Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q 14 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

COVER

COVER - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity File Number	1-8957
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	91-1292054
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Trading Symbol	ALK
Entity Address, Address Line One	19300 International Boulevard,
Entity Address, City or Town	Seattle,
Entity Address, State or Province	WA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	98188
City Area Code	(206)
Local Phone Number	392-5040
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		122,585,372
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 811	$ 221
Marketable securities	1,314	1,300
Total cash and marketable securities	2,125	1,521
Receivables - net	279	323
Inventories and supplies - net	68	72
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	100	121
Total Current Assets	2,572	2,037
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,228	8,549
Other property and equipment	1,343	1,306
Deposits for future flight equipment	590	533
Property and Equipment Total	10,161	10,388
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,307	3,486
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,854	6,902
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,584	1,711
Goodwill	1,943	1,943
Intangible assets - net	110	122
Other noncurrent assets	300	278
Other Assets	3,937	4,054
Total Assets	13,363	12,993
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	119	146
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	316	470
Other accrued liabilities	382	431
Deferred revenue, current	478	750
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	266	269
Total Current Liabilities	3,730	3,201
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,375	1,439
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	1,545	1,240
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	577	571
Other liabilities	253	232
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	4,415	4,197
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: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2020 - 131,934,957 shares; 2019 - 131,812,173 shares, Outstanding: 2020 - 122,585,013 shares; 2019 - 123,000,307 shares	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	314	305
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2019 - 8,811,866 shares	(674)	(643)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(482)	(465)
Retained earnings	4,856	5,133
Total Shareholders' Equity	4,015	4,331
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	13,363	12,993
Deferred Tax and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	665	715
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,110	900
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current	1,059	235
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation	$ 1,203	$ 1,264

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
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)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	131,934,957	131,812,173
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	122,585,013	123,000,307
Treasury Stock, Shares (shares)	9,349,944	8,811,866

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	$ 1,636	$ 1,876
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,957	1,851
Wages and benefits	612	557
Variable incentive pay	7	35
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	384	420
Aircraft maintenance	115	120
Aircraft rent	81	83
Landing fees and other rentals	131	132
Contracted services	72	72
Selling expenses	55	72
Depreciation and amortization	108	106
Food and beverage service	49	49
Third-party regional carrier expense	37	41
Other	143	138
Special items - merger-related costs	3	26
Special items—other		0
Operating Income (Loss)	(321)	25
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	9	9
Interest capitalized	3	4
Other—net	5	(10)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	4	(19)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	(317)	6
Income tax (benefit) expense	(85)	2
Net Income (Loss)	$ (232)	$ 4
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ (1.89)	$ 0.03
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ (1.87)	$ 0.03
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	122,818	123,291
Diluted shares (shares)	124,123	123,915
Special items - Impairment charges and other	$ 160	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability	210	328
Interest Costs Incurred	13	22
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,481	1,716
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,481	1,716
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	261	263
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	152	153
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	109	110
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	46	50
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 46	$ 50

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ (232)	$ 4
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(1)	14
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	(3)	2
Income tax effect	1	(4)
Total	(3)	12
Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	7	8
Income tax effect	(2)	(2)
Total	5	6
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(25)	(5)
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent	1	1
Income tax effect	5	1
Total	(19)	(3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(17)	15
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ (249)	$ 19

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.194
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 3,751,000	$ 1,000	$ 232,000	$ (568,000)	$ (448,000)	$ 4,534,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	4,000					4,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	15,000				15,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.215)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(13,000)		0	(13,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	12,000		12,000
Dividends, Cash	$ (43,000)					(43,000)
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.35
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.391
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.134
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 20,000		20,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	3,000		3,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 3,746,000	$ 1,000	261,000	(581,000)	(433,000)	4,498,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.504
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	123,000,307	123
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 4,331,000	$ 1,000	305,000	(643,000)	(465,000)	5,133,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(232,000)					(232,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (17,000)				(17,000)
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.538)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value			0	(31,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition			9,000
Dividends, Cash						(45,000)
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.375
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.123
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan			0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures			0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 4,015,000	$ 1,000	$ 314,000	$ (674,000)	$ (482,000)	$ 4,856,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	122,585,013	122.585

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ (232)	$ 4
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	108	106
Stock-based compensation and other	9	11
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	(44)	2
Increase in deferred revenue	33	41
Other - net	(211)	(24)
Net cash provided by operating activities	33	468
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(57)	(53)
Other flight equipment	(35)	(29)
Other property and equipment	(27)	(33)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(119)	(115)
Purchases of marketable securities	(527)	(351)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	511	275
Other investing activities	8	5
Net cash used in investing activities	(127)	(186)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	825	254
Long-term debt payments	(60)	(393)
Common stock repurchases	(31)	(13)
Dividends paid	(45)	(43)
Other financing activities	(5)	24
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	684	(171)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	590	111
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	232	114
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	822	225
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	9	18
Income taxes	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	811	215
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 11	$ 10

