Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q 5 Aug 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	766,421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		127,322,155

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 45	$ 107
Marketable securities	1,147	1,110
Total cash and marketable securities	1,192	1,217
Receivables - net	194	259
Inventories and supplies - net	58	58
Deferred income taxes	123	117
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	87	105
Total Current Assets	1,654	1,756
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	5,345	5,165
Other property and equipment	915	896
Deposits for future flight equipment	905	555
Property and Equipment Total	7,165	6,616
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,460	2,317
Total Property and Equipment - Net	4,705	4,299
Other Assets	121	126
Total Assets	6,480	6,181
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	56	62
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	179	232
Other accrued liabilities	736	629
Air traffic liability	840	631
Current portion of long-term debt	116	117
Total Current Liabilities	1,927	1,671
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	629	686
Other Liabilities and Credits
Deferred income taxes	718	750
Deferred revenue	401	374
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	247	246
Other liabilities	339	327
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	$ 1,705	$ 1,697
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 200,000,000 shares, Issued: 2015 - 128,144,917 shares; 2014 - 131,556,573 shares, Outstanding: 2015 - 128,024,917 shares; 2014 - 131,481,473	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	56	296
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2015 - 120,000 shares; 2014 - 75,100 shares	(8)	(4)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(304)	(310)
Retained earnings	2,474	2,144
Total Shareholders' Equity	2,219	2,127
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 6,480	$ 6,181

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	128,144,917	131,556,573
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	128,024,917	131,481,473
Treasury Stock, Shares (shares)	120,000	75,100

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating Revenues
Passenger, Mainline	$ 1,019	$ 974	$ 1,920	$ 1,828
Passenger, Regional	212	200	398	386
Total passenger revenue	1,231	1,174	2,318	2,214
Freight and mail	30	32	53	56
Other - net	176	169	335	327
Total Operating Revenues	1,437	1,375	2,706	2,597
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	305	281	611	553
Variable incentive pay	32	29	58	54
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	261	360	496	718
Aircraft maintenance	52	57	115	108
Aircraft rent	26	29	52	57
Landing fees and other rentals	66	64	137	133
Contracted services	68	62	135	122
Selling expenses	54	53	107	99
Depreciation and amortization	79	73	155	143
Food and beverage service	28	23	53	44
Other	94	81	177	161
Total Operating Expenses	1,065	1,112	2,096	2,192
Operating Income	372	263	610	405
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	6	5	11	10
Interest expense	(11)	(12)	(22)	(25)
Interest capitalized	8	4	16	9
Other - net	1	5	1	18
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	4	2	6	12
Income before income tax	376	265	616	417
Income tax expense	142	100	233	158
Net Income	$ 234	$ 165	$ 383	$ 259
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 1.80	$ 1.20	$ 2.93	$ 1.88
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 1.79	$ 1.19	$ 2.91	$ 1.86
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	129,236	137,274	130,173	137,304
Diluted shares (shares)	130,255	138,711	131,271	138,776
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.125	$ 0.4	$ 0.25

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 234	$ 165	$ 383	$ 259
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	(5)	4	2	7
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Other-net nonoperating income (expense)	0	(1)	0	(1)
Income tax effect	2	(1)	(1)	(2)
Total	(3)	2	1	4
Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits	5	3	8	5
Income tax effect	(2)	(1)	(3)	(2)
Total	3	2	5	3
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	1	(2)	(3)	(5)
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Aircraft rent	1	1	3	3
Income tax effect	(1)	0	0	0
Total	1	(1)	0	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income	1	3	6	5
Comprehensive Income	$ 235	$ 168	$ 389	$ 264

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 383	$ 259
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	155	143
Stock-based compensation and other	14	21
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred income taxes	(44)	14
Increase in air traffic liability	209	243
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	27	7
Other - net	145	(52)
Net cash provided by operating activities	889	635
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(490)	(255)
Other flight equipment	(43)	(60)
Other property and equipment	(26)	(35)
Total property and equipment additions	(559)	(350)
Purchases of marketable securities	(711)	(628)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	676	398
Proceeds from disposition of assets and changes in restricted deposits	0	(2)
Net cash used in investing activities	(594)	(582)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	51
Long-term debt payments	(58)	(64)
Common stock repurchases	(262)	(83)
Dividends paid	(52)	(34)
Other financing activities	15	19
Net cash used in financing activities	(357)	(111)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(62)	(58)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	107	80
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	45	22
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	8	16
Income taxes paid (received)	$ 108	$ 93

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Basis of Presentation The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) and its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon), through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2015 , as well as the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year. Certain reclassifications, such as changes in our equity structure, have been made to prior year financial statements to conform with classifications used in the current year. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date one year, and now allows early adoption one year prior to the effective date. The standard would be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and early adoption is allowed on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined whether or not it will early adopt the standard.

