Commission, Seats, and Routes All Changed… U.S. LCC Stocks Surge 5%

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) ended trading at $41.50 on the New York Stock Exchange on April 14, up 5.20%. Its market capitalization expanded to about $20.3 billion—an increase of roughly $1.1 billion (approximately ₩1.5 trillion) in a single day—while trading volume reached approximately 5.12 million shares. Measured in Korean won, its total market value is around ₩27 trillion.

The carrier has recently raised its checked-baggage fees—adding $10 each for the first and second bags—citing the impact of higher jet-fuel prices following the Iran conflict. Effective April 20, Southwest will also implement new safety rules to reduce lithium-battery fire risks: each passenger may bring only one portable charger into the cabin, and such devices must not be stored in overhead bins. (apnews.com)

As the largest domestic low-cost airline in the United States, Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet across every route, serving more than 100 destinations in 42 states and Latin America. Since Bob Jordan became CEO in 2022, the airline has been transitioning from its traditional open-seating policy—scheduled for elimination in April 2026—toward a revenue structure resembling that of full-service carriers by unbundling base fares, optional paid services, and fees. (en.wikipedia.org)