Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014

Check out Jim Cramer's latest trading recommendations on "Action Alerts Plus".

(Updates from 10:44 a.m. ET with closing information.)

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Here's what Jim Cramer had to say on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" Tuesday.

Wedbush Securities is bullish on Tesla Motors (TSLA) after it sold a handful of vehicles in Beijing, China. "So let's buy Tesla," Cramer said sarcastically, referring to the beating that Apple (AAPL) is taking after selling 50 million iPhones in the previous quarter. "What a double standard the world has," he added. Apple is a holding in Cramer's charitable trust, Action Alerts PLUS. TSLA jumped 5.2% to close at $178.38.

Under Armour (UA) is a "very cheap stock when it comes to long-term growth," Cramer said. He added that CEO Kevin Plank is doing the right things. UA rose 3.4% to $85.78. Pacific Crest likes Salesforce.com (CRM) and Cramer said analysts have been coming out to support high-flying names after the selling seems to have subsided. "Enough is enough," he said, adding that CEO Marc Benioff is doing a good job. CRM was up 4% to $59.37. Sterne Agee cut its price target on Whole Foods Market (WFM) to $61. Cramer said co-CEOs Walter Robb and John Mackey are "doing a great job." He said the current trading level in the stock could be a possible good entry point. WFM was up 1.9% to $52. Stifel Nicolaus maintains its buy rating on Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO), but raised its price target to $22. Cramer also likes the company, saying, "I think the stock goes to $20." TTWO was up 2.1% to $18.62. American Airlines (AAL) is higher after reporting earnings. Cramer is optimistic, saying, "This is the beginning of the next leg of growth for American Air." He said investors should own the stock. AAL flew 5.9% to $31.96. To sign up for Jim Cramer's free Booyah! newsletter, with all of his latest articles and videos, please click here. -- Written by Bret Kenwell in Petoskey, Mich. Follow @BretKenwell

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In Right Now: WestJet Airlines Ltd (WJA)

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WestJet) provides airline service and travel packages with scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and has partnership agreements with over 30 airlines around the world. WestJet operates a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. The Company�� subsidiaries include WestJet Investment Corp., WestJet Operations Corp., WestJet Vacations Inc. and WestJet Encore Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Lam]

  BlackBerry, the smartphone maker looking to sell itself, lost 3.6 percent to pace declines among technology stocks. WestJet (WJA) Airlines Ltd. dropped 2.5 percent as load factor slipped in September. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. rose 1.4 percent after receiving approvals for products in the U.S. and Canada. Agrium Inc. added 0.7 percent after naming a successor for its retiring chief executive officer.

• [By Gerrit De Vynck]

  Closely held Porter unveiled plans in April to add as many as 30 CSeries jets in an order valued at as much as $2.1 billion from Montreal-based Bombardier to reach as far as Los Angeles and the Caribbean as it challenges the country�� two biggest carriers, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WJA) The order, which would be Bombardier�� first for the aircraft with a Canadian carrier, is conditional on the runway extension and a removal of the jet ban.

Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014: Southwest Airlines Co (LUV)

Southwest Airlines Co., incorporated on March 9, 1967, operates Southwest Airlines, a passenger airline, which provides scheduled air transportation in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was serving 72 cities in 37 states throughout the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company added addition services in two new states and three new cities: Charleston, South Carolina; Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Newark, New Jersey. Southwest provides point-to-point. On May 2, 2011, the Company acquired AirTran Holdings, Inc. (AirTran).

AirTran�� route system provides hub-and-spoke, rather than point-to-point, service, with approximately half of AirTran�� flights originating or terminating at its hub in Atlanta, Georgia. AirTran also serves a range of markets with non-stop service from bases of operation in Baltimore, Maryland; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Orlando, Florida. As of December 31, 2011, AirTran was serving 68 United States and near-international destinations, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; Oranjestad, Aruba; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Bermuda. As of January 31, 2012, AirTran served 65 destinations. During 2011, approximately 71% of Southwest�� customers flew non-stop, and Southwest�� average aircraft trip stage length was 664 miles with an average duration of approximately 1.8 hours.

