Southwest reveals first airport lounges in four cities, with more planned

Southwest Airlines has officially unveiled where it will open its first airport lounges, ending months of speculation about the carrier's move into premium airport spaces.

The airline announced Wednesday that initial lounge locations will be in Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Honolulu; and Nashville, Tennessee. Construction is already underway at those airports, with openings expected in late 2027.

Southwest is teaming up with Chase on the project, aiming to tie into the company's existing Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network. An airline executive described the lounges as a natural extension of the Southwest experience and a strategic investment in its Rapid Rewards program, deepening a 30-year relationship with Chase.

Access will come through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card issued by Chase, set to launch next year. No pricing details were shared.

The airline says it plans to add seven more lounges over the next several years, targeting high-demand business and leisure markets.

This move follows months of hints from CEO Bob Jordan, who told CNBC in December that the airline was actively pursuing a lounge network and called it a huge potential benefit for customers.

Southwest's announcement arrives as other carriers and credit card companies have been expanding their own lounge offerings to attract big spenders. The airline, which carries more domestic passengers than any other, has recently shifted its model by introducing assigned seating and bag fees amid pressure from an activist investor.