Southwest Considers Lounges, Projects $1 Billion Boost From Extra Legroom Seats

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said Thursday the carrier is potentially considering opening airport lounges as the carrier looks to make more changes to its business model.

“We're actively looking at continued changes to widen our product offering for our customers, provide additional premium revenue opportunities, and further enhance our Rapid Rewards loyalty program and co-brand economics, including things like premium seating, airport lounges and long-haul international destinations served by Southwest Airlines,” Jordan said during a call with analysts.

Jordan has hinted for months that Southwest has been thinking about lounges and long-haul destinations. Southwest currently has partnerships with Icelandair and Taiwan-based EVA Air. The airline also flies to short-haul international destinations in popular leisure markets like Mexico and the Caribbean.

However, this time around, Jordan said