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARK

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES	CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES Components for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (in millions): June 30, 2015 Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash $ 5 $ — $ — $ 5 Cash equivalents 40 — — 40 Cash and cash equivalents 45 — — 45 U.S. government and agency securities 179 — — 179 Foreign government bonds 31 — — 31 Asset-backed securities 131 — — 131 Mortgage-backed securities 120 1 (1 ) 120 Corporate notes and bonds 662 3 (1 ) 664 Municipal securities 22 — — 22 Marketable securities 1,145 4 (2 ) 1,147 Total $ 1,190 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ 1,192 December 31, 2014 Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Cash equivalents 103 — — 103 Cash and cash equivalents 107 — — 107 U.S. government and agency securities 166 — — 166 Foreign government bonds 25 — — 25 Asset-backed securities 130 — — 130 Mortgage-backed securities 127 — (1 ) 126 Corporate notes and bonds 644 3 (2 ) 645 Municipal securities 18 — — 18 Marketable securities 1,110 3 (3 ) 1,110 Total $ 1,217 $ 3 $ (3 ) $ 1,217 Unrealized losses from fixed-income securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any remaining unrealized losses represent other-than-temporary impairments based on our evaluation of available evidence as of June 30, 2015 . Activity for marketable securities (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Proceeds from sales and maturities $ 417 $ 171 $ 676 $ 398 Gross realized gains 1 1 2 2 Gross realized losses (1 ) — (2 ) (1 ) Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): June 30, 2015 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 105 $ 105 Due after one year through five years 1,038 1,040 Due after five years through 10 years 2 2 Due after 10 years — — Total $ 1,145 $ 1,147

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Fuel Hedge Contracts The Company’s operations are inherently dependent upon the price and availability of aircraft fuel. To manage economic risks associated with fluctuations in aircraft fuel prices, the Company periodically enters into call options for crude oil. As of June 30, 2015 , the Company had outstanding fuel hedge contracts covering 259 million gallons of crude oil that will be settled from July 2015 to December 2016 . Refer to the contractual obligations and commitments section of Item 2 for further information. Interest Rate Swap Agreements The Company has interest rate swap agreements with a third party designed to hedge the volatility of the underlying variable interest rate in the Company's aircraft lease agreements for six Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The agreements stipulate that the Company pay a fixed interest rate over the term of the contract and receive a floating interest rate. All significant terms of the swap agreement match the terms of the lease agreements, including interest-rate index, rate reset dates, termination dates and underlying notional values. The agreements expire from February 2020 through March 2021 to coincide with the lease termination dates. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, December 31, Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges Fuel hedge contracts Fuel hedge contracts, current assets $ 7 $ 3 Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets 3 4 Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges Interest rate swaps Other accrued liabilities (6 ) (6 ) Other liabilities (13 ) (13 ) Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) (19 ) (19 ) The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was ($4) million and $1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was ($8) million and ($6) million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges Fuel hedge contracts: Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense $ 1 $ 5 $ (4 ) $ (6 ) Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges Interest rate swaps: Losses recognized in aircraft rent (1 ) (1 ) (3 ) (3 ) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) 1 (2 ) (3 ) (5 ) The Company expects $6 million to be reclassified from AOCL to aircraft rent within the next twelve months. Credit Risk and Collateral The Company maintains security agreements with a number of its counterparties which may require the Company to post collateral if the fair value of the selected derivative instruments fall below specified mark-to-market thresholds. The posted collateral does not offset the fair value of the derivative instruments and is included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company posted collateral of $1 million and $3 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 179 $ — $ 179 All other securities — 968 968 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge call options — 10 10 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (19 ) (19 ) December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 166 $ — $ 166 All other securities — 944 944 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge call options — 7 7 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (19 ) (19 ) The Company uses the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. All other securities (Foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities) are Level 2 as the fair value is based on industry standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs. The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. Fuel hedge contracts are Level 2 as the fair value is primarily based on inputs which are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. The fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. Interest rate swap agreements are Level 2 as the fair value of these contracts is determined based on the difference between the fixed interest rate in the agreements and the observable LIBOR-based forward interest rates at period end, multiplied by the total notional value. The Company has no financial assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2015 . Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments The Company used the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below. Cash and Cash Equivalents : Carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Debt : The carrying amount of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates fair values. For fixed-rate debt, the Company uses the income approach to determine the estimated fair value, through a discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates for comparable debt over the weighted remaining life of the outstanding debt. The estimated fair value of the fixed-rate debt is Level 3 as certain inputs used are unobservable. Fixed-rate debt that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions): June 30, December 31, Carrying amount $ 567 $ 614 Fair value 612 666

MILEAGE PLAN

MILEAGE PLAN	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
MILEAGE PLAN	MILEAGE PLAN Alaska's Mileage Plan liabilities and deferrals on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): June 30, December 31, Current Liabilities: Other accrued liabilities $ 352 $ 343 Other Liabilities and Credits: Deferred revenue 395 367 Other liabilities 20 20 Total $ 767 $ 730 Alaska's Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Passenger revenues $ 69 $ 62 $ 134 $ 118 Other - net revenues 82 73 159 146 Total $ 151 $ 135 $ 293 $ 264

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, December 31, Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 $ 567 $ 614 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 178 189 Total debt 745 803 Less current portion 116 117 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 629 $ 686 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 5.7 % 5.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 1.7 % 1.6 % During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company made debt payments of $58 million . At June 30, 2015 , long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2015 $ 59 2016 115 2017 121 2018 151 2019 114 Thereafter 185 Total $ 745 Bank Lines of Credit The Company has two $100 million variable rate credit facilities, with interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One of the $100 million facilities, which expires in September 2017 , is secured by aircraft. The other $100 million facility, which expires in March 2017 , is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The Company has no immediate plans to borrow using either of these facilities. These facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million . The Company is in compliance with this covenant at June 30, 2015 .

