Southwest Launches Icon Lounges with Chase Card in 2027

Southwest Airlines is launching a new premium lounge brand called Icon Lounges, with four initial locations opening in late 2027. The airline plans to open nearly a dozen lounges across its network, starting with Austin, Baltimore, Nashville, and Honolulu airports.

Four lounges are under construction with guests expected in late 2027. The confirmed initial lounge locations are Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Nashville International Airport (BNA), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. Seven additional lounges are planned beyond these first four, but the airline has not named the other seven cities.

Premium access via new Chase card

Access to the Icon Lounges will primarily be available through a new premium credit card launching in 2027 in partnership with Chase. The card launch is expected in 2027, and access is expected to depend primarily on the card until other entry rules emerge. Southwest's new card annual fee is expected to be higher than current offerings. The annual fee for the card is currently $229. Specific annual fee details for the credit card have not been disclosed. The airline has not said whether elite status or other means will eventually provide lounge entry.

Competitive context and design features

The lounges will feature locally inspired design elements, food and beverage options, and zones for relaxation and work. Nashville's lounge is planned for the mezzanine level of the airport's main atrium with a music-themed setup. Baltimore's design will include an arboretum-inspired area. Nandika Suri, vice president of Rapid Rewards, stated the lounges will have a premium feel with warm Southwest hospitality. "They are going to be very aspirational. They will have a premium feel, but they will have that warm Southwest hospitality as well," Suri said.

The move positions Southwest against rivals like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines, which already offer lounge access via premium cards with annual fees ranging from $395 to $499. The Icon Lounges are named as a nod to Herb Kelleher, co-founder and longtime executive of Southwest.

Unconfirmed details and future expansion

Southwest has not confirmed additional lounge locations beyond the initial four. No alternative lounge access methods beyond the credit card have been announced. Orlando International Airport is the eighth location in a pipeline of at least 11. Travelers cannot judge whether lounge access will justify the card's price as Southwest has disclosed neither its annual fee nor benefits.

The debut will see the first Icon Lounge open at Nashville's mezzanine level with a music-themed setup in late 2027.