New York, January 14, 2026, 21:16 EST — Market closed
- AAL slipped 1.37% to finish at $15.14 Wednesday.
- American scheduled a webcast for Jan. 27 to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results.
- Traders are focused on credit-card rate-cap news and airline earnings, searching for signs on loyalty profits and demand.
Shares of American Airlines Group (AAL.O) fell 1.4%, ending Wednesday at $15.14 on volume of roughly 65.2 million. The stock fluctuated between $14.94 and $15.41 throughout the day, according to market data.
The next two weeks are crucial as investors wrestle with distinguishing true drivers of airline profits from mere noise. Earnings reports are rolling in quickly, while the loyalty business continues to draw focus back to credit cards.
American Airlines announced Tuesday it will webcast a live audio feed of its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings call on Jan. 27 at 7:30 a.m. Central. The company said the listen-only stream and an archive will be available on its investor relations website. (American Airlines Newsroom)
Airline stocks took a hit Wednesday. United slid 3.2%, Southwest dipped 1.5%, and Delta gave up 1.2%. The S&P 500 closed down 0.53%, according to MarketWatch.
Policy risk is also a factor. President Donald Trump has proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% for one year starting Jan. 20, but analysts doubt it can happen without Congress. “It would take an Act of Congress for such rate caps to be in place,” UBS Global noted. J.P. Morgan’s Vivek Juneja warned the move might “push consumers towards more expensive debt.” (Reuters)
The debate extends to airlines since loyalty programs and branded cards have become central, not just side ventures. In a 2025 letter opposing a swipe-fee bill, airlines argued these branded cards bring in billions annually. Senator Dick Durbin went further, calling carriers “basically credit card companies that own some planes.” (Reuters)
Delta’s latest report put premium demand under the spotlight. The airline revealed main-cabin ticket revenue dropped 7% in its December quarter, but premium revenue climbed 9%. Its profit-forecast midpoint also missed analysts’ estimates. On top of that, Delta placed an order for 30 Boeing 787-10 jets, with options for another 30. (Reuters)
American is doubling down on loyalty perks. Last week, it announced free in-flight Wi-Fi with AT&T for members of its loyalty program, set to launch in January and expand to nearly all flights by early spring. “Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk — it’s essential for today’s travelers,” said chief customer officer Heather Garboden. (Reuters)
But AAL faces two major uncertainties: will the credit-card cap discussions lead to actual legislation, and can demand stay strong after carriers finish the holiday travel rush and adjust fares? Any unexpected cost increases, operational hiccups, or weaker travel demand could swiftly impact results for this sector.
Thursday’s session will hinge on whether the credit-card debate continues to ripple through various sectors, and if airline stocks remain stuck in that trend. American’s next major test arrives with the Jan. 27 call, when investors will push for sharper guidance on 2026 demand, costs, and the potential of its loyalty program.
