Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines lowered its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.60–$2.85, down from a July range of $3.25–$4.25, citing higher fuel prices. The carrier reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $0.66 versus $0.58 expected and revenue of $8.42 billion versus $8.25 billion expected. CEO Bob Jordan said demand remains strong and the airline’s earnings power is durable despite higher fuel costs as Southwest continues revenue-focused changes such as charging for seat assignments and checked bags. » More on cnbc.com

Southwest is replacing A-List and A-List Preferred on Jan. 1 with Silver, Gold and a new Platinum tier, raising some qualification thresholds and changing earning bonuses tied to Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) and flights. Silver requires 35,000 TQPs or 25 flights with a 40% flight bonus, Gold 65,000 TQPs or 50 flights with a 60% bonus, and Platinum 140,000 TQPs or 100 flights with a 120% bonus and unlimited Companion Pass trips. The airline is also changing how Companion Pass is earned starting in 2027, introducing mid-tier rewards for customers near status milestones, expanding international partnerships and launching Icon airport lounges with Chase. » More on cnbc.com

Southwest announced plans to open its first four airport lounges in late 2027 at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville and will offer access via a new co-branded JPMorgan credit card launching in 2027. The move marks a further shift from Southwest's traditional no-frills model toward premium offerings, following earlier changes like assigned seating and bag fees. Management cites stronger recent results and growing business travel revenue, but the lounge strategy faces multi-year payback, rising fuel costs, activist pressure and tough competition from airlines with established premium ecosystems. » More on finance.yahoo.com

The Southwest Airlines share closed at 39.15 USD, just below the 10-EMA (39.25 USD), after a decline from 53.13 USD to 37.58 USD. The falling 50-EMA (42.28 USD) and 200-EMA (41.80 USD) form a key resistance cluster around 42 USD; the stock also trades well below the Ichimoku cloud and the RSI at 38.83 signals persistent weakness. In the short term the share could try to reclaim 39.25–40.00 USD; if the recovery fails, 38.16 USD and 37.58 USD come into focus. With a P/E of 12.09 the valuation is slightly below the sector average; the analyst target is 49.83 USD. » More on finanzen.net

Southwest unveiled plans to open its first airport lounges in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville, with construction already underway and openings expected in late 2027. The carrier is partnering with Chase and will offer access via a new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card slated to launch in 2027. Southwest plans seven additional lounges over the coming years as part of broader revenue initiatives following recent changes to its seating and baggage policies. » More on cnbc.com