Southwest Airlines unveiled plans on Wednesday to launch its first-ever network of airport lounges, with work already underway on the initial locations, which are due to open in late 2027.

The airline said four Southwest lounges will open in late 2027 in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville.

Southwest will also partner with Chase, building on the financial services provider's Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network to offer dining options, amenities, and travel benefits through the network.

"Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic hospitality that customers value. 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," said Tony Roach, EVP and chief customer and brand officer at Southwest Airlines.

"The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase," Roach added.

Customers will be able to access the lounge network with a new Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card issued by Chase, which is planned to launch in 2027.

According to the announcement, the first four lounge locations represent the "beginning of a border footprint across the Southwest system, with at least seven more lounges planned to open over the next several years across high-demand business and leisure networks."

The lounge push marks a notable shift for a carrier long known for a single-cabin, no-frills model. Legacy rivals Delta, United, and American have long operated extensive lounge networks tied to premium cabins and co-branded credit cards, and Southwest's move brings it closer to that playbook as it rolls out previously announced changes such as assigned seating and the end of its open-seating model.

The move follows earlier signals from the carrier. In September of last year, Southwest indicated it was exploring the creation of a premium airport lounge network that would boost the airline's loyalty revenue, according to a Reuters report at the time.

Demand for lounge access appears substantial among travelers. Data from a J.D. Power study released in December 2025 showed that about 47% of lounge users plan their routes based on access to lounges, while 82% choose airlines based on whether they offer lounge access.

Related coverage: Delta, Southwest hike checked bag fees as airlines face surging fuel costs, Retiring Spirit pilot whose final flight was canceled gets tribute from competitor airline, Southwest Airlines officially ends longstanding open-seating model, begins plus-size pricing change

FOX Business' Sophia Compton contributed to this report.