Alaska Air (ALK) 10-K 13 Feb 23 2022 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
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
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	ALK
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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		127,542,279
Entity Public Float			$ 5.1
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Document Information [Line Items]
Auditor Firm ID	185
Auditor Location	Seattle, WA
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	$ 9,646	$ 6,176	$ 3,566
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	2,640	2,218	2,053
Payroll Support Program Grant Recognized	0	(914)	(782)
Variable incentive pay	257	151	130
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2,668	1,279	723
Aircraft maintenance	424	364	321
Aircraft rent	291	254	299
Landing fees and other rentals	581	555	417
Contracted services	329	235	181
Selling expenses	295	173	101
Depreciation and amortization	415	394	420
Cost of Services, Catering	197	139	90
Third-party regional carrier expense	182	147	128
Other operating expenses	717	507	407
Special Items - Impairment charges and other	496	(1)	627
Restructuring Charges	0	(10)	220
Special items - merger-related costs	0	0	6
Special items—other	84	(10)	220
Total Operating Expenses	9,576	5,491	5,341
Operating Income (Loss), Total	70	685	(1,775)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Investment Income, Interest	53	25	31
Interest Expense	(108)	(128)	(98)
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment	14	11	11
Special Items - Net non-operating	0	0	(26)
Other - net	50	36	17
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	9	(56)	(65)
Income before income tax	79	629	(1,840)
Income Tax Expense, Before Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017	21	151	(516)
Income tax expense (benefit)	21	151	(516)
Net Income (Loss)	$ 58	$ 478	$ (1,324)
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.46	$ 3.82	$ (10.72)
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.45	$ 3.77	$ (10.72)
Shares used for computation:
Basic	126,657	125,063	123,450
Diluted	127,899	126,775	123,450
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 590	$ 461	$ 374
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	248	216	173
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	8,808	5,499	3,019
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	8,808	5,499	3,019
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,521	1,100	720
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	931	639	346
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	590	461	374
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	248	216	173
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 248	$ 216	$ 173

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 338	$ 470
Marketable securities	2,079	2,646
Total cash and marketable securities	2,417	3,116
Receivables - net	296	546
Inventories and supplies - net	104	62
Prepaid Expense	163	120
Other Assets, Current	60	76
Total Current Assets	3,040	3,920
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	9,053	8,127
Other property and equipment	1,661	1,489
Deposits for future flight equipment	670	384
Property and Equipment	11,384	10,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,127	3,862
Total Property and Equipment - Net	7,257	6,138
Other Assets
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,471	1,453
Goodwill and intangible assets	2,038	2,044
Other noncurrent assets	380	396
Total Other Assets	3,889	3,893
Total Assets	14,186	13,951
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	221	200
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	619	457
Other accrued liabilities	846	625
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	228	268
Current portion of long-term debt	276	366
Total Current Liabilities	4,493	3,991
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,883	2,173
Other Liabilities and Credits
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,393	1,279
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	574	578
Deferred revenue	1,374	1,446
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	348	305
Other liabilities	305	378
Total Other Liabilities and Credits	3,994	3,986
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: 2022 - 136,883,042 shares; 2021 - 135,255,808 shares, Outstanding: 2022 - 127,533,916 shares; 2021 - 125,905,864 shares	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	577	494
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2022 - 9,349,944 shares; 2021 - 9,349,944 shares	(674)	(674)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(388)	(262)
Retained earnings	4,300	4,242
Shareholders' Equity Total	3,816	3,801
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 14,186	13,951
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
Air Traffic Liability
Current Liabilities
Air traffic liability	$ 1,180	1,163
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Air traffic liability	$ 1,123	$ 912

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	136,883,042	135,255,808
Common stock, shares, outstanding	127,533,916	125,905,864
Treasury stock, shares	9,349,944	9,349,944

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Net Income (Loss)	$ 58	$ 478	$ (1,324)
Related to marketable securities:
Marketable securities, net of tax	(76)	(27)	14
Related to employee benefit plans:
Employee benefit plans, net of tax	(67)	246	(29)
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax	17	13	(14)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(126)	232	(29)
Comprehensive income	$ (68)	$ 710	$ (1,353)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Stock, at Cost	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 4,331	$ 1	$ 305	$ (643)	$ (465)	$ 5,133
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2019		123,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(1,324)					(1,324)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(29)				(29)
Common stock repurchase (in shares)		(538,000)
Common stock repurchase	(31)		0	(31)
Stock-based compensation	34		34
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	14		14
Cash dividend declared ($1.40 per share)	(45)					(45)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		1,524,000
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	41		41
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares)		231,000
Stock issued under stock plans	(3)		(3)
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2020	2,988	$ 1	391	(674)	(494)	3,764
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2020		124,217,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	478					478
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 232				232
Common stock repurchase (in shares)	(538,078)
Common stock repurchase	$ (31)
Stock-based compensation	44		44
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	16		16
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		1,255,000
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	48		48
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares)		424,000
Stock issued under stock plans	(5)		(5)
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 3,801	$ 1	494	(674)	(262)	4,242
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2021	125,905,864	125,906,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		10,000
Net Income (Loss)	$ 58					58
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(126)				(126)
Stock-based compensation	35		35
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		1,293,000
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	54		54
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares)		318,000
Stock issued under stock plans	(6)		(6)
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 3,816	$ 1	$ 577	$ (674)	$ (388)	$ 4,300
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2022	127,533,916	127,533,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		16,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$ 58	$ 478	$ (1,324)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	415	394	420
Stock-based compensation and other	42	51	24
Special Items - Impairment charges and other	496	(1)	627
Restructuring Charges	0	(10)	220
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred income taxes	22	104	(300)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(45)	(69)	(168)
Increase in air traffic liability	17	90	173
Increase in deferred revenue	139	81	288
Pension contribution	0	(100)	0
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	295	3	8
Other - net	(21)	9	(202)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,418	1,030	(234)
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(1,272)	(68)	(64)
Other flight equipment	(208)	(126)	(55)
Other property and equipment	(191)	(98)	(103)
Total property and equipment additions	(1,671)	(292)	(222)
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,797)	(4,301)	(2,962)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	2,252	3,595	2,318
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	4	2	279
Other investing activities	(6)	(12)	(6)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,218)	(1,008)	(593)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	0	363	2,564
Long-term debt payments	(385)	(1,334)	(565)
Common stock repurchases	0	0	(31)
Cash dividend paid	0	0	(45)
Other financing activities	60	57	58
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(325)	(914)	1,981
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(125)	(892)	1,154
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	494	1,386	232
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year	369	494	1,386
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	71	109	50
Income taxes, net of refunds received	0	48	0
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 338	$ 470	$ 1,370

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 338	$ 470	$ 1,370
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	31	24	16
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 369	$ 494	$ 1,386