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Net periodic benefit costs recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Qualified Postretirement Medical 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 10 $ 8 $ — $ — Interest cost 21 20 1 1 Expected return on assets (30 ) (29 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) — — Recognized actuarial loss (gain) 6 4 (2 ) — Total $ 7 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Net periodic benefit costs recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Six Months Ended June 30, Qualified Postretirement Medical 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 20 $ 16 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 42 40 2 2 Expected return on assets (61 ) (58 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) — — Recognized actuarial loss (gain) 13 7 (5 ) (1 ) Total $ 14 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ 2

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS	COMMITMENTS Future minimum fixed payments for commitments (in millions): June 30, 2015 Aircraft Commitments Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPA) Aircraft Leases (a) Facility Leases Remainder of 2015 $ 133 $ 31 $ 27 $ 50 2016 604 67 111 99 2017 548 58 93 94 2018 428 60 78 44 2019 372 64 67 42 Thereafter 650 623 345 212 Total $ 2,735 $ 903 $ 721 $ 541 (a) Includes embedded leases under the CPA with SkyWest. Aircraft Commitments As of June 30, 2015 , the Company is committed to purchasing 76 B737 aircraft ( 39 737-900ER aircraft and 37 737 MAX aircraft) and two Q400 aircraft, with deliveries in 2015 through 2022 . In addition, the Company has options to purchase 46 B737 aircraft and five Q400 aircraft. Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs) At June 30, 2015 , Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity to Alaska under a CPA, for which all intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, Alaska has CPAs with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest) to fly certain routes and Peninsula Airways, Inc. (PenAir) to fly one route in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the third-party carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors. The costs paid by Alaska to Horizon are based on similar data and are intended to approximate market rates for those services. Future payments (excluding those due to Horizon) are based on contractually required minimum levels of flying by the third-party carriers, which could differ materially due to variable payments based on actual levels of flying and certain costs associated with operating flights, such as fuel. During the second quarter Alaska signed an amendment to the CPA with SkyWest to remove the eight CRJ-700 aircraft out of regional operations and replace them with eight E-175 aircraft. Six of these CRJ-700 aircraft are leased by the Company and two of the aircraft are owned by the Company. The E-175 aircraft will be introduced into service throughout 2016, at which time the CRJ-700 aircraft will be removed from service. The CPA with SkyWest is a service contract that, in accordance with GAAP, includes embedded leases related to the aircraft operated under the agreement. Lease Commitments At June 30, 2015 , the Company had lease contracts for 28 B737 aircraft, 15 Q400 aircraft, 6 CRJ-700 aircraft (operated by SkyWest), and 8 CRJ-700 aircraft that are subleased and operated by another carrier (i.e. not in the Company's fleet). In addition, the Company has 15 E-175 aircraft under the CPA with SkyWest, three of which are included in the fleet as of June 30, 2015 . All lease contracts have remaining noncancelable lease terms ranging from 2015 to 2028 . The Company has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with 16 additional E-175 aircraft. The majority of airport and terminal facilities are also leased. Rent expense for aircraft and facility leases was $67 million and $66 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Rent expense for aircraft and facility leases was $140 million and $141 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Dividends During the three months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.20 per share, or $26 million . During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.40 per share, or $52 million . Common Stock Repurchase In September 2012 , the Board of Directors authorized a $250 million share repurchase program, which was completed in July 2014 . In May 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a $650 million share repurchase program. Share repurchase activity (in millions, except share amounts): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount 2014 Repurchase Program - $650 million 2,480,807 $ 160 — $ — 4,061,554 $ 262 — $ — 2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million — $ — 1,108,334 $ 53 — $ — 1,814,036 $ 83 Total 2,480,807 $ 160 1,108,334 $ 53 4,061,554 $ 262 1,814,036 $ 83 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in millions): June 30, December 31, Marketable securities $ 1 $ — Employee benefit plans (293 ) (298 ) Interest rate derivatives (12 ) (12 ) Total $ (304 ) $ (310 ) Earnings Per Share (EPS) Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION Air Group has two operating airlines - Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Each is a regulated airline with separate management teams primarily in operational roles. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity to Alaska under a CPA, for which all intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, Alaska has CPAs with SkyWest to fly certain routes and PenAir to fly one route in the state of Alaska. The Company attributes revenue between Mainline and Regional based on the coupon fare in effect on the date of issuance relative to the origin and destination of each flight segment. To manage the two operating airlines and the revenues and expenses associated with the CPAs, management views the business in three operating segments. Alaska Mainline - Flying Boeing 737 jets and all associated revenues and costs. Alaska Regional - Alaska's CPAs with Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir. In this segment, Alaska Regional records actual on-board passenger revenue, less costs such as fuel, distribution costs, and payments made to Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir under the respective CPAs. Additionally, Alaska Regional includes an allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance, and other administrative costs incurred by Alaska on behalf of the regional operations. Horizon - Horizon operates turboprop Q400 aircraft. All of Horizon's capacity is sold to Alaska under a CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs, and maintenance costs. The following table reports “Air Group adjusted,” which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company's chief operating decision-makers and others in management use this measure to evaluate operational performance and determine resource allocations. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciliation to consolidated GAAP results. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline $ 1,019 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,019 $ — $ 1,019 Regional — 212 — — 212 — 212 Total passenger revenues 1,019 212 — — 1,231 — 1,231 CPA revenues — — 99 (99 ) — — — Freight and mail 28 2 — — 30 — 30 Other - net 156 19 1 — 176 — 176 Total operating revenues 1,203 233 100 (99 ) 1,437 — 1,437 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 645 169 90 (100 ) 804 — 804 Economic fuel 232 35 — — 267 (6 ) 261 Total operating expenses 877 204 90 (100 ) 1,071 (6 ) 1,065 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 5 — — 1 6 — 6 Interest expense (7 ) — (1 ) (3 ) (11 ) — (11 ) Other 7 — (1 ) 3 9 — 9 5 — (2 ) 1 4 — 4 Income before income tax $ 331 $ 29 $ 8 $ 2 $ 370 $ 6 $ 376 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline $ 974 $ — $ — $ — $ 974 $ — $ 974 Regional — 200 — — 200 — 200 Total passenger revenues 974 200 — — 1,174 — 1,174 CPA revenues — — 87 (87 ) — — — Freight and mail 31 1 — — 32 — 32 Other - net 147 20 2 — 169 — 169 Total operating revenues 1,152 221 89 (87 ) 1,375 — 1,375 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 602 151 86 (87 ) 752 — 752 Economic fuel 324 49 — — 373 (13 ) 360 Total operating expenses 926 200 86 (87 ) 1,125 (13 ) 1,112 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 5 — — — 5 — 5 Interest expense (9 ) (1 ) (2 ) — (12 ) — (12 ) Other 9 1 (1 ) — 9 — 9 5 — (3 ) — 2 — 2 Income before income tax $ 231 $ 21 $ — $ — $ 252 $ 13 $ 265 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline 1,920 — — — 1,920 — 1,920 Regional — 398 — — 398 — 398 Total passenger revenues 1,920 398 — — 2,318 — 2,318 CPA revenues — — 198 (198 ) — — — Freight and mail 50 3 — — 53 — 53 Other-net 298 35 2 — 335 — 335 Total operating revenues 2,268 436 200 (198 ) 2,706 — 2,706 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,284 333 181 (198 ) 1,600 — 1,600 Economic fuel 436 66 — — 502 (6 ) 496 Total operating expenses 1,720 399 181 (198 ) 2,102 (6 ) 2,096 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 10 — — 1 11 — 11 Interest expense (14 ) — (5 ) (3 ) (22 ) — (22 ) Other 14 — — 3 17 — 17 10 — (5 ) 1 6 — 6 Income before income tax 558 37 14 1 610 6 616 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline 1,828 — — — 1,828 — 1,828 Regional — 386 — — 386 — 386 Total passenger revenues 1,828 386 — — 2,214 — 2,214 CPA revenues — — 178 (178 ) — — — Freight and mail 54 2 — — 56 — 56 Other-net 287 37 3 — 327 — 327 Total operating revenues 2,169 425 181 (178 ) 2,597 — 2,597 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,178 302 172 (178 ) 1,474 — 1,474 Economic fuel 642 97 — — 739 (21 ) 718 Total operating expenses 1,820 399 172 (178 ) 2,213 (21 ) 2,192 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 10 — — — 10 — 10 Interest expense (17 ) (1 ) (6 ) (1 ) (25 ) — (25 ) Other 27 — — — 27 — 27 20 (1 ) (6 ) (1 ) 12 — 12 Income before income tax 369 25 3 (1 ) 396 21 417 (a) The adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and does not include certain charges. (b) Includes mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges. Total assets were as follows (in millions): June 30, December 31, Alaska $ 7,567 $ 6,772 Horizon 781 818 Parent company 3,877 3,552 Elimination of inter-company accounts (5,745 ) (4,961 ) Consolidated $ 6,480 $ 6,181

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF17

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) and its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon), through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2015 , as well as the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year. Certain reclassifications, such as changes in our equity structure, have been made to prior year financial statements to conform with classifications used in the current year.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date one year, and now allows early adoption one year prior to the effective date. The standard would be effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, and early adoption is allowed on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined whether or not it will early adopt the standard.