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 811	$ 221	$ 215
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11		10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 822	$ 232	$ 225	$ 114

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant 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. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2020 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Such adjustments 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, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions are more judgmental than they would be otherwise given the uncertainty of the future demand for air travel, among other considerations. Further, 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 months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Impacts of COVID-19	COVID-19 PANDEMIC The public health and economic crises resulting from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the first quarter of 2020 has had an unprecedented impact on the Company. Travel restrictions, event cancellations and social distancing guidelines implemented throughout the country drove significant declines in demand beginning in February, and adversely impacted March revenues. It is likely that the financial impact to the second quarter will be more significant than the first quarter, and it is uncertain when, and at what rate, demand for air travel will return. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a "Peace-of-Mind" waiver, which allows travelers to book tickets for travel for a specified period of time that can be changed or canceled without incurring change fees. Cancellations and postponement of travel exceeded new bookings in March, and had a material impact on passenger revenues, air traffic liability, and cash position. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion. The Company has also taken decisive action to reduce costs and preserve cash and liquidity. During the quarter, the Company implemented a company-wide hiring freeze, reduced salaries of senior management, suspended annual pay increases and solicited voluntary leaves of absence. In addition to these payroll saving measures, the Company has actively negotiated with vendor partners to reduce contractual minimums and spending in line with the reduction in demand. With demand dramatically depressed, the Company has significantly reduced its planned flying capacity through at least June 2020. As a result, many aircraft have been parked or removed from service. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had decided to park 146 Mainline aircraft and 13 Horizon aircraft, and suspend flying for eight SkyWest aircraft. Of these aircraft, 12 Airbus aircraft were deemed permanently parked and have been removed from the operating fleet. An additional ten Mainline aircraft were identified for parking subsequent to March 31, 2020. Valuation of long-lived assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Given the temporary and permanent parking described above, the Company performed impairment tests on certain long-lived assets as of March 31, 2020. The Company determined there were no indicators of impairment on long-lived assets outside of flight equipment. To determine if impairment exists, a recoverability test is performed comparing the sum of estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be directly generated by the assets to the asset carrying value. Assets are grouped at the individual fleet level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available. The Company developed estimates of future cash flows utilizing historical results, adjusted for the current operating environment, including the impact of parked aircraft. All individual fleets passed the recoverability test, except for the Q400 fleet and the permanently parked Airbus aircraft. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $83 million for the 12 permanently parked Airbus aircraft, comprised of operating lease right of use assets, estimable return costs, and related leasehold improvements. To determine the total impairment charge for the Q400 fleet, the Company obtained fair market values from published pricing guides and evaluated recent sales. As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $58 million reflecting the amount for which carrying value exceeded fair value of the Q400 fleet. The Company also recorded an additional impairment of $4 million relating to two Q400 aircraft which are parked and held-for-sale. A summary of the impairment charges recorded for aircraft and other flight equipment in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is as follows (in millions): Airbus Aircraft Q400 Aircraft Total Impairment Aircraft and other flight equipment, net $ 11 $ 58 $ 69 Operating lease assets 62 — 62 Inventory and supplies - net 2 — 2 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 4 4 Other accrued liabilities 8 — 8 Total impairment charges - Long-lived assets $ 83 $ 62 $ 145 As the Company continues to evaluate future demand and evolving market conditions, additional aircraft may be permanently parked resulting in incremental impairment charges. Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill The Company reviews definite- and indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or more frequently should events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Given the current environment and significant decline in Alaska Air Group market capitalization as of March 31, 2020, there are indicators that an impairment loss may exist. The Company performed impairment analyses over all three asset types, considering market capitalization, future operating cash flows, future utilization and changes to the regulatory environment. As a result of this analysis, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill were deemed recoverable, and no impairment charges were recorded. The Company observed the potential for impairment relating to definite-lived intangibles, which consist of customer relationships and leased gates at Dallas-Love Field (DAL gates) acquired from Virgin America. A recoverability test was performed for these intangible assets, and only the DAL gates were deemed not recoverable. As a result, an impairment charge of $10 million was recorded as of March 31, 2020. Other considerations The Company also evaluated outstanding receivable balances as of March 31, 2020 for risk of non-payment. The Company identified a $5 million receivable from a vendor that filed for bankruptcy during the first quarter. The Company fully expects to file a bankruptcy claim but, as the note is unsecured, management determined that collectability is not probable as of March 31, 2020. Therefore, the full $5 million was reserved and charged to Special charges - impairment charges and other in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue are passenger ancillary revenues, such as bag fees, on-board food and beverage, ticket change fees, and certain revenue from the frequent flyer program. Mileage Plan other revenue includes brand and marketing revenue from the Company's co-branded credit card and other partners and certain interline frequent flyer revenue, net of commissions. Cargo and other revenue includes freight and mail revenue, and to a lesser extent, other ancillary revenue products such as lounge membership and certain commissions. The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 9. The details within the Company’s statements of operations, segment disclosures, and in this footnote depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and how cash flows are affected by economic and other factors. Passenger Ticket and Ancillary Services Revenue Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees $ 1,213 $ 1,439 Passenger ancillary revenue 116 124 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 152 153 Total Passenger revenue $ 1,481 $ 1,716 Mileage Plan™ Loyalty Program Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Passenger revenue $ 152 $ 153 Mileage Plan other revenue 109 110 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 261 $ 263 Cargo and Other Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Cargo revenue $ 24 $ 30 Other revenue 22 20 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 46 $ 50 Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $489 million and $474 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Given the ongoing reduction in demand for air travel stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has observed unprecedented declines in advance bookings and associated cash receipts. The Company also saw significant cancellations beginning in March 2020, which has led to cash refunds or the issuance of credits for future travel. At March 31, 2020, such credits, which are included in the air traffic liability balance totaled $402 million, net of breakage. In April 2020, the Company announced updated expiration terms for these credits, extending to July 2021. At this time, the Company is unable to estimate how and when the air traffic liability will be recognized in earnings given ongoing uncertainty around the return in demand for air travel. Mileage Plan TM assets and liabilities The Company records a receivable for amounts due from the bank partner and from other partners as mileage credits are sold until the payments are collected. Consistent with the significant cancellation activity outlined above, the Company saw a substantial number of redeposits in March. Given the uncertainty around the return in demand for air travel, the Company is unable to determine how and when mileage credits will be recognized in earnings. The Company had $88 million of such receivables as of March 31, 2020 and $105 million as of December 31, 2019. The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 1,990 $ 1,874 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (152) (153) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (22) (28) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 207 222 Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31 $ 2,023 $ 1,915