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group (Air Group, or the Company), and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon). Our 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 intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and their preparation requires the use of management’s estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents 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 market value. The Company reduces cash balances when funds are disbursed. Due to the time delay in funds clearing the banks, the Company normally maintains a negative balance in its cash disbursement accounts, which is reported as a current liability. The amount of the negative cash balance was $9 million and $7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and is included in accounts payable, with the change in the balance during the year included in other financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company's restricted cash balances are not material and are classified as Other noncurrent assets. Restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. They consist of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable Securities Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. All cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and realized gains and losses are recorded using the specific identification method. Changes in market value are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL). The Company evaluates the investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for expected credit losses. The Company uses a systematic methodology that groups assets by relevant market sector, and considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential allowances for credit losses. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, management evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, the Company's intent and ability to hold, or plans to sell, the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be the result of an expected credit loss, an allowance is recorded to Other—net in the consolidated statements of operations. Receivables—net Receivables primarily consist of amounts due from taxing authorities, credit card processors, and the Company's affinity card partner stemming from income tax returns, sales of tickets to customers and bank purchased miles, respectively. Given the nature of these receivables, reserves are immaterial to the overall balance. Inventories and Supplies—net Expendable aircraft parts, materials and supplies are stated at average cost and are included in Inventories and supplies — net. An obsolescence allowance for expendable parts is accrued based on estimated lives of the corresponding fleet type and salvage values. The allowance for expendable inventories was $55 million and $49 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Removals from the reserve in 2022 were immaterial. Inventory and supplies - net also includes fuel inventory of $38 million and $21 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts inventories are included in flight equipment. Property, Equipment and Depreciation Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: Estimated Useful Life Estimated Salvage Value Aircraft and other flight equipment: B737 and E175 aircraft 20 to 25 years 10% Bombardier Q400 aircraft (a) 15 years 5% Buildings 25 to 40 years 10% Minor building and land improvements 10 years —% Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements Generally shorter of lease term or —% Computer hardware and software 3 to 10 years —% Other furniture and equipment 5 to 10 years —% (a) As a result of the early retirement of the Bombardier Q400 fleet, all aircraft and related flight equipment were depreciated to their salvage values in 2022 depending on the scheduled retirement dates. Near the end of an asset's estimated useful life, management updates the salvage value estimates based on current market conditions and expected use of the asset. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts are included in Aircraft and other flight equipment, and are depreciated over the associated fleet life. Capitalized interest, based on the Company’s weighted-average borrowing rate, is added to the cost of the related asset, and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repairs, other than engine maintenance on B737-800 and E175 engines, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications that extend the life or improve the usefulness of aircraft are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated period of use. Maintenance on B737-800 and E175 engines are covered under power-by-the-hour agreements with third parties, whereby the Company pays a determinable amount, and transfers risk, to a third party. Beginning in 2023, maintenance on B737-900ER aircraft will also be covered under a power-by-the-hour agreement with a third party. For these agreements, the Company expenses the contract amounts based on engine usage. The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company groups assets for purposes of such reviews at the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, which is generally the fleet level. An impairment loss is considered when estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. If the asset or asset group is not considered recoverable, a write-down equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value will be recorded . For these purposes, the fair value is estimated using a combination of Level 2 inputs, including published market value estimates for the assets being assessed, and Level 3 inputs, including Company-specific and asset-specific indicators. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the related net assets acquired in the Company's acquisition of Virgin America and is not amortized. The total balance of goodwill is associated with the Mainline reporting unit. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. The assessment utilizes either a qualitative or quantitative approach. The qualitative approach considers factors such as Alaska Air Group market capitalization and other market trends, and unobservable inputs, including Company specific cash flow and performance information. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired, management utilizes a quantitative approach to assess the asset's fair value and the amount of impairment and a charge may be recorded. In 2022, the fair value of the Mainline reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived airport slots and finite-lived customer relationships recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of Virgin America. Finite-lived intangibles were recorded at fair value upon acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangibles were recorded at fair value upon acquisition and are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment using a similar methodology to goodwill, as described above. Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Certain Airbus leases include contractually required maintenance deposit payments to the lessor, which collateralize the lessor for future maintenance events should the Company not perform required maintenance. Most of the lease agreements provide that maintenance deposits are reimbursable upon completion of the major maintenance event in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount qualified for reimbursement from maintenance deposits held by the lessor associated with the specific major maintenance event or (ii) the qualifying costs related to the specific major maintenance event. The Company establishes accounting maintenance deposits as assets on the balance sheet using estimates of the anticipated timing and cost of the specific major maintenance events, such that the accounting deposits do not exceed the amount qualified for reimbursement. Aircraft maintenance deposits recorded on the consolidated balance sheets were $140 million and $175 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Any expense associated with aircraft maintenance deposits which may not ultimately be claimable in the standard course of operating the aircraft is included in Aircraft maintenance in the consolidated statements of operations. Following the Company's decision in early 2022 to exit the Airbus fleet before contractual return timelines, expense associated with aircraft maintenance deposits, including impairment of those deposits which will not be claimed, was recognized ratably over the remaining operating period of the respective aircraft, and classified within Special items - fleet transition and other in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 2 for further discussion of these special items. Leased Aircraft Return Costs Costs of returning leased aircraft begin accruing when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable, usually beginning at least twelve months prior to lease return, and are recognized over the remaining operating life of the aircraft. If a leased asset is removed from operation and no lease return cost has previously been estimated, an estimate of the cost to return the asset is accrued at the time of removal. These estimates are based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage, and lease terms, although the actual amount due to any lessor upon return may not be known with certainty until lease termination. As leased aircraft are returned, payments made reduce the outstanding lease return liability. Of the total outstanding liability as of December 31, 2022, $186 million is included in Other accrued liabilities and $91 million is included in Other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, compared to $53 million included in Other accrued liabilities and $114 million included in Other liabilities as of December 31, 2021. Expense associated with lease returns in the standard course of operating the aircraft is included in Aircraft maintenance in the consolidated statements of operations. Expense associated with lease returns when aircraft are permanently parked or anticipated to be removed from the fleet before its contractual return date is recorded as a charge at the date the aircraft is permanently parked, regardless of contractual return date, and is classified within Special items - fleet transition and other in the consolidated statements of operations. Following the announcement in early 2022 of the Company's intent to move to single fleets at Alaska and Horizon, all anticipated lease return charges were recorded within Special items - fleet transition and other. See Note 2 for further discussion of these special items. Advertising Expenses The Company's advertising expenses include advertising, sponsorship and promotional costs. Advertising production costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $85 million, $63 million and $41 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company's operations are significantly impacted by changes in aircraft fuel prices and interest rates. In an effort to manage exposure to these risks, the Company periodically enters into fuel and interest rate derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet and changes in the fair value are recognized in AOCL or in the consolidated statements of operations, depending on the nature of the instrument. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to its derivative fuel hedge contracts, nor does it hold or issue them for trading purposes. For cash flow hedges related to interest rate swaps, the effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in the fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in interest expense. Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company has elected not to use the fair value option provided in the accounting standards for non-financial instruments. Accordingly, those assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and certain other assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost. For financial instruments, the assets and liabilities are carried at fair value, which is determined based on the market approach or income approach, depending upon the level of inputs used. The leveling of inputs for financial and non-financial instruments are disclosed in this note, and Note 5. Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability approach for accounting for and reporting income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance would be established, if necessary, for the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2022, there is a partial valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for more discussion of income taxes. Stock-Based Compensation Accounting standards require companies to recognize expense over the service period based on the fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees estimated as of the grant date. These standards apply to all stock awards that the Company grants to employees as well as the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which features a look-back provision and allows employees to purchase stock at a 15% discount. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded in wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding plus 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. In 2022 and 2021, anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)," which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burden related to the market transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates. In January 2021, the FASB updated Topic 848, providing additional clarification and scope relating to transition to alternative reference rates. The guidance was effective upon issuance and the Company has started to transition its LIBOR-based contracts to an alternative reference rate. The Company does not expect the adoption and transition to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

