Southwest Airlines plans to open its first airport lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville, with construction already under way and openings expected in late 2027. The carrier is partnering with Chase to extend the Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network experience and will offer access through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card that Chase is expected to issue, with a launch targeted for 2027. Southwest said it plans seven additional lounges over the next several years in high-demand business and leisure markets. The push is part of a broader business-model overhaul that has included ending open seating and adding checked-bag fees as the airline, the largest U.S. carrier by domestic passengers, seeks higher-spending travelers under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. CEO Bob Jordan has called lounges a major potential customer benefit, aligning Southwest with rivals and card issuers expanding premium airport amenities.