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTSIn determining fair value, there is a three-level hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Level 1 refers to fair values based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 refers to fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs. Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis As of March 31, 2020, total cost basis for all marketable securities was $1.3 billion. There were no significant differences between the cost basis and fair value of any individual class of marketable securities. Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 305 $ — $ 305 $ 330 $ — $ 330 Equity mutual funds 4 — 4 6 — 6 Foreign government bonds — 26 26 — 31 31 Asset-backed securities — 206 206 — 211 211 Mortgage-backed securities — 213 213 — 176 176 Corporate notes and bonds — 537 537 — 523 523 Municipal securities — 23 23 — 23 23 Total Marketable securities 309 1,005 1,314 336 964 1,300 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge—call options — 1 1 — 11 11 Interest rate swap agreements — — — — 3 3 Total Assets $ 309 $ 1,006 $ 1,315 $ 336 $ 978 $ 1,314 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (31) (31) — (10) (10) Total Liabilities $ — $ (31) $ (31) $ — $ (10) $ (10) The Company uses both the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities and equity mutual funds are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. 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 standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs such as quoted interest rates, yield curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable market information. The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. The fair value for fuel hedge call options is determined utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. In addition, the fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of non-performance 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 interest forward rates at period end multiplied by the total notional value. Activity and Maturities for Marketable Securities Unrealized losses from marketable securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any unrealized losses are the result of expected credit losses based on its evaluation of available information as of March 31, 2020. Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): March 31, 2020 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 167 $ 166 Due after one year through five years 1,092 1,102 Due after five years through 10 years 41 41 Total $ 1,300 $ 1,309 Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash : Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company's restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Debt : Debt assumed in the acquisition of Virgin America was subject to a non-recurring fair valuation adjustment as part of purchase price accounting. The adjustment is amortized over the life of the associated debt. All other fixed-rate debt is carried at cost. To estimate the fair value of all fixed-rate debt as of March 31, 2020, the Company uses the income approach by discounting cash flows using borrowing rates for comparable debt over the 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 on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fixed-rate debt at cost $ 455 $ 473 Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment 2 2 Total fixed-rate debt $ 457 $ 475 Estimated fair value $ 487 $ 483 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 457 $ 475 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 1,816 1,032 Less debt issuance costs (11) (8) Total debt 2,262 1,499 Less current portion 1,059 235 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,203 $ 1,264 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.3 % 3.3 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 2.4 % 2.9 % Approximately $694 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at March 31, 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $425 million from multiple lenders. The new debt is secured by a total of 25 aircraft. The Company also made scheduled debt payments of $60 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2020 $ 577 2021 706 2022 243 2023 173 2024 153 Thereafter 418 Total $ 2,270 Subsequent to quarter end, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $50 million. The new debt is secured by 2 aircraft. Bank Lines of Credit The Company has three credit facilities with capacity totaling $516 million as of March 31, 2020. All three facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2021 and is secured by aircraft. A second credit facility for $150 million expires in March 2022 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The third credit facility for $116 million expires in July 2020, with a mechanism for annual renewal, and is secured by aircraft. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company drew $400 million on the first two existing facilities. The outstanding amount on both facilities is classified as short-term on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company also has secured letters of credit against the $116 million facility. All three credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2020.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Service cost $ 13 $ 11 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 13 11 Interest cost 19 22 Expected return on assets (28) (24) Recognized actuarial loss 9 9 Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense) $ — $ 7