FLEET TRANSITION

FLEET TRANSITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fleet Transition and Related Activities Disclosure	In 2022, the Company announced plans to accelerate the transition of its Mainline operations to an all-Boeing 737 fleet. The Company also announced plans to transition Horizon's Regional operations to an all-Embraer fleet. The Company operated 12 leased A320 aircraft, ten leased A321neo aircraft, ten owned Q400 aircraft, and one leased Q400 aircraft as of December 31, 2022. All A320 and Q400 aircraft were removed from operating service in January 2023. Alaska also operates ten A321neo aircraft, and plans to remove them from its operating fleet by no later than the end of 2023. 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. In 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $70 million related to the Q400 fleet, reflecting the amount by which carrying value exceeded fair value of the owned Q400 aircraft. The Company evaluated the fair market value for the Q400 fleet using available market price information with adjustments based on quantitative and qualitative considerations. This amount is recorded within the Special items - fleet transition and other line in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company adjusted useful lives and depreciation schedules for Airbus and Q400 capitalized leasehold improvements, spare engines, inventory, and other fixed assets, as well as the amortization schedules for the right of use assets and aircraft rent expenses. These accelerated schedules reflect the dates the aircraft are removed from operating service. Incremental costs associated with the accelerated schedules are recognized within the Special items - fleet transition and other line item. The Company has estimated future lease return costs for the leased Airbus aircraft. Costs of returning leased aircraft begin accruing when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable, and are recognized over the remaining operating life of the aircraft. These estimates are based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage, and lease terms. These estimates may change as actual amounts due to any lessor upon return may not be known with certainty until lease termination. In 2022, all lease return costs are recorded within the Special items - fleet transition and other line in the consolidated statement of operations. A summary of special charges for fleet transition activities is included below for 2022. The impairment charges were one-time in nature, while the other special charges were recorded consistent with the schedules described above. The Company continues to evaluate options for the ten leased A321neo aircraft, and anticipates recording incremental special charges in 2023 as those decisions evolve. Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 (in millions) Airbus Q400 Total Lease return costs and other expenses $ 238 $ — $ 238 Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses 140 33 173 Impairment of long-lived assets — 70 70 Special items - fleet transition and other $ 378 $ 103 $ 481 In 2020, the Company recorded $22 million to the Special items - fleet transition and other line in the consolidated statement of operations as a contingency in the Bernstein v. Virgin America litigation. In 2022, in light of a damages ruling issued by the federal district court after remand from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Company recorded an additional $15 million to the Special items - fleet transition and other line to reflect what the Company considers its probable and estimable liability exposure as of December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contracts with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	REVENUE Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue is passenger ancillary revenue 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 our 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. In 2022, the Company amended its Mileage Plan co-branded credit card agreement with Bank of America. The amendment extended the term of the agreement into 2030 and resulted in modifications to the separately identifiable performance obligations. The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 13. The level of detail within the Company’s consolidated 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 The primary performance obligation on a typical passenger ticket is to provide air travel to the passenger. Ticket revenue is collected in advance of travel and recorded as air traffic liability on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company satisfies its performance obligation and recognizes ticket revenue for each flight segment when the transportation is provided. Ancillary passenger revenue relate to items such as checked-bag fees, ticket change fees (prior to 2021), and on-board food and beverage sales, all of which are provided at time of flight. As such, the obligation to perform these services is satisfied at the time of travel and is recorded with ticket revenue in Passenger revenue. Revenue is also recognized for tickets that are expected to expire unused, a concept referred to as “passenger ticket breakage.” Passenger ticket breakage is recorded at the intended travel date using estimates made at the time of sale based on the Company’s historical experience of expired tickets, and other facts such as program changes and modifications. Differences between advance passenger ticket breakage estimates and actual expirations are recognized as revenue when changes to estimate assumptions are observed or when tickets are no longer valid. In addition to selling tickets on its own marketed flights, Alaska has interline agreements with partner airlines under which it sells multi-city tickets with one or more segments of the trip flown by a partner airline, or it operates a connecting flight sold by a partner airline. Each segment in a connecting flight represents a separate performance obligation. Revenue on segments sold and operated by the Company is recognized as Passenger revenue in the gross amount of the allocated ticket price when the travel occurs, while the commission paid to the partner airline is recognized as a selling expense when the related transportation is provided. Revenue on segments operated by a partner airline is deferred for the full amount of the consideration received at the time the ticket is sold and, once the segment has been flown the Company records the net amount, after compensating the partner airline, as Cargo and other revenue. A portion of revenue from the Mileage Plan program is recorded in Passenger revenue. As members are awarded mileage credits on flown tickets, these credits become a distinct performance obligation to the Company. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation identified in a passenger ticket contract on a relative standalone selling price basis. The standalone selling price for loyalty mileage credits issued is discussed in the Loyalty Mileage Credits section of this Note below. The amount allocated to the mileage credits is deferred on the balance sheet. Once a member travels using a travel award redeemed with mileage credits on one of the Company's airline carriers, the revenue associated with those mileage credits is recorded as Passenger revenue. Taxes collected from passengers, including transportation excise taxes, airport and security fees and other fees, are recorded on a net basis within Passenger revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Passenger revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees $ 7,430 $ 4,533 $ 2,428 Passenger ancillary revenue 447 327 245 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 931 639 346 Total Passenger revenue $ 8,808 $ 5,499 $ 3,019 As passenger tickets and related ancillary services are primarily sold via credit cards, certain amounts due from credit card processors are recorded as airline traffic receivables. These credit card receivables and receivables from our affinity credit card partner represent $201 million and $167 million on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. For performance obligations with performance periods of less than one year, GAAP provides a practical expedient that allows the Company not to disclose the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations and the timing of related revenue recognition. As passenger tickets expire one year from ticketing, if unused or not exchanged, the Company elected to apply this practical expedient. Mileage Plan Loyalty Program Loyalty mileage credits The Company’s Mileage Plan loyalty program provides frequent flyer travel awards to program members based upon accumulated loyalty mileage credits. Mileage credits are earned through travel, purchases using the Mileage Plan co-branded credit card and purchases from other participating partners. In 2022, the Company ceased expiry of outstanding mileage credits. The Company offers redemption of mileage credits through free, discounted or upgraded air travel on flights operated by Alaska and its regional partners or on one of its 24 partners, as well as redemption at partner hotels. The Company uses a relative standalone selling price to allocate consideration to material performance obligations in contracts with customers that include loyalty mileage credits. As directly observable selling prices for mileage credits are not available, the Company determines the standalone selling price of mileage credits primarily using actual ticket purchase prices for similar tickets flown, adjusted for the likelihood of redemption, or breakage. In determining similar tickets flown, the Company considers current market prices, class of service, type of award, and other factors. For mileage credits accumulated through travel on partner airlines, the Company uses actual consideration received from the partners. Revenue related to air transportation is deferred in the amount of the relative standalone selling price allocated to the loyalty mileage credits as they are issued. The Company satisfies its performance obligation when the mileage credits are redeemed and the related air transportation is delivered. The Company estimates breakage for the portion of loyalty mileage credits not expected to be redeemed using a statistical analysis of historical data, including source of mileage credit earn, slow-moving and low-credit accounts, among other factors. In 2022, the Company updated its breakage methodology in conjunction with the elimination of mileage expiry, and now recognizes breakage proportionally as mileage credits are redeemed. The Company reviews the breakage rate used on an annual basis. Co-branded credit card agreements and other In addition to mileage credits, the co-branded credit card agreements, referred to herein as the Agreements, also include performance obligations for waived bag fees, Companion Fare offers to purchase an additional ticket at a discount, marketing, priority boarding, and the use of intellectual property including the brand (unlimited access to the use of the Company’s brand and frequent flyer member lists), which is the predominant element in the Agreement. The co-branded card bank partners are the customer for some elements, including the brand and marketing, while the Mileage Plan member is the customer for other elements such as mileage credits, bag waivers, priority boarding and companion fares. At the inception of the Agreement, management estimated the selling price of each of the performance obligations. The objective was to determine the price at which a sale would be transacted if the product or service was sold on a stand-alone basis. The Company determined its best estimate of selling price for each element by considering multiple inputs and methods including, but not limited to, the estimated selling price of comparable travel, discounted cash flows, brand value, published selling prices, number of miles awarded, and number of miles redeemed. The Company estimated the selling prices and volumes over the term of the Agreement in order to determine the allocation of proceeds to each of the multiple deliverables. The estimates of the standalone selling prices of each element do not change subsequent to the original valuation of the contract unless the contract is materially modified, but the allocation between elements may change based upon the actual and updated projected volumes of each element delivered during the term of the contract. Consideration received from the banks is variable and is primarily from consumer spend on the card, among other items. The Company allocates consideration to each of the performance obligations, including mileage credits, waived bag fees, companion fares, and brand and marketing, using their relative standalone selling price. Because the performance obligation related to providing use of intellectual property including the brand is satisfied over time, it is recognized in Mileage Plan other revenue in the period that those elements are sold. The Company records passenger revenue related to the air transportation and certificates for discounted companion travel when the transportation is delivered. In contracts with non-bank partners, the Company has identified two performance obligations in most cases - travel and brand. The travel performance obligation is deferred until the transportation is provided in the amount of the estimated standalone selling price of the ticket, less breakage, and the brand performance obligation is recognized using the residual method as commission revenue when the brand element is sold. Mileage credit sales recorded under the residual approach are immaterial to the overall program. Partner airline loyalty Alaska has interline arrangements with certain airlines whereby its members may earn and redeem Mileage Plan credits on those airlines, and members of a partner airline’s loyalty program may earn and redeem frequent flyer program credits on flights operated by Alaska and its regional partners. When a Mileage Plan member earns credits on a partner airline, the partner airline remits a contractually-agreed upon fee to the Company which is deferred until credits are redeemed. When a Mileage Plan member redeems credits on a partner airline, the Company pays a contractually agreed upon fee to the other airline, which is netted against the revenue recognized associated with the award travel. When a member of a partner airline redeems frequent flyer credits on Alaska, the partner airline remits a contractually-agreed upon amount to the Company, recognized as Passenger revenue upon travel. If the partner airline’s member earns frequent flyer program credits on an Alaska flight, the Company remits a contractually-agreed upon fee to the partner airline and records a commission expense. Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Passenger revenue $ 931 $ 639 $ 346 Mileage Plan other revenue 590 461 374 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 1,521 $ 1,100 $ 720 Mileage Plan other revenue is primarily brand and marketing revenue from our affinity card products. Cargo and Other Revenue The Company provides freight and mail services (cargo). The majority of cargo services are provided to commercial businesses and the United States Postal Service. The Company satisfies cargo service performance obligations and recognizes revenue when the shipment arrives at its final destination, or is transferred to a third-party carrier for delivery. The Company also earns other revenue for lounge memberships, hotel and car commissions, and certain other immaterial items not intrinsically tied to providing air travel to passengers. Revenue is recognized when these services are rendered and recorded as Cargo and other revenue. The transaction price for Cargo and other revenue is the price paid by the customer. Cargo and other revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Cargo revenue $ 133 $ 124 $ 112 Other revenue 115 92 61 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 248 $ 216 $ 173 Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $700 million and $703 million from the 2021 and 2020 year-end air traffic liability balance during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Mileage Plan liabilities The total deferred revenue liability included on the consolidated balance sheets represents the remaining transaction price that has been allocated to Mileage Plan performance obligations not yet satisfied by the Company. In general, the current amounts will be recognized as revenue within 12 months and the long-term amounts will be recognized as revenue over a period of approximately three to four years. This period of time represents the average time that members have historically taken to earn and redeem miles. The Company records a receivable for amounts due from the affinity card partner and from other partners as mileage credits are sold until the payments are collected. The Company had $83 million and $64 million of such receivables as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Mileage credits are combined into one homogeneous pool and are not specifically identifiable once deposited. As such, loyalty revenue disclosed earlier in this Note are comprised of miles that were part of the deferred revenue and liabilities balances at the beginning of the period and miles that were issued during the period. The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,358 $ 2,277 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (878) (639) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (65) (43) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 1,082 763 Total Deferred Revenue balance at December 31 $ 2,497 $ 2,358 Selling Costs Certain costs such as credit card fees, travel agency and other commissions paid, as well as Global Distribution Systems booking fees, are incurred when the Company sells passenger tickets and ancillary services in advance of the travel date. The Company defers such costs and recognizes them as expenses when the travel occurs. Prepaid expense recorded on the consolidated balance sheets for such costs was $33 million and $37 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Company recorded related expense on the consolidated statements of operations of $311 million, $90 million and $43 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT 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 December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding fuel hedge contracts covering approximately 421 million gallons of crude oil that will be settled from January 2023 to June 2024. Interest Rate Swap Agreements The Company is exposed to market risk from adverse changes in variable interest rates on long-term debt. To manage this risk, the Company periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has 10 interest rate swap agreements with third parties designed to hedge the volatility of the underlying variable interest rates on $302 million of debt. All of the interest rate swap agreements stipulate that the Company pay a fixed interest rate and receive a floating interest rate over the term of the underlying contracts. All significant terms of the swap agreements match the terms of the underlying hedged items and have been designated as qualifying hedging instruments, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. As qualifying cash flow hedges, the interest rate swaps are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet, and changes in the fair value are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is recognized in interest expense, if material. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): 2022 2021 Fuel hedge contracts (not designated as hedges) Other current assets $ 33 $ 71 Other assets 11 10 Interest rate swaps (designated as hedges) Other current assets 8 — Other noncurrent assets 7 — Other accrued liabilities — (6) Other liabilities — (3) Gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) 23 17 The net cash received from settlements offset by cash paid for new fuel hedge positions was $130 million during 2022, compared to net cash received of $38 million during 2021 and net cash paid of $14 million during 2020. Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings and AOCL (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Fuel hedge contracts (not designated as hedges) Gains (losses) recognized in Aircraft fuel $ 93 $ 104 $ (10) Interest rate swaps (designated as hedges) Losses recognized in Aircraft rent — — (3) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) 23 17 (21) The amounts shown as recognized in aircraft rent for cash flow hedges (interest rate swaps) represent the realized losses transferred out of AOCL to aircraft rent. Losses related to interest rate swaps on variable rate debt of $2 million were recognized in interest expense during 2022. The amounts shown as recognized in OCI are prior to the losses recognized in aircraft rent during the period. The Company expects to reclassify from OCI $8 million in interest income within the next twelve months.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): 2022 2021 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 113 $ 163 Fixed-rate PSP note payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 947 1,058 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 514 738 Less debt issuance costs (15) (20) Total debt 2,159 2,539 Less current portion 276 366 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,883 $ 2,173 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 5.8 % 1.3 % Approximately $302 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at December 31, 2022, resulting in an effective weighted-average interest rate for the full debt portfolio of 3.7%. During 2022, the Company made scheduled debt payments of $368 million and prepayments of $17 million. Debt Maturity At December 31, 2022, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total 2023 $ 280 2024 244 2025 296 2026 176 2027 535 Thereafter 643 Total principal payments $ 2,174 Bank Lines of Credit Alaska has three credit facilities totaling $486 million as of December 31, 2022. One of the credit facilities for $150 million expires in March 2025 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. A second credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2024 and is secured by aircraft. Both facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. A third credit facility for $86 million expires in June 2023 and is secured by aircraft. Alaska has secured letters of credit against the third facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the other two facilities. All credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. Alaska was in compliance with this covenant at December 31, 2022.

