Should You Invest in Airline Stocks or the JETS ETF with Holiday Travel at Record Levels?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 04 2025
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Air Travel Surge: Airlines are experiencing a rally alongside retail stocks, with air travel hitting record levels, including over 3.1 million travelers screened by the TSA on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, marking the busiest day in its history.
Stock Performance: Delta and United Airlines are leading the stock surge among major airlines, with both companies showing resilience despite recent disruptions, while SkyWest and LATAM Airlines have received buy ratings due to positive growth prospects.
ETF Insights: The U.S. Global Jets ETF, which includes major airlines, is currently rated as a hold and has seen modest growth, but the overall airline industry is in the lower tier of Zacks rankings, prompting caution for investors.
Future Outlook: Despite operational challenges, the record air travel day signals a positive trend for the airline industry, with experts recommending stocks with strong potential for growth in the coming months.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy LUV?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on LUV
Wall Street analysts forecast LUV stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 50.830
Low
34.00
Averages
44.21
High
60.00
Current: 50.830
Low
34.00
Averages
44.21
High
60.00
About LUV
Southwest Airlines Co. (Southwest) operates Southwest Airlines, a passenger airline that provides scheduled air transportation in the United States and near-international markets. The Company's fare products include four categories: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select to provide customers options when choosing a fare. It also offers ancillary services, such as EarlyBird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding, and transportation of pets and unaccompanied minors, in accordance with Southwest’s respective policies. Its Rapid Rewards loyalty program enables program members to earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest base fares, also including purchases paid with LUV Vouchers, gift cards, or flight credit, with no portion of the purchase price paid with Rapid Rewards points. It operates over 803 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet and serves 117 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and ten near-international countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Kiltearn Partners Fully Exits Sealed Air Holdings
- Complete Exit: Kiltearn Partners LLP sold 335,500 shares of Sealed Air in Q4, fully exiting its position, which previously accounted for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's future prospects.
- Concentrated Investment Strategy: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its top five holdings representing over 44% of AUM, reflecting a highly concentrated portfolio that may increase investment risk.
- Performance Analysis: Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year, returning 26.3%, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, despite a 1% drop in Q3 sales after excluding foreign currency effects.
- Future Outlook: Management expects sales to decline by 2% to 3% for the year and will report Q4 results on March 2, prompting investors to watch for signs of a turnaround in sales trends.
See More
Kiltearn Fully Exits Sealed Air Holdings
- Shareholding Change: Kiltearn Partners LLP sold 335,500 shares of Sealed Air in the fourth quarter, fully exiting its position, which previously accounted for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a loss of confidence in the stock.
- Concentrated Investment Strategy: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its five largest holdings representing over 44% of its AUM, suggesting a highly concentrated portfolio that may face increased risk.
- Market Performance: Although Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year with a 26.3% return, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, the company reported a 1% decline in third-quarter sales and expects a 2% to 3% drop for the year, reflecting weak market demand.
- Investment Advice: Before investing in Sealed Air, potential investors should note that The Motley Fool's analyst team did not include it in their current list of the 10 best stocks, suggesting a cautious outlook on its future growth.
See More
Kiltearn Partners Fully Exits Sealed Air Position
- Position Change: Kiltearn Partners LLP fully exited its position in Sealed Air Corporation by selling 335,500 shares in Q4, previously accounting for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a loss of confidence in the stock.
- Portfolio Concentration: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its top five holdings representing over 44% of its AUM, reflecting a highly concentrated investment strategy.
- Performance Overview: Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year, returning 26.3%, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, despite a 1% drop in Q3 sales after adjusting for foreign currency effects.
- Future Outlook: Management expects sales to decline by 2% to 3% for the year, and investors should watch for the upcoming Q4 earnings report on March 2 to see if the company can reverse its current downward trend.
See More
Kiltearn Partners Acquires Additional LKQ Shares
- Share Acquisition: Kiltearn Partners LLP purchased an additional 264,600 shares of LKQ in Q4 2025, with an estimated transaction value of $7.98 million, indicating confidence in the auto parts sector.
- Increased Stake: This acquisition raised Kiltearn's stake in LKQ to 3.24%, making it the 12th largest holding in their portfolio, which underscores its significance despite not being in the top five.
- Financial Performance: As of February 13, 2026, LKQ shares were priced at $34.10, down 8.6% year-over-year, with net income falling by 39.1% over the past three years, highlighting the challenges the company faces.
- Strategic Review: Following the divestiture of its self-service segment last year, LKQ anticipates a $25 million increase in 2025 operating cash flow, indicating a strategic review aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
See More
Investigation into Southwest Airlines Board Conduct
- Shareholder Rights Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Southwest Airlines breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders, which could lead to potential reforms in corporate governance aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, thereby increasing shareholder value.
- Legal Relief Options: Long-term shareholders of Southwest Airlines may have the opportunity to seek corporate governance reforms, return of funds, or court-approved financial incentive awards, providing greater protection of shareholder rights and potential economic benefits.
- Importance of Participation: Shareholder involvement can improve a company's policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms, promoting effective management and ultimately enhancing overall shareholder value, highlighting the significance of collective action in corporate governance.
- Legal Fee Arrangement: Halper Sadeh LLC will handle this case on a contingent fee basis, meaning shareholders will not be responsible for out-of-pocket legal fees or expenses, reducing the financial burden on shareholders and encouraging more investors to seek legal relief.