As of December 31, 2011, Southwest offered 25 weekday roundtrips from Dallas Love Field to Houston Hobby, 13 weekday roundtrips from Phoenix to Las Vegas, 13 weekday roundtrips from Burbank to Oakland, and 12 weekday roundtrips from Los Angeles International to Oakland. Southwest offers connecting service opportunities from over 60 Southwest cities to different Volaris airports in Mexico including Aguascalientes, Guadalajara, Mexico City (MEX), Mexico City-Toluca (TLC), Morelia, and Zacatecas. The Company�� International Connect portal conducts two separate transac! tions: one with Southwest�� reservation system and one with Volaris�� reservation system.

Southwest bundles fares into three categories: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Wanna Get Away fares are lowest fares. Business Select fares are refundable and changeable, and funds may be applied toward future travel on Southwest. Business Select fares also include additional perks, such as priority boarding, a frequent flyer point multiplier, priority security and ticket counter access in select airports, and one complimentary adult beverage coupon for the day of travel. The Company�� Internet Website, southwest.com, is the avenue for Southwest Customers to purchase tickets online. During 2011, southwest.com accounted for approximately 78% of all Southwest bookings. During 2011, approximately 84% of Southwest�� Passenger revenues came through its Website, including revenues from SWABIZ, the Company�� business travel reservation Web page.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Shares of American Airlines (AAL) have dropped 7% this week, while Delta Air Lines (DAL) has fallen 6.3%, United Continental (UAL) has slid 10%, Southwest Airlines (LUV) has declined 4.9% and Alaska Air (ALK) is off 4.5%.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  JPMorgan’s call has helped airline stocks take flight today. JetBlue has gained 2.7% to $8.12 at 11:15 a.m., while American Airlines has climbed 3.1% to $36.14. Delta Air Lines (DAL) has advanced 1% to $37.21, United Continental Holdings (UAL) has risen 1.1% to $41.30 and Southwest Airlines (LUV) is up 1.1% at $24.44.

Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014: China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd (CEA)

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited (China Eastern), incorporated on April 14, 1985, is an air carriers operating in the People�� Republic of China. As of December 31, 2010, the Company served a route network that covers 182 domestic and foreign cities in 30 countries. It operates from Shanghai�� Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. During the year ended December 31, 2010, its flights accounted for 52.2% and 37.9% of all the flight traffic at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport, respectively. During 2010, it accounted for approximately 31.1% of the total passenger traffic volume and 19% of the total freight volume on routes to and from Shanghai. As of December 31, 2010, it had a fleet of 355 aircraft, including 337 passenger jets each with a seating capacity of over 100 seats and 18 freighters.

Passenger Operations

During 2010, the Company operated approximately 9,600 scheduled flights per week, excluding charter flights, serving a route network that covers 182 domestic and foreign cities in 30 countries. During 2010, its domestic routes generated approximately 71.5% of its passenger revenues. Its heavily traveled domestic routes link Shanghai to the commercial and business centers of the People�� Republic of China, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. During 2010, it also operated approximately 361 flights per week to and from Hong Kong, originating from Shanghai and 16 major cities in eastern, northern and western the People�� Republic of China. During 2010, it operated approximately 103 flights per week between mainland China and Taiwan. During 2010, its regional routes accounted for approximately 5.4% of its passenger revenues. During 2010, it operated approximately 1,079 international flights per week, serving 60 cities in 29 countries, linking Shanghai to cities in Asian and Southeast Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, Thailand and Bangladesh and locations in Europe, the Un! ited States and Australia.

During 2010, the Company re-started its Shanghai to London and Shanghai to Moscow routes. During 2010, revenues derived from its operations on international routes accounted for approximately 23.2% of its passenger revenues. During 2010, revenues derived from its operations to and from Japan accounted for approximately 7.7% of its passenger revenues and approximately 33.4% of its international passenger revenues. Its international and regional flights and a portion of its domestic flights either originate or terminate in Shanghai, the central hub of its route network. Its operations in Shanghai are conducted at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. On March 16, 2010, it moved its operations at Hongqiao International Airport to the terminal two of Hongqiao International Airport. It operates its flights through three hubs located in eastern, northwestern and southwestern China, namely Shanghai, Xi��n and Kunming, respectively.