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Leases	LEASESThe Company leases property and equipment through operating leases and categorizes these leases into five asset classes: aircraft, capacity purchase arrangements for aircraft operated by third-party carriers (CPA aircraft), airport and terminal facilities, corporate real estate and other equipment. All capitalized lease assets have been recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 as Operating lease assets, with the corresponding liabilities recorded as Operating lease liabilities. Operating rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 842 - Leases, allowing a policy election to exclude from recognition short-term lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less. Such expense was not material for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions): December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Aircraft $ 701 $ 782 CPA Aircraft 683 600 Airport and terminal facilities 21 16 Corporate real estate and other 66 55 Total Operating Lease Assets $ 1,471 $ 1,453 Aircraft At December 31, 2022, Alaska had operating leases for ten B737-800, ten B737-9, four A319, 32 A320, and ten A321neo aircraft. No A319 or A320 aircraft leases had remaining asset balances. Four A319 and 20 A320 aircraft, not operating at December 31, 2022, are still awaiting return to the lessor. Alaska is currently evaluating options for the A321neo leases. Remaining lease terms for B737 aircraft extend up to 12 years and remaining lease terms for A321neo aircraft extend up to nine Capacity purchase agreements with aircraft (CPA aircraft) At December 31, 2022, Alaska had CPAs with two carriers, including the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity under a CPA with Alaska. Alaska also has a CPA with SkyWest covering 42 E175 aircraft to fly certain routes in the Lower 48 and Canada. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services. As Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary, intercompany leases between Alaska and Horizon have not been recognized under the standard. Remaining lease terms for CPA aircraft extend up to 12 years. Financial arrangements of the CPAs include a fixed component, representing the costs to operate each aircraft which is capitalized. CPAs also include variable rent based on actual levels of flying, which is expensed as incurred. Variable lease expense for CPA aircraft for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was not material. Airport and terminal facilities The Company leases ticket counters, gates, cargo and baggage space, lounge space, office space and other support areas at numerous airports. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The majority of airport and terminal facility leases are not capitalized because they do not meet the definition of controlled assets under the standard, or because the lease payments are entirely variable. For airports where leased assets are identified, and where the contract includes fixed lease payments, operating lease assets and lease liabilities have been recorded. The Company is also commonly responsible for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services under these agreements. These costs are recognized as variable expense in the period incurred. Airport and terminal facilities variable lease expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $381 million, $377 million, and $286 million. Starting in 2018, the Company leased twelve airport slots at LaGuardia Airport and eight airport slots at Reagan National Airport to a third party. Starting in 2022, the Company leased one airport gate at Dallas Love Field Airport to a third party. For these leases, the Company recorded $15 million, $16 million, and $14 million of lease income during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. Corporate real estate and other leases Leased corporate real estate is primarily for office space in hub cities, training centers, land leases, and reservation centers. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components under the standard. Other leased assets are comprised of other ancillary contracts and items including leased flight simulators, ground equipment, and spare engines. Variable lease expense related to corporate real estate and other leases for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2019 was $27 million, $17 million, and $12 million. Sale-leaseback transaction In 2020, Alaska entered into a transaction to sell ten owned A320 aircraft and replace those aircraft with 13 new leased B737-9 aircraft. Also included in the transaction was the leaseback of all ten A320 aircraft in the interim period between the sale of those aircraft and delivery of the first ten B737-9 aircraft. As of December 31, 2022, the leases for the ten A320 aircraft were terminated and the aircraft had no remaining asset balance. In 2022, Alaska executed an agreement to sell two owned B737-800 aircraft to be converted into freighters and leased back to Alaska. The sale to the lessor, conversions, and subsequent delivery of these aircraft to Alaska are all expected to occur in 2023 and 2024, and as a result there were no amounts recorded related to this transaction for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Components of Lease Expense The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, was as follows (in millions): Classification 2022 2021 2020 Expense Aircraft (a) Aircraft rent $ 191 $ 174 $ 215 CPA Aircraft Aircraft rent 100 80 80 Airport and terminal facilities Landing fees and other rentals 384 379 288 Corporate real estate and other Landing fees and other rentals 33 21 19 Total lease expense $ 708 $ 654 $ 602 Revenue Lease income Cargo and other revenue (15) (16) (14) Net lease impact $ 693 $ 638 $ 588 (a) Aircraft lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 does not include the portion of aircraft rent that was accelerated due to the fleet transition decision and recorded within the Special items - fleet transition and other line within the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. Supplemental Cash Flow Information During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid $354 million for capitalized operating leases. The Company also acquired $461 million of operating lease assets in exchange for assumption of the same total of operating lease liabilities, inclusive of lease extensions. Lease Term and Discount Rate As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company generally utilizes the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on information available at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value of lease payments. The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at December 31, 2022. Weighted Average IBR Weighted Average Remaining Lease term Aircraft 4.4 % 7.9 CPA Aircraft 7.0 % 8.8 Airports and terminal facilities 4.4 % 7.9 Corporate real estate and other 4.7 % 27.5 Maturities of Lease Liabilities Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2022 (in millions): Aircraft (a) CPA Aircraft Airport and Terminal Facilities Corporate Real Estate and Other 2023 $ 173 $ 112 $ 3 $ 17 2024 118 112 3 7 2025 113 112 3 6 2026 110 112 3 6 2027 106 112 3 5 Thereafter 356 385 10 88 Total Lease Payments (b) $ 976 $ 945 $ 25 $ 129 Less: Imputed interest (156) (238) (4) (61) Total $ 820 $ 707 $ 21 $ 68 (a) Future minimum lease payments for aircraft includes commitments for aircraft which have been removed from operating service as the Company remains obligated under existing terms. (b) Future minimum lease payments in the table above are inclusive of incentive credits related to leased B737-9 aircraft. As a result, the operating lease liabilities presented on the consolidated balance sheet exceed total future payments. This difference will exist until all leased B737-9 aircraft are delivered. As of December 31, 2022, we have entered into but not yet commenced leases for B737-9 aircraft, B737-800 freighter aircraft, E175 aircraft, as well as real estate. The liabilities associated with these leases are expected to be approximately $213 million. These leases will commence between 2023 and 2027 with lease terms ranging from 2028 to 2042.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts for tax purposes. The Company has a net deferred tax liability, primarily due to differences in depreciation rates for federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions): 2022 2021 Excess of tax over book depreciation $ 1,312 $ 1,145 Intangibles - net 17 19 Operating lease assets 356 351 Other - net 49 76 Deferred tax liabilities 1,734 1,591 Mileage Plan (436) (416) Inventory obsolescence (21) (17) Employee benefits (145) (127) Net operating losses (28) (25) Operating lease liabilities (392) (374) Leasehold maintenance (67) (40) Other - net (88) (34) Deferred tax assets (1,177) (1,033) Valuation allowance 17 20 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 574 $ 578 At December 31, 2022, the Company has paid taxes of $38 million and does not expect to pay any additional tax for 2022. The Company received $285 million in federal tax refunds as a result of carrying back losses from the 2020 tax year and other various amendments of prior year tax returns. The Company also received $10 million in a refund for an overpayment on their 2021 Federal Form 1120 and an additional $12 million in cash was received for various state amended returns. The Company also has gross state NOLs of approximately $325 million that expire beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2042. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce the related deferred income tax assets to an amount which will, more likely than not, be realized. The Company assesses available positive and negative evidence regarding the ability to realize its deferred tax assets. The Company has determined that, based on evidence, a portion of the state NOL carryforward may not be realized and, therefore, has provided a valuation allowance of $17 million for that portion as of December 31, 2022. The Company has likewise concluded it is more likely than not that all of its federal and the remaining state deferred income tax assets will be realized and thus no additional valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company reassesses the need for a valuation allowance each reporting period. Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Current income tax expense (benefit): Federal $ (11) $ 40 $ (212) State (3) 16 (11) Total current income tax expense (benefit) (14) 56 (223) Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal 32 80 (246) State 3 15 (47) Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35 95 (293) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516) Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Income tax expense (benefit) reconciles to the amount computed by applying the 2022 U.S. federal rate of 21% to income (loss) before income tax and for deferred taxes as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Income (loss) before income tax $ 79 $ 629 $ (1,840) Expected tax expense (benefit) 17 132 (386) Nondeductible expenses 11 10 9 State income tax expense (benefit) 5 20 (62) Tax law changes — (14) (93) Valuation allowance (4) 1 18 Tax credits (5) (2) — FIN48 reserve change (3) 3 (2) Other - net — 1 — Actual tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516) Effective tax rate (a) 26.2 % 24.0 % 28.0 % (a) Figures in the table above are rounded to the nearest million. As a result, a manual recalculation of the effective tax rate for 2022 using these rounded figures will not agree directly to the Company's actual effective tax rate for 2022 of 26.2%. In 2021, the Company recorded a current tax benefit of $14 million as a result of provisions outlined in the CARES Act. In 2020, as a result of tax changes signed into law during 2017, with final regulations issued in 2019, the Company recorded a current tax benefit of $93 million. Uncertain Tax Positions The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Alaska, Oregon and California as “major” tax jurisdictions. A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows: Jurisdiction Period Federal 2007 to 2021 Alaska 2018 to 2021 California 2007 to 2021 Oregon 2015 to 2021 Certain tax years are open to the extent of net operating loss carryforwards. Changes in the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits during 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 41 $ 35 $ 40 Additions related to prior years — 3 1 Releases related to prior years (1) — (1) Additions related to current year activity 1 3 — Releases due to settlements (20) — (4) Releases due to lapse of statute of limitations — — (1) Balance at December 31 $ 21 $ 41 $ 35 As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $21 million of accrued tax contingencies, of which $19 million, if fully recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company has accrued interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit, of $3 million, $8 million, and $6 million. In 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company recognized a benefit of $5 million, expense of $2 million, and benefit of $1 million, for interest and penalties, net of

