Southwest is planning to open airport lounges. Will Las Vegas be on the list?
by Richard N. Velotta / Las Vegas Review-Journal · Las Vegas Review-JournalSouthwest Airlines on Wednesday announced plans for its first wave of 11 airport lounges co-branded with Chase bank, but Harry Reid International won’t be among the first airports to get one.
The Dallas-based airline — the busiest commercial air carrier at Reid — gave a strong indication that Las Vegas would be on the list of airports in line for a Southwest lounge in the future, but an airline representative would not confirm whether Reid would get one anytime soon.
In the airline’s Wednesday announcement, Southwest said the first lounges are expected to open by late 2027 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas; Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland; Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu) International Airport in Hawaii; and Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.
Southwest said in the next several years it plans seven more lounges “across high-demand business and leisure markets.”
Reid is the second-busiest Southwest station behind Denver International Airport with more than 260 flights a day to and from more than 70 destinations, qualifying it as both high demand for business travelers to conventions and as a top leisure market.
Southwest is partnering with Chase, which sponsors the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network, which features “sophisticated design, locally inspired dining and high-quality amenities,” according to a Southwest release.
When lounges open next year, admission will be granted to holders of a new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, which also will be introduced in 2027.
“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 and brand officer at Southwest.
“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,” he said. “The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.