Cargo and Mail Operations

The Company�� cargo and mail business utilizes the same route network used by its passenger airline business. It carries cargo and mail on its freight aircraft, as well as in available cargo space on its passenger aircraft. Its cargo and mail routes are international routes. As of December 31, 2010, it had seven MD-11F, four B777F and two B757-200F freight aircraft under operating leases for cargo and mail operations. It also has three Airbus A300-600R aircraft, as well as two Boeing 747-400ER freighters for its cargo operations.

The Company competes with Air China Limited, China Southern Airlines Company Limited, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways, Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, Alitalia, Air France-KLM Group, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Aeroflot and Qantas Airways.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Belinda Cao]

  The Bloomberg China-US Equity Index (CH55BN) of the most-traded Chinese companies in the U.S. slumped 3.4 percent last week to a seven-month low of 89.04. The gauge traded at 13.5 times estimated earnings, 3.6 percent below the S&P�� valuation, data compiled by Bloomberg show. China Southern Airlines Co. (ZNH) and China Eastern Airlines Corp. (CEA) lost more than 6 percent April 5, while Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. (HMIN) tumbled 16 percent in the week.

Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014: AMR Corp (AAMRQ)

AMR Corporation (AMR), incorporated in October 1982, operates in the airline industry. The Company�� principal subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (American). As of December 31, 2011, American provided scheduled jet service to approximately 160 destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (AMR Eagle), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR, owns two regional airlines, which do business as American Eagle - American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, the American Eagle carriers). American also contracts with an independently owned regional airline, which does business as AmericanConnection (the AmericanConnection carrier). As of December 31, 2011, AMR Eagle operated approximately 1,500 daily departures, offering scheduled passenger service to over 175 destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

American, AMR Eagle and the AmericanConnection airline served more than 250 cities in approximately 50 countries with, on average, 3,400 daily flights and the combined network fleet numbered approximately 900 aircraft as of December 31, 2011. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Airlines, Iberia, Qantas, JAL, Malev Hungarian, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines. Together, oneworld members serve 750 destinations in approximately 150 countries, with about 8,500 daily departures. American is also one of the scheduled air freight carriers in the world, providing a range of freight and mail services to shippers throughout its system onboard American�� passenger fleet.

To improve access to each other�� markets, American has established marketing relationships with other airlines and rail companies. As of December 31, 2011, American had marketing relationships with Air Berlin, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airl! ines, Dragonair, Deutsche Bahn German Rail, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, GOL, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetStar Airways, LAN (includes LAN Airlines, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru), Niki Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

American has established the AAdvantage frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). AAdvantage members earn mileage credits by flying on American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier or by using services of other participants in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel on American, American Eagle or other participating airlines, or for other awards. American sells mileage credits and related services to other participants in the AAdvantage program. There are over 1,000 program participants, including a credit card issuer, hotels, car rental companies, and other products and services companies in the AAdvantage program. As of December 31, 2011, AAdvantage had approximately 69 million total members.

The Company competes with Alaska Airlines (Alaska), Delta Air Lines (Delta), Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways (JetBlue), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest) and AirTran Airways (Air Tran), Spirit Airlines, United Airlines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental), US Airways and Virgin America Airlines.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Spirit has gained 15% to $39.15 at 3:12 p.m., while JetBlue has risen 2.5% to $6.96, Southwest has ticked up 0.5% to $15.20 and Allegiant is up 0.7% at $98.83. The day’s biggest loser: AMR Corp. (AAMRQ), which has fallen 2.4% to $4.98 as it continues to be weak following yesterday’s decision by a judge to reject a request for information on past mergers form the DoJ.

