 2027, the first four lounges will be located in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport and Nashville International Airport. The airline will partner with the financial brand Chase to “create a premium and welcoming airport experience.”

“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,” said Tony Roach, executive vice president, chief customer & brand officer at Southwest Airlines, in the release.

At least seven more lounges are planned to open in the next several years, the airline said.

Flyers can access to the lounges by obtaining a new, premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, launching in 2027. Travelers can expect the sort of design, dining, travel benefits and amenities that are currently available in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, the airline said.

As I have gotten older, access to airport lounges has become more of a priority. For a number of years, I had a credit card that offered free use of hundreds of lounges worldwide. But alas that perk disappeared. Since then, I’ve often purchased day passes to airline branded and private lounges with mixed results. Lately, the lounge amenities seem to be thinner, while the lounges are noticeably more crowded.