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MA18

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	Components for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (in millions): June 30, 2015 Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash $ 5 $ — $ — $ 5 Cash equivalents 40 — — 40 Cash and cash equivalents 45 — — 45 U.S. government and agency securities 179 — — 179 Foreign government bonds 31 — — 31 Asset-backed securities 131 — — 131 Mortgage-backed securities 120 1 (1 ) 120 Corporate notes and bonds 662 3 (1 ) 664 Municipal securities 22 — — 22 Marketable securities 1,145 4 (2 ) 1,147 Total $ 1,190 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ 1,192 December 31, 2014 Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash $ 4 $ — $ — $ 4 Cash equivalents 103 — — 103 Cash and cash equivalents 107 — — 107 U.S. government and agency securities 166 — — 166 Foreign government bonds 25 — — 25 Asset-backed securities 130 — — 130 Mortgage-backed securities 127 — (1 ) 126 Corporate notes and bonds 644 3 (2 ) 645 Municipal securities 18 — — 18 Marketable securities 1,110 3 (3 ) 1,110 Total $ 1,217 $ 3 $ (3 ) $ 1,217
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)	Activity for marketable securities (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Proceeds from sales and maturities $ 417 $ 171 $ 676 $ 398 Gross realized gains 1 1 2 2 Gross realized losses (1 ) — (2 ) (1 )
Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): June 30, 2015 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 105 $ 105 Due after one year through five years 1,038 1,040 Due after five years through 10 years 2 2 Due after 10 years — — Total $ 1,145 $ 1,147

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, December 31, Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges Fuel hedge contracts Fuel hedge contracts, current assets $ 7 $ 3 Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets 3 4 Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges Interest rate swaps Other accrued liabilities (6 ) (6 ) Other liabilities (13 ) (13 ) Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) (19 ) (19 )
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges Fuel hedge contracts: Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense $ 1 $ 5 $ (4 ) $ (6 ) Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges Interest rate swaps: Losses recognized in aircraft rent (1 ) (1 ) (3 ) (3 ) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) 1 (2 ) (3 ) (5 )

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure	Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 179 $ — $ 179 All other securities — 968 968 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge call options — 10 10 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (19 ) (19 ) December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 166 $ — $ 166 All other securities — 944 944 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge call options — 7 7 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (19 ) (19 )
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Fixed-rate debt that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions): June 30, December 31, Carrying amount $ 567 $ 614 Fair value 612 666

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (Tabl

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
Mileage Plan Liabilities	Alaska's Mileage Plan liabilities and deferrals on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): June 30, December 31, Current Liabilities: Other accrued liabilities $ 352 $ 343 Other Liabilities and Credits: Deferred revenue 395 367 Other liabilities 20 20 Total $ 767 $ 730
Mileage Plan Revenue	Alaska's Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Passenger revenues $ 69 $ 62 $ 134 $ 118 Other - net revenues 82 73 159 146 Total $ 151 $ 135 $ 293 $ 264

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): June 30, December 31, Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 $ 567 $ 614 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 178 189 Total debt 745 803 Less current portion 116 117 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 629 $ 686 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 5.7 % 5.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 1.7 % 1.6 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At June 30, 2015 , long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2015 $ 59 2016 115 2017 121 2018 151 2019 114 Thereafter 185 Total $ 745

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit costs recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Qualified Postretirement Medical 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 10 $ 8 $ — $ — Interest cost 21 20 1 1 Expected return on assets (30 ) (29 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) — — Recognized actuarial loss (gain) 6 4 (2 ) — Total $ 7 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 1 Net periodic benefit costs recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Six Months Ended June 30, Qualified Postretirement Medical 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 20 $ 16 $ 1 $ 1 Interest cost 42 40 2 2 Expected return on assets (61 ) (58 ) — — Amortization of prior service cost — (1 ) — — Recognized actuarial loss (gain) 13 7 (5 ) (1 ) Total $ 14 $ 4 $ (2 ) $ 2

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions	Future minimum fixed payments for commitments (in millions): June 30, 2015 Aircraft Commitments Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPA) Aircraft Leases (a) Facility Leases Remainder of 2015 $ 133 $ 31 $ 27 $ 50 2016 604 67 111 99 2017 548 58 93 94 2018 428 60 78 44 2019 372 64 67 42 Thereafter 650 623 345 212 Total $ 2,735 $ 903 $ 721 $ 541 (a) Includes embedded leases under the CPA with SkyWest.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class	Share repurchase activity (in millions, except share amounts): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount 2014 Repurchase Program - $650 million 2,480,807 $ 160 — $ — 4,061,554 $ 262 — $ — 2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million — $ — 1,108,334 $ 53 — $ — 1,814,036 $ 83 Total 2,480,807 $ 160 1,108,334 $ 53 4,061,554 $ 262 1,814,036 $ 83
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in millions): June 30, December 31, Marketable securities $ 1 $ — Employee benefit plans (293 ) (298 ) Interest rate derivatives (12 ) (12 ) Total $ (304 ) $ (310 )