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Four qualified defined-benefit plans, one non-qualified defined-benefit plan, and seven defined-contribution retirement plans cover various employee groups of Alaska, Horizon, and McGee Air Services. The defined-benefit plans provide benefits based on an employee’s term of service and average compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. The qualified defined-benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants. Accounting standards require recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined-benefit pension and other post-retirement plan as an asset or liability in the consolidated financial statements and requires recognition of the funded status in AOCL. Qualified Defined-Benefit Pension Plans The Company’s four qualified defined-benefit pension plans are funded as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The defined-benefit plan assets consist primarily of marketable equity and fixed-income securities. The work groups covered by qualified defined-benefit pension plans include salaried employees, pilots, clerical, office, passenger service employees, mechanics, and related craft employees. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for these plans. All plans are closed to new entrants. Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: The rates below vary by plan and related work group. 2022 2021 Discount rates 5.41% to 5.42% 2.82% to 2.90% Rate of compensation increases 2.01% to 2.35% 2.02% to 2.38% Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: The rates below vary by plan and related work group. 2022 2021 2020 Discount rates 2.82% to 2.90% 2.43% to 2.58% 3.33% to 3.47% Expected return on plan assets 3.00% to 5.25% 3.00% to 5.50% 3.25% to 5.50% Rate of compensation increases 2.02% to 2.38% 2.02% to 2.43% 2.11% to 5.44% The discount rates are determined using current interest rates earned on high-quality, long-term bonds with maturities that correspond with the estimated cash distributions from the pension plans. At December 31, 2022, the Company selected discount rates for each of the plans using a pool of higher-yielding bonds estimated to be more reflective of settlement rates, as management has taken steps to ultimately terminate or settle plans that are frozen and move toward freezing benefits in active plans in the future. In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company assesses the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class is then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio. Plan assets are invested in common commingled trust funds invested in equity and fixed income securities and in certain real estate assets. The target and actual asset allocation of the funds in the qualified defined-benefit plans, by asset category, are as follows: Salaried Plan (a) All Other Plans Target 2022 2021 Target 2022 2021 Asset category: Domestic equity securities 2%-12% 7 % 7 % 29%-39% 35 % 38 % Non-U.S. equity securities 0%-8% 3 % 3 % 9%-19% 15 % 16 % Fixed income securities 85%-95% 90 % 90 % 37%-57% 45 % 42 % Real estate —% — % — % —%-10% 5 % 4 % Plan assets 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % (a) As our Salaried Plan is frozen and fully funded, our investment strategies differ significantly from that of our other outstanding plans. Investments are in lower-risk securities, with earnings designed to maintain a fully-funded status. The Company’s investment policy focuses on achieving maximum returns at a reasonable risk for pension assets over a full market cycle. The Company determines the strategic allocation between equities, fixed income and real estate based on current funded status and other characteristics of the plans. As the funded status improves, the Company increases the fixed income allocation of the portfolio and decreases the equity allocation. Actual asset allocations are reviewed regularly and periodically rebalanced as appropriate. Plan assets invested in common commingled trust funds are fair valued using the net asset values of these funds to determine fair value as allowed using the practical expedient method outlined in the accounting standards. Fair value estimates for real estate are calculated using the present value of expected future cash flows based on independent appraisals, local market conditions and current and projected operating performance. Plan assets by fund category (in millions): 2022 2021 Fair Value Hierarchy Fund type: U.S. equity market fund $ 568 $ 885 1 Non-U.S. equity fund 242 370 1 Credit bond index fund 1,001 1,342 1 Plan assets in common commingled trusts $ 1,811 $ 2,597 Real estate 76 92 (a) Cash equivalents 7 6 1 Total plan assets $ 1,894 $ 2,695 (a) In accordance with Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth the status of the qualified defined-benefit pension plans (in millions): 2022 2021 Projected benefit obligation (PBO) Beginning of year $ 2,758 $ 2,934 Service cost 46 56 Interest cost 66 56 Plan amendments (a) 9 — Actuarial (gain)/loss (628) (171) Benefits paid (172) (117) End of year $ 2,079 $ 2,758 Plan assets at fair value Beginning of year $ 2,695 $ 2,488 Actual return on plan assets (629) 224 Employer contributions — 100 Benefits paid (172) (117) End of year $ 1,894 $ 2,695 Unfunded status $ (185) $ (63) Percent funded 91 % 98 % (a) In conjunction with the 2022 collective bargaining agreement with ALPA, certain participants had credited service restored for leave periods which were previously ineligible for accrual. The accumulated benefit obligation for the combined qualified defined-benefit pension plans was $2.0 billion and $2.7 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021. During 2022 actuarial gains decreased the benefit obligation primarily due to the increase in discount rates, offset by changes in demographic assumptions. Plan assets also decreased in 2022 on negative returns on plan assets. The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): 2022 2021 Accrued benefit liability-long term $ (240) $ (155) Plan assets-long term (within Other noncurrent assets) 55 92 Total liability recognized $ (185) $ (63) The amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL (in millions): 2022 2021 Prior service cost (credit) $ 6 $ (4) Net loss 438 316 Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) $ 444 $ 312 Defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations and accumulated benefit obligations exceeding fair value of plan assets are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 Projected benefit obligation $ 1,332 $ 1,750 Accumulated benefit obligation 1,267 1,685 Fair value of plan assets 1,092 1,595 Net pension expense for the qualified defined-benefit plans included the following components (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Service cost $ 45 $ 52 $ 46 Interest cost 65 56 75 Restructuring charges (a) — — 11 Expected return on assets (128) (122) (110) Amortization of prior service credit (1) (1) (1) Recognized actuarial loss 8 37 35 Net pension expense (benefit) $ (11) $ 22 $ 56 (a) In conjunction with the workforce reductions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company recorded additional expense for employees accepting incentive leaves of absence. Such expense is included in Special items - restructuring charges on the consolidated statement of operations for the year-ended December 31, 2020. There are no current statutory funding requirements for the Company’s plans in 2023. Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the qualified defined-benefit pension plans from the assets of those plans (in millions): Total 2023 $ 116 2024 114 2025 133 2026 142 2027 156 2028-2032 835 Nonqualified Defined-Benefit Pension Plan Alaska also maintains an unfunded, noncontributory defined-benefit plan for certain elected officers. This plan uses a December 31 measurement date. The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit cost for the nonqualified defined-benefit pension plan are similar to those used to calculate the qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The plan's unfunded status, PBO, and accumulated benefit obligation are immaterial. The net pension expense in prior year and expected future expense is also immaterial. Post-retirement Medical Benefits The Company allows certain retirees to continue their medical, dental and vision benefits by paying all or a portion of the active employee plan premium until eligible for Medicare, currently age 65. This results in a subsidy to retirees, because the premiums received by the Company are less than the actual cost of the retirees’ claims. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for this subsidy is unfunded. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was $89 million and $125 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The net periodic benefit cost was not material in 2022 or 2021. Defined-Contribution Plans The seven defined-contribution plans are deferred compensation plans under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of these plans require Company contributions. Total expense for the defined-contribution plans was $160 million, $125 million and $126 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020. The Company also has a noncontributory, unfunded defined-contribution plan for certain elected officers of the Company who are ineligible for the nonqualified defined-benefit pension plan. Amounts recorded as liabilities under the plan are not material to the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits Alaska maintains a long-term disability plan for its pilots. The long-term disability plan does not have a service requirement. Therefore, the liability is calculated based on estimated future benefit payments associated with pilots that were assumed to be disabled on a long-term basis as of December 31, 2022 and does not include any assumptions for future disability. The liability includes the discounted expected future benefit payments and medical costs. The total liability was $69 million and $77 million, which was recorded net of a prefunded trust account of $11 million and $8 million, and included in long-term other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Employee Incentive-Pay Plans The Company has employee incentive plans that pay employees based on certain financial and operational metrics. These metrics are set and approved annually by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board of Directors. The aggregate expense under these plans in 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $257 million, $151 million and $130 million. The incentive plans are summarized below. • Performance-Based Pay (PBP) is a program that rewards the majority of Alaska and Horizon employees. The program is based on various metrics that adjust periodically, including those related to Air Group profitability, costs, cash flow, safety, and sustainability. The program also includes the potential for additional payout if Air Group profitability finishes among the highest in the industry. • The Operational Performance Rewards Program (OPR) entitles the majority of Alaska and Horizon employees to quarterly payouts of up to $450 per person if certain monthly operational, customer service, and safety objectives are met.

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Dividends In March 2020, the Company suspended the payment of dividends indefinitely. Prior to the suspension, the Company paid dividends of $45 million to shareholders of record during 2020. These restrictions ended on October 1, 2022. Common Stock Repurchase In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. The Company repurchased 7.6 million shares for $544 million under this program. In March 2020, subject to restrictions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely. These restrictions ended on October 1, 2022. The Company announced plans to resume share repurchases in 2023. The program has remaining authorization of $456 million. Prior to the suspension, the Company repurchased $31 million, or 538,078 shares, in 2020. At December 31, 2022, the Company held 9,349,944 shares in treasury. Management does not anticipate retiring common shares held in treasury for the foreseeable future. CARES Act Warrant Issuance As additional taxpayer protection required under the PSP programs under the CARES Act, the Company granted the Treasury a total of 1,455,437 warrants to purchase ALK common stock in 2020 and 2021. An additional 427,080 warrants were issued in conjunction with a draw on the CARES Act Loan in 2020. These warrants are non-voting, freely transferable, may be settled as net shares or in cash at the Company's option, and have a five-year term. The value of the warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The total fair value of the warrants of $30 million, recorded in stockholders' equity at issuance. Total warrants outstanding are as follows as of December 31, 2022: Number of shares of ALK common stock Strike Price PSP 1 928,127 31.61 CARES Act loan warrants 427,080 31.61 PSP 2 305,499 52.25 PSP 3 221,812 66.39 Outstanding December 31, 2022 1,882,518 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL) A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions), is shown below for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at December 31, 2019, net of tax effect of $150 $ 9 $ (469) $ (5) $ (465) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($5) (11) 23 2 14 Change in value, net of tax effect of $15 25 (52) (16) (43) Balance at December 31, 2020, net of tax effect of $160 $ 23 $ (498) $ (19) $ (494) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($6) (4) 25 — 21 Change in value, net of tax effect of ($71) (23) 221 13 211 Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($4) 6 2 — 8 Change in value, net of tax effect of $43 (82) (69) 17 (134) Balance at December 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $122 $ (80) $ (319) $ 11 $ (388)

