Southwest Airlines Launches Airport Lounges, Tied to New Credit Card

Southwest Airlines has confirmed that airport lounges will open at four airports—Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville—by late next year, with construction already underway. The carrier plans at least seven additional lounges in high‑demand business and leisure markets over the coming years, according to a Wednesday statement. The move follows a broader overhaul that saw the airline add assigned seating, extra‑legroom options, and end its long‑running “Bags Fly Free” policy, now charging for checked luggage except for elite members and cardholders. Lounge access will be granted through a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, slated for launch next year. This strategy aligns Southwest more closely with legacy carriers and taps a growing revenue stream from co‑branded cards.