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline $ 1,019 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,019 $ — $ 1,019 Regional — 212 — — 212 — 212 Total passenger revenues 1,019 212 — — 1,231 — 1,231 CPA revenues — — 99 (99 ) — — — Freight and mail 28 2 — — 30 — 30 Other - net 156 19 1 — 176 — 176 Total operating revenues 1,203 233 100 (99 ) 1,437 — 1,437 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 645 169 90 (100 ) 804 — 804 Economic fuel 232 35 — — 267 (6 ) 261 Total operating expenses 877 204 90 (100 ) 1,071 (6 ) 1,065 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 5 — — 1 6 — 6 Interest expense (7 ) — (1 ) (3 ) (11 ) — (11 ) Other 7 — (1 ) 3 9 — 9 5 — (2 ) 1 4 — 4 Income before income tax $ 331 $ 29 $ 8 $ 2 $ 370 $ 6 $ 376 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline $ 974 $ — $ — $ — $ 974 $ — $ 974 Regional — 200 — — 200 — 200 Total passenger revenues 974 200 — — 1,174 — 1,174 CPA revenues — — 87 (87 ) — — — Freight and mail 31 1 — — 32 — 32 Other - net 147 20 2 — 169 — 169 Total operating revenues 1,152 221 89 (87 ) 1,375 — 1,375 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 602 151 86 (87 ) 752 — 752 Economic fuel 324 49 — — 373 (13 ) 360 Total operating expenses 926 200 86 (87 ) 1,125 (13 ) 1,112 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 5 — — — 5 — 5 Interest expense (9 ) (1 ) (2 ) — (12 ) — (12 ) Other 9 1 (1 ) — 9 — 9 5 — (3 ) — 2 — 2 Income before income tax $ 231 $ 21 $ — $ — $ 252 $ 13 $ 265 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline 1,920 — — — 1,920 — 1,920 Regional — 398 — — 398 — 398 Total passenger revenues 1,920 398 — — 2,318 — 2,318 CPA revenues — — 198 (198 ) — — — Freight and mail 50 3 — — 53 — 53 Other-net 298 35 2 — 335 — 335 Total operating revenues 2,268 436 200 (198 ) 2,706 — 2,706 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,284 333 181 (198 ) 1,600 — 1,600 Economic fuel 436 66 — — 502 (6 ) 496 Total operating expenses 1,720 399 181 (198 ) 2,102 (6 ) 2,096 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 10 — — 1 11 — 11 Interest expense (14 ) — (5 ) (3 ) (22 ) — (22 ) Other 14 — — 3 17 — 17 10 — (5 ) 1 6 — 6 Income before income tax 558 37 14 1 610 6 616 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Alaska Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating Air Group Adjusted (a) Special Items (b) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger Mainline 1,828 — — — 1,828 — 1,828 Regional — 386 — — 386 — 386 Total passenger revenues 1,828 386 — — 2,214 — 2,214 CPA revenues — — 178 (178 ) — — — Freight and mail 54 2 — — 56 — 56 Other-net 287 37 3 — 327 — 327 Total operating revenues 2,169 425 181 (178 ) 2,597 — 2,597 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,178 302 172 (178 ) 1,474 — 1,474 Economic fuel 642 97 — — 739 (21 ) 718 Total operating expenses 1,820 399 172 (178 ) 2,213 (21 ) 2,192 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 10 — — — 10 — 10 Interest expense (17 ) (1 ) (6 ) (1 ) (25 ) — (25 ) Other 27 — — — 27 — 27 20 (1 ) (6 ) (1 ) 12 — 12 Income before income tax 369 25 3 (1 ) 396 21 417 (a) The adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and does not include certain charges. (b) Includes mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges. Total assets were as follows (in millions): June 30, December 31, Alaska $ 7,567 $ 6,772 Horizon 781 818 Parent company 3,877 3,552 Elimination of inter-company accounts (5,745 ) (4,961 ) Consolidated $ 6,480 $ 6,181

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MA27

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash	$ 5		$ 5		$ 4
Cash equivalents	40		40		103
Cash and cash equivalents	45	$ 22	45	$ 22	107	$ 80
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,145		1,145		1,110
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	4		4		3
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	(2)		(2)		(3)
Marketable securities, Fair Value	1,147		1,147		1,110
Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis	1,190		1,190		1,217
Cash and marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	4		4		3
Cash and marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	(2)		(2)		(3)
Total cash and marketable securities	1,192		1,192		1,217
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales and maturities	417	171	676	398
Gross realized gains	1	1	2	2
Gross realized losses	(1)	$ 0	(2)	$ (1)
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	179		179		166
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Fair Value	179		179		166
Foreign government bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	31		31		25
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Fair Value	31		31		25
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	131		131		130
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Fair Value	131		131		130
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	120		120		127
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	1		1		0
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	(1)		(1)		(1)
Marketable securities, Fair Value	120		120		126
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	662		662		644
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	3		3		3
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	(1)		(1)		(2)
Marketable securities, Fair Value	664		664		645
Municipal securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	22		22		18
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	0		0		0
Marketable securities, Fair Value	$ 22		$ 22		$ 18