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS The Company has various equity incentive plans under which it may grant stock awards to directors, officers and employees. The Company also has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). The table below summarizes the components of total stock-based compensation (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Stock options $ 3 $ 5 $ 4 Stock awards 14 20 14 Deferred stock awards 1 1 1 Employee stock purchase plan 17 18 15 Stock-based compensation $ 35 $ 44 $ 34 Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation $ 9 $ 11 $ 8 Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards and the weighted-average period the expense will be recognized (dollars in millions): Amount Weighted-Average Stock options $ 3 0.2 Stock awards 12 1.0 Unrecognized stock-based compensation $ 15 1.2 The Company is authorized to issue 20 million shares of common stock under these plans, of which 12,076,777 shares remain available for future grants of either options or stock awards as of December 31, 2022. Stock Options Stock options to purchase common stock are granted at the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. The stock options granted have terms of up to ten years. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants: 2022 2021 2020 Expected volatility 44 % 43 % 34 % Expected term 6 years 6 years 6 years Risk-free interest rate 1.91 % 0.68 % 1.03 % Expected dividend yield — % — % 1.73 % Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 23.36 $ 23.66 $ 14.11 Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) $ 4 $ 4 $ 6 The expected market price volatility and expected term are based on historical results. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated weighted average dividend yield over the expected term. The expected forfeiture rates are based on historical experience. The tables below summarize stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2022: Shares Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Intrinsic Outstanding, December 31, 2021 1,179,227 $ 62.11 6.7 $ 3 Granted 171,450 54.84 Exercised (4,110) 31.73 Canceled (35,871) 71.62 Forfeited or expired (79,939) 54.01 Outstanding, December 31, 2022 1,230,757 $ 61.45 5.6 $ 1 Exercisable, December 31, 2022 758,220 $ 63.90 4.5 $ 1 Vested or expected to vest, December 31, 2022 1,230,230 $ 61.45 5.6 $ 1 (in millions) 2022 2021 2020 Intrinsic value of option exercises $ — $ 3 $ 2 Fair value of options vested $ 4 $ 4 $ 3 Cash received from stock option exercises was not material for the year ended December 31, 2022. Stock Awards Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of the vesting period. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. Generally, RSUs “cliff vest” after three years, or the period from the date of grant to the employee’s retirement eligibility, and expense is recognized accordingly. Performance Share Units (PSUs) are awarded to certain executives to receive shares of common stock if specific performance goals and market conditions are achieved. There are several tranches of PSUs which vest when performance goals and market conditions are met. The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock awards: Number Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted- Aggregate Non-vested, December 31, 2021 546,480 $ 52.81 1.3 $ 36 Granted 457,243 59.72 Vested (494,882) 54.44 Forfeited (402,081) 62.38 Non-vested, December 31, 2022 106,760 $ 53.97 2.9 $ 11 Deferred Stock Awards Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) are awarded to members of the Board of Directors as part of their retainers. The underlying common shares are issued upon retirement from the Board, but require no future service period. As a result, the entire intrinsic value of the awards is expensed on the date of grant. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The ESPP allows employees to purchase common stock at 85% of the stock price on the first day of the offering period or the specified purchase date, whichever is lower. Employees may contribute up to 10% of their base earnings during the offering period to purchase stock. Employees purchased 1,292,489, 1,254,393 and 1,524,194 shares in 2022, 2021 and 2020 under the ESPP.

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
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 and SkyWest, under which Alaska receives all passenger revenue. Under 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, Costa Rica and Belize. • Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. and Canada under a CPA. This segment includes the actual revenue 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 a 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 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 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): Year Ended December 31, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 7,454 $ 1,354 $ — $ — $ 8,808 $ — $ 8,808 CPA revenue — — 359 (359) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 538 52 — — 590 — 590 Cargo and other revenue 244 — — 4 248 — 248 Total Operating Revenue 8,236 1,406 359 (355) 9,646 — 9,646 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 5,216 1,085 383 (356) 6,328 580 6,908 Fuel expense 2,195 397 — — 2,592 76 2,668 Total Operating Expenses 7,411 1,482 383 (356) 8,920 656 9,576 Non-operating Income (Expense) 30 — (22) 1 9 — 9 Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 855 $ (76) $ (46) $ 2 $ 735 $ (656) $ 79 Pretax Margin 7.6 % 0.8 % Year Ended December 31, 2021 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 4,411 $ 1,088 $ — $ — $ 5,499 $ — $ 5,499 CPA revenue — — 406 (406) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 402 59 — — 461 — 461 Cargo and other revenue 212 — — 4 216 — 216 Total Operating Revenue 5,025 1,147 406 (402) 6,176 — 6,176 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 4,101 1,096 373 (433) 5,137 (925) 4,212 Fuel expense 1,065 261 — — 1,326 (47) 1,279 Total Operating Expenses 5,166 1,357 373 (433) 6,463 (972) 5,491 Non-operating Income (Expense) (38) — (21) 3 (56) — (56) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (179) $ (210) $ 12 $ 34 $ (343) $ 972 $ 629 Pretax Margin (5.6) % 10.2 % Year Ended December 31, 2020 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,350 $ 669 $ — $ — $ 3,019 $ — $ 3,019 CPA revenue — — 386 (386) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 309 65 — — 374 — 374 Cargo and other revenue 170 — — 3 173 — 173 Total Operating Revenue 2,829 734 386 (383) 3,566 — 3,566 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,630 993 323 (399) 4,547 71 4,618 Fuel expense 569 162 — — 731 (8) 723 Total Operating Expenses 4,199 1,155 323 (399) 5,278 63 5,341 Non-operating Income (Expense) (19) — (22) 2 (39) (26) (65) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (1,389) $ (421) $ 41 $ 18 $ (1,751) $ (89) $ (1,840) Pretax Margin (49.1) % (51.6) % (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 charges. (c) Includes special items, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and Payroll Support Program grant wage offsets. 2022 2021 2020 Depreciation and amortization: Mainline $ 351 $ 323 $ 346 Horizon 64 71 74 Consolidated $ 415 $ 394 $ 420 Capital expenditures: Mainline $ 1,544 $ 236 $ 210 Horizon 127 56 12 Consolidated $ 1,671 $ 292 $ 222 Total assets at end of period: Mainline $ 19,733 $ 19,258 Horizon 1,157 1,212 Consolidating & Other (6,704) (6,519) Consolidated $ 14,186 $ 13,951

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_2

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Organization and Basis of Presentation
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents 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 market value. The Company reduces cash balances when funds are disbursed. Due to the time delay in funds clearing the banks, the Company normally maintains a negative balance in its cash disbursement accounts, which is reported as a current liability. The amount of the negative cash balance was $9 million and $7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and is included in accounts payable, with the change in the balance during the year included in other financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company's restricted cash balances are not material and are classified as Other noncurrent assets. Restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. They consist of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Marketable Securities Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. All cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and realized gains and losses are recorded using the specific identification method. Changes in market value are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL). The Company evaluates the investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for expected credit losses. The Company uses a systematic methodology that groups assets by relevant market sector, and considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential allowances for credit losses. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, management evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, the Company's intent and ability to hold, or plans to sell, the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be the result of an expected credit loss, an allowance is recorded to Other—net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	and Supplies—net Expendable aircraft parts, materials and supplies are stated at average cost and are included in Inventories and supplies — net. An obsolescence allowance for expendable parts is accrued based on estimated lives of the corresponding fleet type and salvage values. The allowance for expendable inventories was $55 million and $49 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Removals from the reserve in 2022 were immaterial. Inventory and supplies - net also includes fuel inventory of $38 million and $21 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts inventories are included in flight equipment.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Equipment and Depreciation Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: Estimated Useful Life Estimated Salvage Value Aircraft and other flight equipment: B737 and E175 aircraft 20 to 25 years 10% Bombardier Q400 aircraft (a) 15 years 5% Buildings 25 to 40 years 10% Minor building and land improvements 10 years —% Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements Generally shorter of lease term or —% Computer hardware and software 3 to 10 years —% Other furniture and equipment 5 to 10 years —% (a) As a result of the early retirement of the Bombardier Q400 fleet, all aircraft and related flight equipment were depreciated to their salvage values in 2022 depending on the scheduled retirement dates. Near the end of an asset's estimated useful life, management updates the salvage value estimates based on current market conditions and expected use of the asset. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts are included in Aircraft and other flight equipment, and are depreciated over the associated fleet life. Capitalized interest, based on the Company’s weighted-average borrowing rate, is added to the cost of the related asset, and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repairs, other than engine maintenance on B737-800 and E175 engines, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications that extend the life or improve the usefulness of aircraft are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated period of use. Maintenance on B737-800 and E175 engines are covered under power-by-the-hour agreements with third parties, whereby the Company pays a determinable amount, and transfers risk, to a third party. Beginning in 2023, maintenance on B737-900ER aircraft will also be covered under a power-by-the-hour agreement with a third party. For these agreements, the Company expenses the contract amounts based on engine usage. The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company groups assets for purposes of such reviews at the lowest level at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, which is generally the fleet level. An impairment loss is considered when estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. If the asset or asset group is not considered recoverable, a write-down equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value will be recorded . For these purposes, the fair value is estimated using a combination of Level 2 inputs, including published market value estimates for the assets being assessed, and Level 3 inputs, including Company-specific and asset-specific indicators. Goodwill
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the related net assets acquired in the Company's acquisition of Virgin America and is not amortized. The total balance of goodwill is associated with the Mainline reporting unit. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. The assessment utilizes either a qualitative or quantitative approach. The qualitative approach considers factors such as Alaska Air Group market capitalization and other market trends, and unobservable inputs, including Company specific cash flow and performance information. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired, management utilizes a quantitative approach to assess the asset's fair value and the amount of impairment and a charge may be recorded. In 2022, the fair value of the Mainline reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Intangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived airport slots and finite-lived customer relationships recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of Virgin America. Finite-lived intangibles were recorded at fair value upon acquisition and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangibles were recorded at fair value upon acquisition and are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment using a similar methodology to goodwill, as described above.
Aircraft Maintenance Deposits	Aircraft Maintenance Deposits Certain Airbus leases include contractually required maintenance deposit payments to the lessor, which collateralize the lessor for future maintenance events should the Company not perform required maintenance. Most of the lease agreements provide that maintenance deposits are reimbursable upon completion of the major maintenance event in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount qualified for reimbursement from maintenance deposits held by the lessor associated with the specific major maintenance event or (ii) the qualifying costs related to the specific major maintenance event. The Company establishes accounting maintenance deposits as assets on the balance sheet using estimates of the anticipated timing and cost of the specific major maintenance events, such that the accounting deposits do not exceed the amount qualified for reimbursement. Aircraft maintenance deposits recorded on the consolidated balance sheets were $140 million and $175 million as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Leased Aircraft Return Costs [Policy Text Block]	Leased Aircraft Return Costs Costs of returning leased aircraft begin accruing when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable, usually beginning at least twelve months prior to lease return, and are recognized over the remaining operating life of the aircraft. If a leased asset is removed from operation and no lease return cost has previously been estimated, an estimate of the cost to return the asset is accrued at the time of removal. These estimates are based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage, and lease terms, although the actual amount due to any lessor upon return may not be known with certainty until lease termination. As leased aircraft are returned, payments made reduce the outstanding lease return liability. Of the total outstanding liability as of December 31, 2022, $186 million is included in Other accrued liabilities and $91 million is included in Other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, compared to $53 million included in Other accrued liabilities and $114 million included in Other liabilities as of December 31, 2021.
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Expenses
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company's operations are significantly impacted by changes in aircraft fuel prices and interest rates. In an effort to manage exposure to these risks, the Company periodically enters into fuel and interest rate derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet and changes in the fair value are recognized in AOCL or in the consolidated statements of operations, depending on the nature of the instrument.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company has elected not to use the fair value option provided in the accounting standards for non-financial instruments. Accordingly, those assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and certain other assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost. For financial instruments, the assets and liabilities are carried at fair value, which is determined based on the market approach or income approach, depending upon the level of inputs used. The leveling of inputs for financial and non-financial instruments are disclosed in this note, and Note 5.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability approach for accounting for and reporting income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance would be established, if necessary, for the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2022, there is a partial valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the applicable accounting standards.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation Accounting standards require companies to recognize expense over the service period based on the fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees estimated as of the grant date. These standards apply to all stock awards that the Company grants to employees as well as the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which features a look-back provision and allows employees to purchase stock at a 15% discount. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded in wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share (EPS) Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding plus 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. In 2022 and 2021, anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)," which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burden related to the market transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates. In January 2021, the FASB updated Topic 848, providing additional clarification and scope relating to transition to alternative reference rates. The guidance was effective upon issuance and the Company has started to transition its LIBOR-based contracts to an alternative reference rate. The Company does not expect the adoption and transition to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Receivable	Receivables—net Receivables primarily consist of amounts due from taxing authorities, credit card processors, and the Company's affinity card partner stemming from income tax returns, sales of tickets to customers and bank purchased miles, respectively. Given the nature of these receivables, reserves are immaterial to the overall balance.

