Southwest Airlines to Launch Icon Lounges in 2027

Southwest Airlines will open its first Icon lounges at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville in late 2027. The airline has at least eight lounges in the pipeline, with construction already underway at the initial four locations. This move marks Southwest's debut in the premium airport lounge space, a significant shift for the carrier known for its single-class cabin.

Southwest has secured space in six airports for lounges and is evaluating five more. The first four confirmed locations are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, and Nashville International Airport. At least seven additional lounges are planned for the coming years, though specific airports have not been named. The Baltimore lounge will occupy the former public aircraft-viewing gallery.

Lounge design and features

Each Icon lounge will feature locally inspired designs with premium bars and city-specific interiors. The Nashville concept uses a warm palette of copper, bronze, and burgundy with a curved bar, record player, and Music City-themed decor. It will include a mother's room and a children's area with a treehouse and climbing wall.

The Baltimore lounge display featured dense greenery, orchids, and a raven figure. All lounges will offer dining, seating, and family spaces. Southwest has promised locally inspired dining but has not released specific food or beverage menus. The airline's Chief Commercial Officer, Ryan Suri, stated the experience would be very raised and premium while remaining warm and truly Southwest.

Credit card partnership and launch details

Access to the lounges will be through a new premium Southwest credit card issued by Chase, with details to be announced next year. The card is planned for launch in 2027. Southwest's current highest-end consumer card, the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, carries a $229 annual fee. The new card's annual fee and guest policies are not yet known.

Southwest has partnered with Chase, which operates an existing lounge network. The lounges are part of that network. The airline stated the lounges are not designed to have long wait times.

Network expansion and context

The lounge announcement coincided with changes to Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, including a new Platinum elite tier. The airline is also launching 11 new or returning summer 2027 routes focusing on Austin, Nashville, and San Diego. Summer 2027 route operations are scheduled from June 3 to August 2, 2027.

Because all Icon lounges will launch with their newest design, Southwest could potentially have the best average lounge quality among major U.S. airlines. The first guests are anticipated to arrive in late 2027.