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MA28

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 105
Due after one year through five years	1,038
Due after five years through 10 years	2
Due after 10 years			$ 0
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,145	$ 1,110
Fair Value [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	105
Due after one year through five years	1,040
Due after five years through 10 years	2
Due after 10 years			$ 0
Marketable securities, Fair Value	$ 1,147	$ 1,110

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANC

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	$ (304)	$ (310)
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	7	3
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent	3	4
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Current	(6)	(6)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	(13)	(13)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Gains (losses) in AOCL [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	$ (19)	$ (19)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME STATEMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (losses) recognized in income	$ 1	$ 5	$ (4)	$ (6)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	1	(2)	(3)	(5)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft rent [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (losses) recognized in income	(1)	$ (1)	(3)	$ (3)
Gains (losses) in AOCL [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Gain (Loss) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss To Be Reclassified Within Next Twelve Months	$ (6)		$ (6)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR V

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF HEDGE POSITIONS (Details) gallons in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)gallonsaircraft	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)gallonsaircraft	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Net cash received (paid) to for new positions and settlements	$ (4)	$ 1	$ (8)	$ (6)
Posted collateral	$ 1		$ 1		$ 3
B737-800 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	6		6
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fuel hedge contracts outstanding (in barrels) | gallons	259		259

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	$ 10	$ 7
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	10	7
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities	(19)	(19)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, liabilities	(19)	(19)
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	179	166
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	179	166
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
All other securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	968	944
All other securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
All other securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 968	$ 944

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 567	$ 614
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 612	$ 666

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (Deta

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities	$ 736		$ 736		$ 629
Deferred revenue	401		401		374
Other liabilities	339		339		327
Passenger revenues	1,231	$ 1,174	2,318	$ 2,214
Other - net revenues	176	169	335	327
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities	352		352		343
Deferred revenue	395		395		367
Other liabilities	20		20		20
Total	767		767		$ 730
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Passenger revenues	69	62	134	118
Other - net revenues	82	73	159	146
Total Mileage Plan Revenues	$ 151	$ 135	$ 293	$ 264

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 745	$ 803
Less current portion	116	117
Long-term debt, less current portion	$ 629	$ 686
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.70%	5.70%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.70%	1.60%
Debt payments	$ 58
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	567	$ 614
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 178	$ 189

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	$ 59
2,016	115
2,017	121
2,018	151
2,019	114
Thereafter	185
Total	$ 745	$ 803

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015	USD ($)credit_facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities | credit_facility	2
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	500,000,000
Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Secured by other [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Mar. 31, 2017

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 10	$ 8	$ 20	$ 16
Interest cost	21	20	42	40
Expected return on assets	(30)	(29)	(61)	(58)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	(1)	0	(1)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	6	4	13	7
Net pension expense	7	2	14	4
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0	1	1
Interest cost	1	1	2	2
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(2)	0	(5)	(1)
Net pension expense	$ (1)	$ 1	$ (2)	$ 2

COMMITMENTS (Details)

COMMITMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)aircraftcarriers	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)aircraftcarriers	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Capacity purchase arrangements (carriers) | carriers	3		3
Capacity purchase arrangements (percent)	100.00%		100.00%
Rent expense	$ 67	$ 66	$ 140	$ 141
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	133		133
2,016	604		604
2,017	548		548
2,018	428		428
2,019	372		372
Thereafter	650		650
Total	2,735		2,735
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	31		31
2,016	67		67
2,017	58		58
2,018	60		60
2,019	64		64
Thereafter	623		623
Total	903		903
Aircraft Leases [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	27		27
2,016	111		111
2,017	93		93
2,018	78		78
2,019	67		67
Thereafter	345		345
Total	721		721
Facility Leases [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	50		50
2,016	99		99
2,017	94		94
2,018	44		44
2,019	42		42
Thereafter	212		212
Total	$ 541		$ 541
B-737 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	76		76
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	46		46
B737-900ER [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	39		39
B737 MAX [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	37		37
Q400 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	2		2
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	5		5
CRJ-700 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member] | Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under capacity purchase agreement | aircraft	2		2
Operating Aircraft [Member] | CRJ-700 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member] | Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under capacity purchase agreement | aircraft	8		8
Operating Aircraft [Member] | E-175 [Domain] | Aircraft Leases [Member] | Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under capacity purchase agreement | aircraft	8		8
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	3		3
Operated by Skywest [Member] | B-737 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	28		28
Operated by Skywest [Member] | Q400 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	15		15
Operated by Skywest [Member] | CRJ-700 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	6		6
Operated by Skywest [Member] | E-175 [Domain] | Aircraft Leases [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	15		15
Number of additional aircraft that could be leased (in aircraft) | aircraft	16		16
Operated by Skywest [Member] | Operating Aircraft [Member] | CRJ-700 [Member] | Aircraft Leases [Member] | Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under capacity purchase agreement | aircraft	6		6
Subleased and Operated by Other Carrier [Member] | Non Operating Aircraft [Member] | CRJ-700 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of aircraft under operating lease (in Aircraft) | aircraft	8		8