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_3

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: Estimated Useful Life Estimated Salvage Value Aircraft and other flight equipment: B737 and E175 aircraft 20 to 25 years 10% Bombardier Q400 aircraft (a) 15 years 5% Buildings 25 to 40 years 10% Minor building and land improvements 10 years —% Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements Generally shorter of lease term or —% Computer hardware and software 3 to 10 years —% Other furniture and equipment 5 to 10 years —%

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contracts with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Passenger revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees $ 7,430 $ 4,533 $ 2,428 Passenger ancillary revenue 447 327 245 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 931 639 346 Total Passenger revenue $ 8,808 $ 5,499 $ 3,019 Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Passenger revenue $ 931 $ 639 $ 346 Mileage Plan other revenue 590 461 374 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 1,521 $ 1,100 $ 720 Cargo and other revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 2020 Cargo revenue $ 133 $ 124 $ 112 Other revenue 115 92 61 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 248 $ 216 $ 173
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 2021 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,358 $ 2,277 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (878) (639) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (65) (43) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 1,082 763 Total Deferred Revenue balance at December 31 $ 2,497 $ 2,358

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): 2022 2021 Fuel hedge contracts (not designated as hedges) Other current assets $ 33 $ 71 Other assets 11 10 Interest rate swaps (designated as hedges) Other current assets 8 — Other noncurrent assets 7 — Other accrued liabilities — (6) Other liabilities — (3) Gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) 23 17
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings and AOCL (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Fuel hedge contracts (not designated as hedges) Gains (losses) recognized in Aircraft fuel $ 93 $ 104 $ (10) Interest rate swaps (designated as hedges) Losses recognized in Aircraft rent — — (3) Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) 23 17 (21)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 505 $ — $ 505 $ 331 $ — $ 331 Equity mutual funds 5 — 5 6 — 6 Foreign government bonds — 25 25 — 38 38 Asset-backed securities — 261 261 — 311 311 Mortgage-backed securities — 196 196 — 232 232 Corporate notes and bonds — 1,025 1,025 — 1,663 1,663 Municipal securities — 62 62 — 65 65 Total Marketable securities 510 1,569 2,079 337 2,309 2,646 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge contracts - call options — 44 44 — 81 81 Interest rate swap agreements — 15 15 — — — Total Assets $ 510 $ 1,628 $ 2,138 $ 337 $ 2,390 $ 2,727 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — — — — (9) (9) Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (9) $ (9) Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions): December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Total fixed rate debt $ 1,660 $ 1,821 Estimated fair value $ 1,473 $ 1,919 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Certain assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair valuation when there is evidence of impairment. Refer to Note 2 for discussion regarding impairment charges recorded in the year.
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Proceeds from sales of marketable securities were $2.3 billion, $3.6 billion, and $2.3 billion in 2022, 2021, and 2020.
Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table Text Block]	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): December 31, 2022 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 431 $ 421 Due after one year through five years 1,717 1,624 Due after five years 30 28 Total $ 2,178 $ 2,073

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): 2022 2021 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 113 $ 163 Fixed-rate PSP note payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 947 1,058 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 514 738 Less debt issuance costs (15) (20) Total debt 2,159 2,539 Less current portion 276 366 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,883 $ 2,173 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 5.8 % 1.3 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	ong-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total 2023 $ 280 2024 244 2025 296 2026 176 2027 535 Thereafter 643 Total principal payments $ 2,174

Leases, Codification Topic 842

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Lease Assets	Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions): December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 Aircraft $ 701 $ 782 CPA Aircraft 683 600 Airport and terminal facilities 21 16 Corporate real estate and other 66 55 Total Operating Lease Assets $ 1,471 $ 1,453
Lease, Cost	The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, was as follows (in millions): Classification 2022 2021 2020 Expense Aircraft (a) Aircraft rent $ 191 $ 174 $ 215 CPA Aircraft Aircraft rent 100 80 80 Airport and terminal facilities Landing fees and other rentals 384 379 288 Corporate real estate and other Landing fees and other rentals 33 21 19 Total lease expense $ 708 $ 654 $ 602 Revenue Lease income Cargo and other revenue (15) (16) (14) Net lease impact $ 693 $ 638 $ 588 (a) Aircraft lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 does not include the portion of aircraft rent that was accelerated due to the fleet transition decision and recorded within the Special items - fleet transition and other line within the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2022 (in millions): Aircraft (a) CPA Aircraft Airport and Terminal Facilities Corporate Real Estate and Other 2023 $ 173 $ 112 $ 3 $ 17 2024 118 112 3 7 2025 113 112 3 6 2026 110 112 3 6 2027 106 112 3 5 Thereafter 356 385 10 88 Total Lease Payments (b) $ 976 $ 945 $ 25 $ 129 Less: Imputed interest (156) (238) (4) (61) Total $ 820 $ 707 $ 21 $ 68
Weighted Average Lease Assumptions	The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at December 31, 2022. Weighted Average IBR Weighted Average Remaining Lease term Aircraft 4.4 % 7.9 CPA Aircraft 7.0 % 8.8 Airports and terminal facilities 4.4 % 7.9 Corporate real estate and other 4.7 % 27.5

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions): 2022 2021 Excess of tax over book depreciation $ 1,312 $ 1,145 Intangibles - net 17 19 Operating lease assets 356 351 Other - net 49 76 Deferred tax liabilities 1,734 1,591 Mileage Plan (436) (416) Inventory obsolescence (21) (17) Employee benefits (145) (127) Net operating losses (28) (25) Operating lease liabilities (392) (374) Leasehold maintenance (67) (40) Other - net (88) (34) Deferred tax assets (1,177) (1,033) Valuation allowance 17 20 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 574 $ 578
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Current income tax expense (benefit): Federal $ (11) $ 40 $ (212) State (3) 16 (11) Total current income tax expense (benefit) (14) 56 (223) Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal 32 80 (246) State 3 15 (47) Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35 95 (293) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2022 2021 2020 Income (loss) before income tax $ 79 $ 629 $ (1,840) Expected tax expense (benefit) 17 132 (386) Nondeductible expenses 11 10 9 State income tax expense (benefit) 5 20 (62) Tax law changes — (14) (93) Valuation allowance (4) 1 18 Tax credits (5) (2) — FIN48 reserve change (3) 3 (2) Other - net — 1 — Actual tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516) Effective tax rate (a) 26.2 % 24.0 % 28.0 %
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Alaska, Oregon and California as “major” tax jurisdictions. A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows: Jurisdiction Period Federal 2007 to 2021 Alaska 2018 to 2021 California 2007 to 2021 Oregon 2015 to 2021 Certain tax years are open to the extent of net operating loss carryforwards. Changes in the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits during 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 41 $ 35 $ 40 Additions related to prior years — 3 1 Releases related to prior years (1) — (1) Additions related to current year activity 1 3 — Releases due to settlements (20) — (4) Releases due to lapse of statute of limitations — — (1) Balance at December 31 $ 21 $ 41 $ 35