See More
Southwest Airlines Offers Free Starlink Internet to Rapid Rewards Members
- Free Internet Service: Southwest Airlines is providing free Starlink internet connectivity to its Rapid Rewards members, with plans to integrate the service on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing customer travel experience.
- First Aircraft Launch: The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, a move that not only meets customer expectations for seamless connectivity but also has the potential to boost customer loyalty and brand image.
- Expanded Coverage: Starlink will deliver WiFi across Southwest's network in 11 countries, further enhancing the airline's competitiveness in the global market, especially against the backdrop of increasing customer demand for high-quality internet services.
- Executive Commentary: Southwest's Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach noted that free WiFi has been a huge hit with Rapid Rewards members, indicating strong customer demand for seamless connectivity while traveling, which suggests further innovations in service offerings in the future.
See More
Kiltearn Partners Fully Exits Sealed Air Holdings
- Complete Exit: Kiltearn Partners LLP sold 335,500 shares of Sealed Air in Q4, fully exiting its position, which previously accounted for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's future prospects.
- Concentrated Investment Strategy: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its top five holdings representing over 44% of AUM, reflecting a highly concentrated portfolio that may increase investment risk.
- Performance Analysis: Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year, returning 26.3%, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, despite a 1% drop in Q3 sales after excluding foreign currency effects.
- Future Outlook: Management expects sales to decline by 2% to 3% for the year and will report Q4 results on March 2, prompting investors to watch for signs of a turnaround in sales trends.
See More
Kiltearn Fully Exits Sealed Air Holdings
- Shareholding Change: Kiltearn Partners LLP sold 335,500 shares of Sealed Air in the fourth quarter, fully exiting its position, which previously accounted for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a loss of confidence in the stock.
- Concentrated Investment Strategy: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its five largest holdings representing over 44% of its AUM, suggesting a highly concentrated portfolio that may face increased risk.
- Market Performance: Although Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year with a 26.3% return, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, the company reported a 1% decline in third-quarter sales and expects a 2% to 3% drop for the year, reflecting weak market demand.
- Investment Advice: Before investing in Sealed Air, potential investors should note that The Motley Fool's analyst team did not include it in their current list of the 10 best stocks, suggesting a cautious outlook on its future growth.
See More
Kiltearn Partners Fully Exits Sealed Air Position
- Position Change: Kiltearn Partners LLP fully exited its position in Sealed Air Corporation by selling 335,500 shares in Q4, previously accounting for 2.4% of its AUM, indicating a loss of confidence in the stock.
- Portfolio Concentration: Kiltearn now holds only 28 positions valued at $461.7 million, with its top five holdings representing over 44% of its AUM, reflecting a highly concentrated investment strategy.
- Performance Overview: Sealed Air's stock performed well over the past year, returning 26.3%, nearly double the S&P 500's 13.2%, despite a 1% drop in Q3 sales after adjusting for foreign currency effects.
- Future Outlook: Management expects sales to decline by 2% to 3% for the year, and investors should watch for the upcoming Q4 earnings report on March 2 to see if the company can reverse its current downward trend.
See More
Kiltearn Partners Acquires Additional LKQ Shares
- Share Acquisition: Kiltearn Partners LLP purchased an additional 264,600 shares of LKQ in Q4 2025, with an estimated transaction value of $7.98 million, indicating confidence in the auto parts sector.
- Increased Stake: This acquisition raised Kiltearn's stake in LKQ to 3.24%, making it the 12th largest holding in their portfolio, which underscores its significance despite not being in the top five.
- Financial Performance: As of February 13, 2026, LKQ shares were priced at $34.10, down 8.6% year-over-year, with net income falling by 39.1% over the past three years, highlighting the challenges the company faces.
- Strategic Review: Following the divestiture of its self-service segment last year, LKQ anticipates a $25 million increase in 2025 operating cash flow, indicating a strategic review aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
See More
Investigation into Southwest Airlines Board Conduct
- Shareholder Rights Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Southwest Airlines breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders, which could lead to potential reforms in corporate governance aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, thereby increasing shareholder value.
- Legal Relief Options: Long-term shareholders of Southwest Airlines may have the opportunity to seek corporate governance reforms, return of funds, or court-approved financial incentive awards, providing greater protection of shareholder rights and potential economic benefits.
- Importance of Participation: Shareholder involvement can improve a company's policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms, promoting effective management and ultimately enhancing overall shareholder value, highlighting the significance of collective action in corporate governance.
- Legal Fee Arrangement: Halper Sadeh LLC will handle this case on a contingent fee basis, meaning shareholders will not be responsible for out-of-pocket legal fees or expenses, reducing the financial burden on shareholders and encouraging more investors to seek legal relief.
See More
Southwest Airlines Offers Free Starlink Internet to Rapid Rewards Members
- Free Internet Service: Southwest Airlines is providing free Starlink internet connectivity to its Rapid Rewards members, with plans to integrate the service on over 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, significantly enhancing customer travel experience.
- First Aircraft Launch: The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, a move that not only meets customer expectations for seamless connectivity but also has the potential to boost customer loyalty and brand image.
- Expanded Coverage: Starlink will deliver WiFi across Southwest's network in 11 countries, further enhancing the airline's competitiveness in the global market, especially against the backdrop of increasing customer demand for high-quality internet services.
- Executive Commentary: Southwest's Chief Customer & Brand Officer Tony Roach noted that free WiFi has been a huge hit with Rapid Rewards members, indicating strong customer demand for seamless connectivity while traveling, which suggests further innovations in service offerings in the future.
See More
