Southwest is opening 11 airport lounges. What you can expect

Southwest Airlines passengers can expect more airport lounges from the carrier over the next several years.

In an earnings call on Oct. 21, the airline said it has plans to expand its debut Southwest Icon Lounge network to 11 locations.

The Texas-based airline first announced the inception of its first-ever airport lounge network in September, developed in partnership with Chase Bank and inspired by the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network.

“With the transformation complete, our efforts have shifted to optimizing the business and delivering the next set of Customer Experience enhancements, both focused on unlocking the next phase of value creation,” said Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan in the earnings call. Jordan had first teased the possibility of airport lounges in July 2025, as the airline moves closer toward the business model of other major U.S. carriers.

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Slated to open in late 2027, here’s where the first four locations will be:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii

• Nashville International Airport in Tennessee

Southwest did not disclose the airports for the seven additional lounges when USA TODAY reached out for comment on Oct. 27. The airline’s website states they will “open over the next several years.”

The lounges are just one of several major recent changes by the airline. In January, it ended its long-time open seating policy in exchange for the traditional assigned seating.

Here’s what to know about the Southwest Icon Lounge network.

Where will the 11 Southwest lounges be located?

So far, the airline has only announced the initial four locations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii and Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.

The network expansion will roll out over the next few years.

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What will the Southwest lounges be like?

Details have yet to be announced, but passengers can expect dedicated spaces to work and relax in, with food and beverages inspired by each city.

“Each lounge will combine the warmth and friendliness you expect from Southwest with sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, and high-quality amenities offered in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network today,” the airline states on its website.

Who can enter the Southwest lounges?

Southwest and Chase will be launching a new, premium credit card that will offer access to the lounges.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest is opening 11 airport lounges. What you can expect