Southwest to open 11 Icon Lounges from late 2027

Southwest Airlines plans to open 11 airport lounges, branded Southwest Icon Lounges, with the first due in late 2027, according to The Points Guy. The move is a first for a carrier that has never offered lounges, and it will matter most to frequent flyers weighing Southwest Airlines against rivals.

Locations and name

The Points Guy reports that Southwest has confirmed lounges at four of its biggest bases: Austin (AUS), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Nashville (BNA) and Honolulu (HNL). The first are expected to open in late 2027, and Nashville will be among the earliest. It will sit on the mezzanine level of the airport's main atrium.

The airline has also committed to seven further lounges over the next several years but has not said where they will be. The name nods to "icons" of the company's history, most notably co-founder Herb Kelleher, according to the airline. It follows Delta's Sky Clubs and American's Admirals Clubs.

How access will work

Access will mainly come through a new premium credit card, which Southwest plans to launch with Chase. The Points Guy says details, including the annual fee, are expected in 2027. Southwest has shown only the card's design so far.

Southwest's top consumer card currently carries a $229 annual fee, and The Points Guy expects the new one to cost well above that. It notes that recent premium cards with lounge perks from JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have annual fees of $395 to $499, though the benefits will probably differ.

Southwest has not announced any other route in, such as access through elite status or premium cabins. According to the report, executives say the Companion Pass will likely remain the central perk of the new "Platinum" tier.

What the lounges will offer

Southwest showed a rendering of the Nashville bar at a media event. It described a "golden hour" look with local design touches, such as an arboretum-inspired corner at BWI and a music theme in Nashville. It also teased locally inspired food and drink and a mix of sitting, working and relaxing areas. Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards, told TPG the lounges would have "a premium feel" with "warm Southwest hospitality".

What this means for travellers

• Lounges will not open until late 2027, so nothing changes immediately.
• Access is expected to depend on holding the new Chase-backed card. Fee and benefits are unknown until 2027.
• Status holders should not assume entry. No status-based access has been announced.
• Travellers using Austin, Baltimore, Nashville or Honolulu are likely to see the first lounges. The other seven locations are unconfirmed.
• Opening dates beyond "late 2027" and any day-pass or paid entry options have not been disclosed.

The lounges follow other changes at Southwest, including assigned seating, an extra-legroom section and a loyalty overhaul due in 2027, according to The Points Guy. Compared with Delta and American, which already run extensive lounge networks, Southwest will start small.

Sources: The Points Guy