Southwest to Open First Airport Lounges in 2027 With JPMorgan Card

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โดย The Wall Street Journal·

Summary · why it matters

Southwest Airlines disclosed plans on September 2 to open its first-ever airport lounges, partnering with JPMorgan Chase on a new premium co-branded credit card launching in 2027 that will provide access. The first four lounges will open at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville airports in late 2027, part of a longer-term plan for a network of at least 11 locations. The move continues Southwest's shift away from its historic no-frills model of free bags, open seating, and a single cabin, having already introduced assigned and tiered seating and bag fees for most passengers. CEO Bob Jordan has separately signaled Southwest could eventually add cabin options including true first class and long-haul international flying, though he described those as still just ideas. The transformation continues under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management following weaker post-pandemic margins and comes as rising fuel costs from the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict squeeze industry-wide airline margins.