Southwest Airlines has undergone a major transformation in recent times. The company has started charging for checked bags, introduced assigned and extra legroom seating, etc. It’s not stopping there, though.
In early September 2026, the Dallas-based carrier formally revealed plans to launch an airport lounge network, with the first locations expected to open before the end of 2027, and for them to be run in partnership with Chase.
There’s now an additional detail — the airline has revealed the name of its lounge network, and has also released the first rendering. This revelation comes as part of a larger Rapid Rewards overhaul announcement, which I’ll cover in a separate post.
Southwest airport lounges opening as of late 2027
Southwest Airlines has unveiled plans for its first-ever airport lounge network, marking a new chapter for the Southwest travel experience.
The airline is “partnering with Chase to bring together Southwest’s signature Hospitality and the success of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network to create a premium and welcoming airport experience.”
As it’s described, “the lounges will combine premium amenities, thoughtful and local design, and the warmth of Southwest’s culture to create distinctive spaces where Customers can relax, get work done, or simply enjoy the lounge before they travel.”
We’ve now also learned the name of the lounge network, as they’ll be known as Southwest Icon Lounges, intended to “celebrate Southwest’s 55-year legacy — from Herb Kelleher’s people-first philosophy to the Customers and Employees who continue to shape its story.”
Construction has already started on the first four lounge locations, which are expected to open in late 2027. These locations include:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
The airline claims this is only the beginning of a broader lounge 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 markets. While they haven’t been officially announced, we have reason to believe that work is underway for Southwest lounge locations to open in Dallas (DAL), Denver (DEN), Orlando (MCO), and Washington (DCA).
Below is the first rendering of a Southwest Icon Lounge, specifically, of the location in Nashville. I must say, that looks mighty elegant! These won’t just be break rooms with packaged peanuts.
Here’s what Tony Roach, Southwest’s Chief Customer & Brand Officer, had to say about the lounge network:
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel1 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. The introduction of a lounge network represents a strategic investment in Rapid Rewards and deepens our 30-year partnership with Chase.”
Who will have access to Southwest airport lounges?
Southwest seems to be finding success just increasingly matching the competition, rather than trying to differentiate itself. So it’s also not surprising to see the airline open a lounge network, especially as part of a larger credit card strategy.
So, who will be able to access these lounges? As of now, all we know is that a new, premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card will launch in 2027, and that will provide access to the new Southwest lounge network. So it sounds like Southwest lounges won’t generally be open to Priority Pass members, though who knows how things will evolve.
I do think it’s interesting how there’s mention of the excellent Chase Sapphire Lounge network. I can’t help but wonder if we also see those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve get access to Southwest’s lounge network, with this essentially becoming an extension of the Sapphire Lounge network. Or maybe we’ll see a new spending requirement added to the Sapphire Reserve to get access to these lounges?
Conversely, could this premium credit card also offer access to Chase Sapphire Lounges? This is all speculation at this point, but I think there could be something creative here. That’s especially true when you consider Southwest also has a presence at several airports with Chase Sapphire Lounges, and I can’t imagine they’ll want to replicate networks.
Bottom line
Southwest Airlines plans to open airport lounges as of late 2027, and they’ll be known as Southwest Icon Lounges. These lounges will be accessible via a new premium credit card, which will also launch in 2027.
The airline plans to open at least 11 lounges, and the first four locations have been revealed, and will be in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. Beyond that, we have very few details, so we’ll still have to mark this as “developing.”
What do you make of Southwest’s plans to open lounges?
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