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Future minimum payments for commitments as of March 31, 2020 (in millions): Aircraft Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements (b) Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Remainder of 2020 $ 416 $ 108 $ 38 2021 556 166 55 2022 340 174 47 2023 200 179 24 2024 27 184 6 Thereafter 26 880 2 Total $ 1,565 $ 1,691 $ 172 (a) Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, aircraft maintenance and parts management. (b) Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements. Subsequent to quarter end, Alaska entered into an agreement with SkyWest to defer a portion of 2020 payments. Subsequent to March 31, 2020, the Company renegotiated scheduled payments with certain lessors and vendor partners, including the reduction of minimum obligations and rates. The Company has also deferred the majority of remaining 2020 aircraft commitments, including those related to the B737 MAX9, to periods beyond 2020. Aircraft Commitments Aircraft purchase commitments include non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines. As of March 31, 2020, Alaska had commitments to purchase 32 B737 MAX9 aircraft, with contracted deliveries between 2020 and 2023. As a result of the grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019, the delivery schedule for these MAX aircraft is subject to change. Future minimum contractual payments for these aircraft have been updated to reflect the possible delivery timing, but are also subject to change. Horizon also has commitments to purchase three E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2023. Alaska has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. In addition, Alaska has options to purchase 37 B737 MAX aircraft, and Horizon has options to purchase 30 E175 aircraft. Alaska also has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with eight additional E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2022. The cancelable purchase commitments and option payments are not reflected in the table above. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is in discussion with aircraft manufacturers regarding these purchase commitments and delivery timelines. Contingencies The Company is a party to routine litigation matters incidental to its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected. Liabilities for litigation related contingencies are recorded when a loss is determined to be probable and estimable. In 2015, three flight attendants filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent all Virgin America flight attendants for damages based on alleged violations of California and City of San Francisco wage and hour laws. The court certified a class of approximately 1,800 flight attendants in November 2016. The Company believes the claims in this case are without factual and legal merit. In July 2018, the Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, finding Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, as a successor-in-interest to Virgin America, responsible for various damages and penalties sought by the class members. On February 4, 2019, the Court entered final judgment against Virgin America and Alaska Airlines in the amount of approximately $78 million. It did not award injunctive relief against Alaska Airlines. The Company is seeking an appellate court ruling that the California laws on which the judgment is based are invalid as applied to national airlines pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and federal law and for other employment law and improper class certification reasons. The Company remains confident that a higher court will respect the federal preemption principles that were enacted to shield inter-state common carriers from a patchwork of state and local wage and hour regulations such as those at issue in this case and agree with the Company's other bases for appeal. For these reasons, no loss has been accrued. The Company is involved in other litigation around the application of state and local employment laws, like many air carriers. Our defenses are similar to those identified above, including that the state and local laws are preempted by federal law and are unconstitutional because they impede interstate commerce. None of these additional disputes are material. This forward-looking statement is based on management's current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock Repurchase In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. As of March 31, 2020, the Company has repurchased 7.6 million shares for $544 million under this program. In March 2020, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Related to marketable securities $ 6 $ 9 Related to employee benefit plans (464) (469) Related to interest rate derivatives (24) (5) Total $ (482) $ (465) Earnings Per Share (EPS)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION Alaska Air Group has two operating airlines—Alaska and Horizon. Each is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska has CPAs for regional capacity with Horizon, as well as with third-party carriers, under which Alaska receives all passenger revenues. Under U.S. GAAP, operating segments are defined as components of a business for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) in making resource allocation decisions. Financial performance for the operating airlines and CPAs is managed and reviewed by the Company's CODM as part of three reportable operating segments: • Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. • Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. under a CPA. This segment includes the actual revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations. • Horizon - includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs. The CODM makes resource allocation decisions for these reporting segments based on flight profitability data, aircraft type, route economics and other financial information. The "Consolidating and Other" column reflects Air Group parent company activity, McGee Air Services, consolidating entries and other immaterial business units of the company. The “Air Group Adjusted” column represents a non-GAAP measure that is used by the Company's CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger revenues $ 1,234 $ 247 $ — $ — $ 1,481 $ — $ 1,481 CPA revenues — — 105 (105) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 98 11 — — 109 — 109 Cargo and other 44 — — 2 46 — 46 Total operating revenues 1,376 258 105 (103) 1,636 — 1,636 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,159 269 92 (110) 1,410 163 1,573 Economic fuel 313 62 — — 375 9 384 Total operating expenses 1,472 331 92 (110) 1,785 172 1,957 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 14 — — (5) 9 — 9 Interest expense (12) — (5) 4 (13) — (13) Interest capitalized 3 — — — 3 — 3 Other - net 6 — — (1) 5 — 5 Total nonoperating income (expense) 11 — (5) (2) 4 — 4 Income (loss) before income tax $ (85) $ (73) $ 8 $ 5 $ (145) $ (172) $ (317) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger revenues 1,422 294 — — 1,716 — 1,716 CPA revenues — — 116 (116) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 100 10 — — 110 — 110 Cargo and other 48 1 1 — 50 — 50 Total operating revenues 1,570 305 117 (116) 1,876 — 1,876 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,152 274 97 (118) 1,405 26 1,431 Economic fuel 358 66 — — 424 (4) 420 Total operating expenses 1,510 340 97 (118) 1,829 22 1,851 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 16 — — (7) 9 — 9 Interest expense (21) — (8) 7 (22) — (22) Interest capitalized 4 — — — 4 — 4 Other - net (10) — — — (10) — (10) Total nonoperating income (expense) (11) — (8) — (19) — (19) Income (loss) before income tax $ 49 $ (35) $ 12 $ 2 $ 28 $ (22) $ 6 (a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units. (b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges. (c) Includes merger-related costs, impairment charges associated with the impact of COVID-19 and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments. Total assets were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Mainline $ 19,677 $ 19,207 Horizon 1,183 1,266 Consolidating & Other (7,497) (7,480) Consolidated $ 13,363 $ 12,993

