Four lounge locations named
Southwest Airlines plans to establish 11 Southwest Icon Lounges, with the first locations expected to begin opening in late 2027. The airline has confirmed lounges for Austin-Bergstrom, Baltimore/Washington, Nashville and Honolulu airports, according to The Points Guy. Seven more are planned over the following years, but their locations have not been announced.
Access is expected to come primarily through a premium Southwest credit card issued with Chase and planned for 2027. Its annual fee and detailed access rules have yet to be released. Southwest has not confirmed other ways travellers might enter the lounges.
Platinum status adds Companion Pass
Southwest’s separate loyalty programme changes include a new Platinum elite tier with an unlimited Companion Pass, View from the Wing reported. The publication also said elite seating benefits would remain available on the airline’s cheapest fares, while earnings on some flights would decline.