The Best (And Only) Airlines ETF for 2025

Interested in betting on (or shorting) the airlines industry? Capture the narrow transportation segment with the JETS ETF in 2025.

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Introduction – Why Airlines ETFs?

Airlines are a narrow play that may not move in the same direction as the much broader transportation segment of the market. As we come out of the pandemic, airline stocks are looking attractive for a potential rebound.

An airline ETF allows investors to avoid having to pick single airlines, which can be more risky and time-consuming. The JETS ETF has seen huge inflows in recent years from retail investors and hedge funds alike.

Airlines have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic after air travel was halted, and are thus arguably poised for the largest comeback. Airline stocks tanked and then recovered following 9/11, the SARS crisis, and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.

The US Global Jets ETF (JETS) launched in 2015 and has since amassed over $4 billion in assets. It is the only pure-play airlines ETF out there. The fund seeks to track the US Global Jets Index, providing all-cap exposure to airlines around the globe.

The fund's weighting scheme ranks by market cap and passenger load, and thus heavily tilts U.S. large cap. U.S. stocks comprise about 70% of the fund. Top 10 holdings include household names like United, Southwest, JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit, and more. The ETF also provides exposure to aircraft manufacturers, terminal services companies, and airports, but most of its holdings (roughly 75%) go to familiar passenger airlines.

JETS has 39 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Where To Buy This Airlines ETF

JETS should be available at any major broker. My choice is M1 Finance. The broker has zero trade commissions and zero account fees, and offers fractional shares, dynamic rebalancing, and a modern, user-friendly interface and mobile app. I wrote a comprehensive review of M1 Finance here.

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Disclaimer:  While I love diving into investing-related data and playing around with backtests, this is not financial advice, investing advice, or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Investment products discussed (ETFs, mutual funds, etc.) are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a research report. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or otherwise transact in any of the products mentioned. I always attempt to ensure the accuracy of information presented but that accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Do your own due diligence. I mention M1 Finance a lot around here. M1 does not provide investment advice, and this is not an offer or solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell any security, and you are encouraged to consult your personal investment, legal, and tax advisors. Hypothetical examples used, such as historical backtests, do not reflect any specific investments, are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell any products. All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of other parties mentioned. Read my lengthier disclaimer here.