Southwest Reveals New Icon Lounge and Design Details

Southwest Airlines plans to open its first airport lounges in late 2027, and we now have a name for them: Southwest Icon Lounge. The first 4 Icon Lounges will open in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, each featuring a golden-hour-inspired bar and a locally inspired space, from a botanical garden room to a country-western space. A new premium Southwest credit card from Chase will provide lounge access.

Southwest Icon Lounges Debut in 2027

The Southwest Icon Lounge network will have at least 11 locations, with the first 4 lounges under construction and expected to open in late 2027. The initial slate is planned for:

• Austin (AUS), Texas
• Baltimore (BWI), Maryland
• Honolulu (HNL), Hawaii
• Nashville (BNA), Tennessee

Southwest plans to add at least 7 more locations.

Each Lounge Will Feature Locally Inspired Design

All of the lounges will have a golden-hour-inspired bar but feature a room or space inspired by the destination.

The Icon Lounge at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is inspired by a local conservatory and botanical garden, featuring lush greenery and filtered natural light for a relaxed setting to have a drink and watch planes take off.

At Nashville International Airport, the Icon Lounge will take a refined country-western approach. The lounge will use elements such as walnut, leather, and amber glass and lighting.

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A look at the refined but rustic Nashville lounge design.

“We didn’t necessarily want to bring in a honky-tonk, because that wasn’t premium enough for the lounge setting,” Jordan Womack, senior product strategy consultant with Southwest Airlines, told Upgraded Points.

Icon Lounge Amenities

Southwest hasn’t confirmed the full amenity details yet, but the expected features include:

• A full-service bar
• Food, including hot food
• Spaces intended to serve different types of travelers

The airline hasn’t yet confirmed whether lounges will feature dedicated workspaces, phone rooms, family areas, showers, or other specialized amenities.

Accessing Southwest Icon Lounges

One way to access Southwest Icon Lounge locations has been confirmed: a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card from Chase launching in 2027.

Southwest says that it plans additional ways to access the lounges but isn’t ready to reveal those details yet.

We don’t yet know whether:

• Cardholders will receive guest privileges.
• Authorized users will get lounge access.
• Travelers will be able to buy lounge access.
• Elite status will include lounge entry.

Southwest Icon Lounges Support a More Premium Travel Experience

The lounge network is part of a broader push toward elevated travel experiences at Southwest: assigned seating, Extra Legroom seats, and now a premium credit card and lounge network arriving in 2027.

Southwest executives said they aim to raise the bar on the Southwest experience while retaining the service and personality the airline is known for.

Final Thoughts

Four Southwest Icon Lounges will open in late 2027, starting in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, with at least 7 more to follow. We don’t yet know access details beyond the premium credit card, where the next locations will be, or the full amenity list.