• [By Reuters]

  Matt York/AP The U.S. Department of Justice, which is fighting a proposed merger of US Airways Group and American Airlines parent AMR Corp., asked a judge Tuesday to postpone a trial in the case, saying the federal government shutdown would prevent its staff from working. But a lawyer for the airlines said he expected the trial to determine if the government can stop the merger of US Airways and American Airlines to begin as scheduled in late November. "From what the judge said in there, and I think everybody heard, we're going to trial on Nov. 25," Richard Parker said after a pretrial hearing. "We are planning on a Nov. 25 trial date." Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly didn't mention a potential stay during the pretrial hearing Tuesday. Shares of US Airways (LCC) were up 3.5 percent at $19.63 in midday trading Tuesday, while AMR (AAMRQ) rose 9.5 percent to $4.50. The Justice Department had asked for the stay because of a government-wide shutdown that started Tuesday. "This is creating difficulties for the Department to perform the functions necessary to support its litigation efforts," the department said in a court filing. The Justice Department and several states sued Aug. 13 to stop the merger, saying the deal to create the world's biggest carrier would lead to higher fares and stifle competition. Parker said a settlement resolving the fight was still possible. "We are interested in a reasonable settlement in this case," he said. Any settlement would mean asset sales, which in turn would require approval from the judge overseeing American's emergence from bankruptcy. The airlines have defended the deal in court filings, saying it would create $500 million in savings to consumers annually by creating a stronger competitor to Delta Air Lines Inc and United Continental Holdings Inc. But the Justice Department has said the merger would be bad for consumers. Its complaint focused on Reagan National Airport, outside Washington, where the two carriers contr

• [By Johanna Bennett]

  A federal judge cleared the way for AMR (AAMRQ) to exit bankruptcy, clearing the way for a merger between American Airlines (owned by AMR) and U.S. Airways Group (LCC). AMR and U.S. Airlines�rose 2.7% and 0.6%�respectively.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Shares of United Continental have dropped 0.6% to $31.11 today at 11:33 a.m., while Delta has gained 1.2% to $26.63, US Airways has risen 1.8% to $23.07 and AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) has risen 1.7% to $7.02.

Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014: Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK)

Alaska Air Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc., operates as an airline company serving destinations in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company provides passenger air services; and freight and mail services primarily to and within the state of Alaska and on the West Coast. As of December 31, 2009, it operated a fleet of 110 jet aircraft; and Horizon Air Industries operated a fleet of 18 jets and 40 turboprop aircraft. The company was founded in 1932 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Richard Moroney]

  The airline sector has had its share of consolidation, which makes Alaska Air (ALK) an interesting takeover play.

  The stock�� Overall Quadrix score of 99 gives it plenty of appeal beyond its takeover possibilities. The stock has gained more than 16% so far in 2014, far outpacing the broad market.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Spirit Airlines (SAVE), Delta Air Lines (DAL),�Alaska Air (ALK) and American Airlines (AAL) ranked behind Allegiant and all had ROIC ��WACC spreads that were 4 ��5 points. We are of the view that an airline with ROIC – WACC spread of at least 3 points (based on the industry�� historical WACC) has sufficient flexibility to pay down debt, re-invest in the business, and pursue pro-shareholder initiatives. If current trends hold, we believe United Continental (UAL) with a 2.3 point spread (produced in 2013) will be well-positioned to return capital to shareholders by 2015.

• [By Dan Radovsky]

  Most passengers buying tickets on Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK  ) on or after Oct. 30 will be paying higher fees for checked baggage and for changing or cancelling their tickets, the airline announced today.

Best Airline Stocks To Watch For 2014: ANA Holdings Inc (ALNPF)

ANA HOLDINGS INC., formerly All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., is a Japan-based airline holding company. Its Air Transportation segment is engaged in the air transportation business, the provision of various services at airports, the provision of reservation services via telephone, the freight express business, and the maintenance of aircrafts in domestic and overseas markets. The Traveling segment plans and sells tour packages under the brand names ANA Hello Tour and ANA Sky Holiday, it also offers services to travelers at arrival areas and sells travel products and air tickets. The Others segment involves in the information communication, trading and merchandise business, building management, logistics and airplane fixture repair business, and hotel operation. On March 4 and March 5, 2013, it fully acquired all shares of one and two consolidated subsidiaries through stock swap, respectively, made them become wholly-owned subsidiaries. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Inman]

  In Tokyo, ANA Holdings (JP:9202) � (ALNPF) �declined 4.7% after the airline lowered its 2013 fiscal-year net profit forecast by 65% on higher fuel costs and slow service expansion because of delays in Boeing (BA) �787 Dreamliner deliveries.