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON ST

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	2,480,807	1,108,334	4,061,554	1,814,036
Stock repurchased during period	$ 160	$ 53	$ 262	$ 83
May 2014 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (shares)					$ 650
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	2,480,807	0	4,061,554	0
Stock repurchased during period	$ 160	$ 0	$ 262	$ 0
September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (shares)						$ 250
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	0	1,108,334	0	1,814,036
Stock repurchased during period	$ 0	$ 53	$ 0	$ 83

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULAT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Marketable securities	$ 1	$ 0
Employee benefit plans	(293)	(298)
Interest rate derivatives	(12)	(12)
Total	$ (304)	$ (310)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVI

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVIDEND (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.125	$ 0.4	$ 0.25
Payments of Dividends	$ 26		$ 52	$ 34

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION43

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)carriers	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)carrierssegment	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capacity purchase arrangements (percent)	100.00%		100.00%
Number of operating airlines | carriers	2		2
Number of operating segments | segment			3
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	$ 1,019	$ 974	$ 1,920	$ 1,828
Passenger, Regional	212	200	398	386
Total passenger revenue	1,231	1,174	2,318	2,214
CPA revenues	0	0	0	0
Freight and mail	30	32	53	56
Other - net	176	169	335	327
Total Operating Revenues	1,437	1,375	2,706	2,597
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	804	752	1,600	1,474
Economic fuel	261	360	496	718
Total Operating Expenses	1,065	1,112	2,096	2,192
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	6	5	11	10
Interest expense	(11)	(12)	(22)	(25)
Other	9	9	17	27
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	4	2	6	12
Income (loss) before income tax	376	265	616	417
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	1,019	974	1,920	1,828
Passenger, Regional	212	200	398	386
Total passenger revenue	1,231	1,174	2,318	2,214
CPA revenues	0	0	0	0
Freight and mail	30	32	53	56
Other - net	176	169	335	327
Total Operating Revenues	1,437	1,375	2,706	2,597
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	804	752	1,600	1,474
Economic fuel	267	373	502	739
Total Operating Expenses	1,071	1,125	2,102	2,213
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	6	5	11	10
Interest expense	(11)	(12)	(22)	(25)
Other	9	9	17	27
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	4	2	6	12
Income (loss) before income tax	370	252	610	396
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	1,019	974	1,920	1,828
Passenger, Regional	0	0	0	0
Total passenger revenue	1,019	974	1,920	1,828
CPA revenues	0	0	0	0
Freight and mail	28	31	50	54
Other - net	156	147	298	287
Total Operating Revenues	1,203	1,152	2,268	2,169
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	645	602	1,284	1,178
Economic fuel	232	324	436	642
Total Operating Expenses	877	926	1,720	1,820
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	5	5	10	10
Interest expense	(7)	(9)	(14)	(17)
Other	7	9	14	27
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	5	5	10	20
Income (loss) before income tax	331	231	558	369
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	0	0	0	0
Passenger, Regional	212	200	398	386
Total passenger revenue	212	200	398	386
CPA revenues	0	0	0	0
Freight and mail	2	1	3	2
Other - net	19	20	35	37
Total Operating Revenues	233	221	436	425
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	169	151	333	302
Economic fuel	35	49	66	97
Total Operating Expenses	204	200	399	399
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	(1)	0	(1)
Other	0	1	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	(1)
Income (loss) before income tax	29	21	37	25
Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	0	0	0	0
Passenger, Regional	0	0	0	0
Total passenger revenue	0	0	0	0
CPA revenues	99	87	198	178
Freight and mail	0	0	0	0
Other - net	1	2	2	3
Total Operating Revenues	100	89	200	181
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	90	86	181	172
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	90	86	181	172
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(1)	(2)	(5)	(6)
Other	(1)	(1)	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(2)	(3)	(5)	(6)
Income (loss) before income tax	8	0	14	3
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	0	0	0	0
Passenger, Regional	0	0	0	0
Total passenger revenue	0	0	0	0
CPA revenues	(99)	(87)	(198)	(178)
Freight and mail	0	0	0	0
Other - net	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Revenues	(99)	(87)	(198)	(178)
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	(100)	(87)	(198)	(178)
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	(100)	(87)	(198)	(178)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	1	0	1	0
Interest expense	(3)	0	(3)	(1)
Other	3	0	3	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	1	0	1	(1)
Income (loss) before income tax	2	0	1	(1)
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Passenger, Mainline	0	0	0	0
Passenger, Regional	0	0	0	0
Total passenger revenue	0	0	0	0
CPA revenues	0	0	0	0
Freight and mail	0	0	0	0
Other - net	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	0	0	0	0
Economic fuel	(6)	(13)	(6)	(21)
Total Operating Expenses	(6)	(13)	(6)	(21)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	$ 6	$ 13	$ 6	$ 21

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION,

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Total assets	$ 6,480	$ 6,181
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	7,567	6,772
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	781	818
Parent [Member]
Total assets	3,877	3,552
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Total assets	$ (5,745)	$ (4,961)