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On April 23, 2020, Alaska and Horizon finalized agreements with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and accepted full disbursement of funds through the Payroll Support Program (PSP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. McGee Air Services has also applied for PSP support but has yet to come to an agreement or received funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Under the PSP and associated agreements, Alaska and Horizon received $992 million to be used exclusively toward continuing to pay employee salaries, wages and benefits. Of this amount, $267 million takes the form of an unsecured senior term loan with a 10-year term, bearing an interest rate of 1% in years 1 through 5, and an interest rate equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 2% in years 6 through 10. The loan is prepayable at par at any time. The PSP proceeds were deposited into an account which will be drawn down over time for payroll expenses. That account and the balance of the proceeds will serve as the only collateral for the loan. As additional taxpayer protection required under the PSP, the Company granted the Treasury Department 846,748 warrants to purchase Alaska Air Group (ALK) common stock at a strike price of $31.61, based on the closing price on April 9, 2020. The warrants are non-voting, freely transferable, may be settled as net shares or in cash at Alaska's option, and have a five year term. As a condition to receiving PSP funds, Alaska and Horizon agreed to the following conditions: • The Company must refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing employee rates of pay or benefits for non-officer employees through September 30, 2020; • The Company is subject to maximum limitations on executive compensation for officers and employees who earned more than $425,000 in total compensation in 2019, extending through March 24, 2022; • The Company is prohibited from repurchasing its common stock and from paying dividends on its common stock until September 30, 2021; • Alaska and Horizon must maintain air service to markets they served as of March 1, 2020, through March 1, 2022 unless exempted by the Department of Transportation; and • The Company must maintain certain internal controls and records, and provide any additional reporting required by the U.S. government, relating to PSP funding. PSP funding will be recorded upon initial receipt as cash and cash equivalents, and subsequently reclassified as a contra-wage expense relative to the wages and benefits incurred by Alaska and Horizon. The Company will allocate the proceeds received from the Treasury in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and based on the consideration provided in the transaction.

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_2

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant 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. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2020 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. Such adjustments 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, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions are more judgmental than they would be otherwise given the uncertainty of the future demand for air travel, among other considerations. Further, 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 months ended March 31, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC (Tables)

COVID-19 PANDEMIC (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets by Asset [Table Text Block]	A summary of the impairment charges recorded for aircraft and other flight equipment in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 is as follows (in millions): Airbus Aircraft Q400 Aircraft Total Impairment Aircraft and other flight equipment, net $ 11 $ 58 $ 69 Operating lease assets 62 — 62 Inventory and supplies - net 2 — 2 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — 4 4 Other accrued liabilities 8 — 8 Total impairment charges - Long-lived assets $ 83 $ 62 $ 145

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees $ 1,213 $ 1,439 Passenger ancillary revenue 116 124 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 152 153 Total Passenger revenue $ 1,481 $ 1,716 Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Passenger revenue $ 152 $ 153 Mileage Plan other revenue 109 110 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 261 $ 263 Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Cargo revenue $ 24 $ 30 Other revenue 22 20 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 46 $ 50
Contract with Customer Liabilities	The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 1,990 $ 1,874 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (152) (153) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (22) (28) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 207 222 Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31 $ 2,023 $ 1,915

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): March 31, 2020 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 167 $ 166 Due after one year through five years 1,092 1,102 Due after five years through 10 years 41 41 Total $ 1,300 $ 1,309
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 305 $ — $ 305 $ 330 $ — $ 330 Equity mutual funds 4 — 4 6 — 6 Foreign government bonds — 26 26 — 31 31 Asset-backed securities — 206 206 — 211 211 Mortgage-backed securities — 213 213 — 176 176 Corporate notes and bonds — 537 537 — 523 523 Municipal securities — 23 23 — 23 23 Total Marketable securities 309 1,005 1,314 336 964 1,300 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge—call options — 1 1 — 11 11 Interest rate swap agreements — — — — 3 3 Total Assets $ 309 $ 1,006 $ 1,315 $ 336 $ 978 $ 1,314 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — (31) (31) — (10) (10) Total Liabilities $ — $ (31) $ (31) $ — $ (10) $ (10) Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fixed-rate debt at cost $ 455 $ 473 Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment 2 2 Total fixed-rate debt $ 457 $ 475 Estimated fair value $ 487 $ 483

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 457 $ 475 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 1,816 1,032 Less debt issuance costs (11) (8) Total debt 2,262 1,499 Less current portion 1,059 235 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,203 $ 1,264 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.3 % 3.3 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 2.4 % 2.9 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At March 31, 2020 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2020 $ 577 2021 706 2022 243 2023 173 2024 153 Thereafter 418 Total $ 2,270

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Service cost $ 13 $ 11 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 13 11 Interest cost 19 22 Expected return on assets (28) (24) Recognized actuarial loss 9 9 Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense) $ — $ 7

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions	Future minimum payments for commitments as of March 31, 2020 (in millions): Aircraft Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements (b) Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Remainder of 2020 $ 416 $ 108 $ 38 2021 556 166 55 2022 340 174 47 2023 200 179 24 2024 27 184 6 Thereafter 26 880 2 Total $ 1,565 $ 1,691 $ 172 (a) Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, aircraft maintenance and parts management. (b) Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements. Subsequent to quarter end, Alaska entered into an agreement with SkyWest to defer a portion of 2020 payments.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Related to marketable securities $ 6 $ 9 Related to employee benefit plans (464) (469) Related to interest rate derivatives (24) (5) Total $ (482) $ (465)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger revenues $ 1,234 $ 247 $ — $ — $ 1,481 $ — $ 1,481 CPA revenues — — 105 (105) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 98 11 — — 109 — 109 Cargo and other 44 — — 2 46 — 46 Total operating revenues 1,376 258 105 (103) 1,636 — 1,636 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,159 269 92 (110) 1,410 163 1,573 Economic fuel 313 62 — — 375 9 384 Total operating expenses 1,472 331 92 (110) 1,785 172 1,957 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 14 — — (5) 9 — 9 Interest expense (12) — (5) 4 (13) — (13) Interest capitalized 3 — — — 3 — 3 Other - net 6 — — (1) 5 — 5 Total nonoperating income (expense) 11 — (5) (2) 4 — 4 Income (loss) before income tax $ (85) $ (73) $ 8 $ 5 $ (145) $ (172) $ (317) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating revenues Passenger revenues 1,422 294 — — 1,716 — 1,716 CPA revenues — — 116 (116) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 100 10 — — 110 — 110 Cargo and other 48 1 1 — 50 — 50 Total operating revenues 1,570 305 117 (116) 1,876 — 1,876 Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,152 274 97 (118) 1,405 26 1,431 Economic fuel 358 66 — — 424 (4) 420 Total operating expenses 1,510 340 97 (118) 1,829 22 1,851 Nonoperating income (expense) Interest income 16 — — (7) 9 — 9 Interest expense (21) — (8) 7 (22) — (22) Interest capitalized 4 — — — 4 — 4 Other - net (10) — — — (10) — (10) Total nonoperating income (expense) (11) — (8) — (19) — (19) Income (loss) before income tax $ 49 $ (35) $ 12 $ 2 $ 28 $ (22) $ 6 (a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units. (b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges. (c) Includes merger-related costs, impairment charges associated with the impact of COVID-19 and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments. Total assets were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Mainline $ 19,677 $ 19,207 Horizon 1,183 1,266 Consolidating & Other (7,497) (7,480) Consolidated $ 13,363 $ 12,993

COVID-19 PANDEMIC (Details)

COVID-19 PANDEMIC (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May 14, 2020aircraft	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)aircraft
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 145
Number of Mainline Aircraft Parked | aircraft		146
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$ 10
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff		$ 5
Number of Mainline Aircraft Parked | aircraft		146
Number of Horizon Aircraft Parked | aircraft		13
Number of SkyWest Aircraft Suspended | aircraft		8
Subsequent Event [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of Mainline Aircraft Parked | aircraft	10
Number of Mainline Aircraft Parked | aircraft	10
Aircraft [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 69
Operating Lease Asset
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		62
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		4
Inventories
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		2
Lease Return Costs
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		8
Airbus [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 83
Aircraft Permanently Parked | aircraft		12
Aircraft Permanently Parked | aircraft		12
Airbus [Member] | Aircraft [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 11
Airbus [Member] | Operating Lease Asset
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		62
Airbus [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		0
Airbus [Member] | Inventories
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		2
Airbus [Member] | Lease Return Costs
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		8
Q400 [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 62
Aircraft Permanently Parked | aircraft		2
Aircraft Permanently Parked | aircraft		2
Q400 [Member] | Aircraft [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 58
Q400 [Member] | Operating Lease Asset
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		0
Q400 [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		4
Q400 [Member] | Inventories
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		0
Q400 [Member] | Lease Return Costs
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 0

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,481	$ 1,716
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,213	1,439
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ancillary revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	116	124
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan passenger revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	152	153
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,481	1,716
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	261	263
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	152	153
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	109	110
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	46	50
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	24	30
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 22	$ 20

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	$ 279		$ 323
Costs and Expenses	1,957	$ 1,851
COVID-19 Related Credits Issued	402
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	88		$ 105
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	(22)	(28)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	$ 489	$ 474

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$ 1,990	$ 1,874
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	207	222
Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31	2,023	1,915
Passenger revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	(152)	(153)
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	$ (22)	$ (28)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 1,314	$ 1,300
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,315	1,314
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(31)	(10)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	309	336
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	309	336
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	1,005	964
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,006	978
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(31)	(10)
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	1	11
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	1	11
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	3
Derivative instruments, liabilities	31	10
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
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, assets	0	3
Derivative instruments, liabilities	31	10
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	305	330
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	305	330
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
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	4	6
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	4	6
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	26	31
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	26	31
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	206	211
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	206	211
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	213	176
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	213	176
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	537	523
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	537	523
Municipal securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	23	23
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 23	$ 23

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATUR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATURITIES FOR MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 167
Due after one year through five years	1,092
Due after five years through 10 years	41
Total	1,300
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	166
Due after one year through five years	1,102
Due after five years through 10 years	41
Total	$ 1,309

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	$ 2	$ 2
Carrying amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed rate debt at cost	455	473
Long-term debt	457	475
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 487	$ 483

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 22, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)credit_facility	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ (11)		$ (8)
Total		$ 2,262		$ 1,499
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate		3.30%		3.30%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate		2.40%		2.90%
Long-term debt payments		$ 60	$ 393
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		425
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		400
Line of Credit Facility, Number Drawn in Current Period
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current		1,059		$ 235
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation		$ 1,203		1,264
Line of Credit Facility, Number Drawn in Current Period | credit_facility		2
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 50
Aircraft Type [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Number Drawn in Current Period
Debt Instrument, Collateral		25
Aircraft Type [Domain] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Number Drawn in Current Period
Debt Instrument, Collateral	2
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		$ 457		475
Variable rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		1,816		$ 1,032
Variable Rate debt with interest rate swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		$ 694

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2019	$ 577
2020	706
2021	243
2022	173
2023	153
Thereafter	418
Total	$ 2,270

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)credit_facility	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt	$ 825,000,000	$ 254,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities | credit_facility	3
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 516,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	500,000,000
Credit Facility 1 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000
Credit Facility 2 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	116,000,000
Credit Facility 3 [Member] | Secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 150,000,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 13	$ 11
Interest cost	19	22
Expected return on assets	(28)	(24)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	9	9
Wages and Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	13	11
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	$ 0	$ 7

COMMITMENTS (Details)

COMMITMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)aircraft
B-737 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	32
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	37
A320neo [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Option to Cancel | aircraft	30
E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	3
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	30
SkyWest CPA E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Optional Additional Units | aircraft	8
Aircraft Maintenance Deposits [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	$ 38
2019	55
2020	47
2021	24
2022	6
Thereafter	2
Total	172
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	416
2019	556
2020	340
2021	200
2022	27
Thereafter	26
Total	1,565
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	108
2019	166
2020	174
2021	179
2022	184
Thereafter	880
Total	1,691
Virgin America Flight Attendants [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 78

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVI

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVIDEND (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.375	$ 0.35
Payments of Dividends	$ 45	$ 43

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON ST

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		49 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 31	$ 13
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)			7,600,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value			$ 544

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULAT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	$ 6	$ 9
Related to employee benefit plans	(464)	(469)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(24)	(5)
Total	$ (482)	$ (465)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | segment	3
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	$ 1,636	$ 1,876
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,573	1,431
Economic fuel	384	420
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	9	9
Interest Costs Capitalized	3	4
Other	5	(10)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	4	(19)
Income (loss) before income tax	(317)	6
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,957	1,851
Interest Costs Incurred	13	22
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	1,636	1,876
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,410	1,405
Economic fuel	375	424
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	9	9
Interest Costs Capitalized	3	4
Other	5	(10)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	4	(19)
Income (loss) before income tax	(145)	28
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,785	1,829
Interest Costs Incurred	13	22
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	1,376	1,570
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,159	1,152
Economic fuel	313	358
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	14	16
Interest Costs Capitalized	3	4
Other	6	(10)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	11	(11)
Income (loss) before income tax	(85)	49
Costs and Expenses, Total	1,472	1,510
Interest Costs Incurred	12	21
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	258	305
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	269	274
Economic fuel	62	66
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0
Other	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(73)	(35)
Costs and Expenses, Total	331	340
Interest Costs Incurred	0	0
Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	105	117
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	92	97
Economic fuel	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0
Other	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(5)	(8)
Income (loss) before income tax	8	12
Costs and Expenses, Total	92	97
Interest Costs Incurred	5	8
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	(103)	(116)
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	(110)	(118)
Economic fuel	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	(5)	(7)
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0
Other	(1)	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(2)	0
Income (loss) before income tax	5	2
Costs and Expenses, Total	(110)	(118)
Interest Costs Incurred	(4)	(7)
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	163	26
Economic fuel	9	(4)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0
Other	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(172)	(22)
Costs and Expenses, Total	172	22
Interest Costs Incurred	0	0
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1,481	1,716
Passenger [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1,481	1,716
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1,234	1,422
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	247	294
Passenger [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	105	116
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	(105)	(116)
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	109	110
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	109	110
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	98	100
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	11	10
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	46	50
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	46	50
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	44	48
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	1
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	1
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	2	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	$ 0	$ 0

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION,

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total assets	$ 13,363	$ 12,993
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	19,677	19,207
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	1,183	1,266
Parent [Member]
Total assets	$ (7,497)	$ (7,480)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		23 Months Ended	60 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 24, 2022	Apr. 22, 2030	Apr. 23, 2020	Apr. 09, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Wages and benefits	$ 612,000	$ 557,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Total Expected Relief From PSP of CARES Act					$ 992,000
Unsecured Term Loan through PSP of CARES Act					267,000
Expected Eligibility for Additional CARES Act Loans					$ 1,100,000
Limits on Executive Compensation per PSP of CARES Act			$ 425
Subsequent Event [Member] | ALK Common Stock Warrant [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights						$ 31.61
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights					846,748
Subsequent Event [Member] | CARES Act Unsecured Interest Rate Years 1 to 5 [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					1.00%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				2.00%

Uncategorized Items - alk-20200

Label	Element	Value
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	$ 3,000,000
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue	9,000,000
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan	0
Dividends, Cash	us-gaap_DividendsCash	45,000,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	0
Retained Earnings [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	$ 3,000,000