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets	Defined benefit plans with projected benefit obligations and accumulated benefit obligations exceeding fair value of plan assets are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 Projected benefit obligation $ 1,332 $ 1,750 Accumulated benefit obligation 1,267 1,685 Fair value of plan assets 1,092 1,595
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: The rates below vary by plan and related work group. 2022 2021 Discount rates 5.41% to 5.42% 2.82% to 2.90% Rate of compensation increases 2.01% to 2.35% 2.02% to 2.38% Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: The rates below vary by plan and related work group. 2022 2021 2020 Discount rates 2.82% to 2.90% 2.43% to 2.58% 3.33% to 3.47% Expected return on plan assets 3.00% to 5.25% 3.00% to 5.50% 3.25% to 5.50% Rate of compensation increases 2.02% to 2.38% 2.02% to 2.43% 2.11% to 5.44%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The target and actual asset allocation of the funds in the qualified defined-benefit plans, by asset category, are as follows: Salaried Plan (a) All Other Plans Target 2022 2021 Target 2022 2021 Asset category: Domestic equity securities 2%-12% 7 % 7 % 29%-39% 35 % 38 % Non-U.S. equity securities 0%-8% 3 % 3 % 9%-19% 15 % 16 % Fixed income securities 85%-95% 90 % 90 % 37%-57% 45 % 42 % Real estate —% — % — % —%-10% 5 % 4 % Plan assets 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % (a) As our Salaried Plan is frozen and fully funded, our investment strategies differ significantly from that of our other outstanding plans. Investments are in lower-risk securities, with earnings designed to maintain a fully-funded status. Plan assets by fund category (in millions): 2022 2021 Fair Value Hierarchy Fund type: U.S. equity market fund $ 568 $ 885 1 Non-U.S. equity fund 242 370 1 Credit bond index fund 1,001 1,342 1 Plan assets in common commingled trusts $ 1,811 $ 2,597 Real estate 76 92 (a) Cash equivalents 7 6 1 Total plan assets $ 1,894 $ 2,695
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the status of the qualified defined-benefit pension plans (in millions): 2022 2021 Projected benefit obligation (PBO) Beginning of year $ 2,758 $ 2,934 Service cost 46 56 Interest cost 66 56 Plan amendments (a) 9 — Actuarial (gain)/loss (628) (171) Benefits paid (172) (117) End of year $ 2,079 $ 2,758 Plan assets at fair value Beginning of year $ 2,695 $ 2,488 Actual return on plan assets (629) 224 Employer contributions — 100 Benefits paid (172) (117) End of year $ 1,894 $ 2,695 Unfunded status $ (185) $ (63) Percent funded 91 % 98 %
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): 2022 2021 Accrued benefit liability-long term $ (240) $ (155) Plan assets-long term (within Other noncurrent assets) 55 92 Total liability recognized $ (185) $ (63) The amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL (in millions): 2022 2021 Prior service cost (credit) $ 6 $ (4) Net loss 438 316 Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) $ 444 $ 312
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Net pension expense for the qualified defined-benefit plans included the following components (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Service cost $ 45 $ 52 $ 46 Interest cost 65 56 75 Restructuring charges (a) — — 11 Expected return on assets (128) (122) (110) Amortization of prior service credit (1) (1) (1) Recognized actuarial loss 8 37 35 Net pension expense (benefit) $ (11) $ 22 $ 56 (a) In conjunction with the workforce reductions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company recorded additional expense for employees accepting incentive leaves of absence. Such expense is included in Special items - restructuring charges on the consolidated statement of operations for the year-ended December 31, 2020.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the qualified defined-benefit pension plans from the assets of those plans (in millions): Total 2023 $ 116 2024 114 2025 133 2026 142 2027 156 2028-2032 835

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES C

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions [Table Text Block]	Future minimum payments for commitments as of the date of this filing (in millions): Aircraft Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements and Other Obligations (b) 2023 $ 1,846 $ 209 2024 1,580 216 2025 1,262 220 2026 689 217 2027 337 218 Thereafter 606 739 Total $ 6,320 $ 1,819

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions), is shown below for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at December 31, 2019, net of tax effect of $150 $ 9 $ (469) $ (5) $ (465) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($5) (11) 23 2 14 Change in value, net of tax effect of $15 25 (52) (16) (43) Balance at December 31, 2020, net of tax effect of $160 $ 23 $ (498) $ (19) $ (494) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($6) (4) 25 — 21 Change in value, net of tax effect of ($71) (23) 221 13 211 Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($4) 6 2 — 8 Change in value, net of tax effect of $43 (82) (69) 17 (134) Balance at December 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $122 $ (80) $ (319) $ 11 $ (388)
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights	Total warrants outstanding are as follows as of December 31, 2022: Number of shares of ALK common stock Strike Price PSP 1 928,127 31.61 CARES Act loan warrants 427,080 31.61 PSP 2 305,499 52.25 PSP 3 221,812 66.39 Outstanding December 31, 2022 1,882,518

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the components of total stock-based compensation (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Stock options $ 3 $ 5 $ 4 Stock awards 14 20 14 Deferred stock awards 1 1 1 Employee stock purchase plan 17 18 15 Stock-based compensation $ 35 $ 44 $ 34 Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation $ 9 $ 11 $ 8
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]	Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards and the weighted-average period the expense will be recognized (dollars in millions): Amount Weighted-Average Stock options $ 3 0.2 Stock awards 12 1.0 Unrecognized stock-based compensation $ 15 1.2
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants: 2022 2021 2020 Expected volatility 44 % 43 % 34 % Expected term 6 years 6 years 6 years Risk-free interest rate 1.91 % 0.68 % 1.03 % Expected dividend yield — % — % 1.73 % Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 23.36 $ 23.66 $ 14.11 Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) $ 4 $ 4 $ 6
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The tables below summarize stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2022: Shares Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate Intrinsic Outstanding, December 31, 2021 1,179,227 $ 62.11 6.7 $ 3 Granted 171,450 54.84 Exercised (4,110) 31.73 Canceled (35,871) 71.62 Forfeited or expired (79,939) 54.01 Outstanding, December 31, 2022 1,230,757 $ 61.45 5.6 $ 1 Exercisable, December 31, 2022 758,220 $ 63.90 4.5 $ 1 Vested or expected to vest, December 31, 2022 1,230,230 $ 61.45 5.6 $ 1 (in millions) 2022 2021 2020 Intrinsic value of option exercises $ — $ 3 $ 2 Fair value of options vested $ 4 $ 4 $ 3
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock awards: Number Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted- Aggregate Non-vested, December 31, 2021 546,480 $ 52.81 1.3 $ 36 Granted 457,243 59.72 Vested (494,882) 54.44 Forfeited (402,081) 62.38 Non-vested, December 31, 2022 106,760 $ 53.97 2.9 $ 11

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 7,454 $ 1,354 $ — $ — $ 8,808 $ — $ 8,808 CPA revenue — — 359 (359) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 538 52 — — 590 — 590 Cargo and other revenue 244 — — 4 248 — 248 Total Operating Revenue 8,236 1,406 359 (355) 9,646 — 9,646 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 5,216 1,085 383 (356) 6,328 580 6,908 Fuel expense 2,195 397 — — 2,592 76 2,668 Total Operating Expenses 7,411 1,482 383 (356) 8,920 656 9,576 Non-operating Income (Expense) 30 — (22) 1 9 — 9 Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 855 $ (76) $ (46) $ 2 $ 735 $ (656) $ 79 Pretax Margin 7.6 % 0.8 % Year Ended December 31, 2021 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 4,411 $ 1,088 $ — $ — $ 5,499 $ — $ 5,499 CPA revenue — — 406 (406) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 402 59 — — 461 — 461 Cargo and other revenue 212 — — 4 216 — 216 Total Operating Revenue 5,025 1,147 406 (402) 6,176 — 6,176 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 4,101 1,096 373 (433) 5,137 (925) 4,212 Fuel expense 1,065 261 — — 1,326 (47) 1,279 Total Operating Expenses 5,166 1,357 373 (433) 6,463 (972) 5,491 Non-operating Income (Expense) (38) — (21) 3 (56) — (56) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (179) $ (210) $ 12 $ 34 $ (343) $ 972 $ 629 Pretax Margin (5.6) % 10.2 % Year Ended December 31, 2020 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,350 $ 669 $ — $ — $ 3,019 $ — $ 3,019 CPA revenue — — 386 (386) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 309 65 — — 374 — 374 Cargo and other revenue 170 — — 3 173 — 173 Total Operating Revenue 2,829 734 386 (383) 3,566 — 3,566 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,630 993 323 (399) 4,547 71 4,618 Fuel expense 569 162 — — 731 (8) 723 Total Operating Expenses 4,199 1,155 323 (399) 5,278 63 5,341 Non-operating Income (Expense) (19) — (22) 2 (39) (26) (65) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (1,389) $ (421) $ 41 $ 18 $ (1,751) $ (89) $ (1,840) Pretax Margin (49.1) % (51.6) % (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 charges. (c) Includes special items, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and Payroll Support Program grant wage offsets. 2022 2021 2020 Depreciation and amortization: Mainline $ 351 $ 323 $ 346 Horizon 64 71 74 Consolidated $ 415 $ 394 $ 420 Capital expenditures: Mainline $ 1,544 $ 236 $ 210 Horizon 127 56 12 Consolidated $ 1,671 $ 292 $ 222 Total assets at end of period: Mainline $ 19,733 $ 19,258 Horizon 1,157 1,212 Consolidating & Other (6,704) (6,519) Consolidated $ 14,186 $ 13,951

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_4

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Negative cash balance	$ 9	$ 7

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_5

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES - NET (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for all non-surplus expendable inventories	$ 55	$ 49
Fuel inventory	$ 38	$ 21

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_6

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND DEPRECIATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	10%
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	25 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Minor building and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	0%
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	0%
Computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	0%
Computer hardware and software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Computer hardware and software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Other furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	0%
Other furniture and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Other furniture and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
B737-800 | Aircraft [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	10%
B737-800 | Aircraft [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	20 years
B737-800 | Aircraft [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	25 years
Q400 | Aircraft [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	5%

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_7

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - ADVERTISING EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 85	$ 63	$ 41

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_8

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	15%

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_9

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - MAINTENANCE DEPOSITS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Aircraft Maintenance Deposits	$ 140	$ 175
Lease Return Provision, Current	(186)	(53)
Lease Return Provision, Non-Current	$ (91)	$ (114)

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI_10

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - LEASE RETURN PROVISION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Lease Return Provision, Current	$ (186)	$ (53)
Lease Return Provision, Non-Current	$ (91)	$ (114)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 481,000,000
Loss Contingency Accrual	37,000,000	$ 22,000,000
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	15,000,000
Asset Impairment Charge [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	70,000,000
Accelerated Aircraft Ownership Expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	173,000,000
Lease return costs and other expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	238,000,000
Airbus
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	378,000,000
Airbus | Asset Impairment Charge [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	0
Airbus | Accelerated Aircraft Ownership Expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	140,000,000
Airbus | Lease return costs and other expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	238,000,000
Q400
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	103,000,000
Q400 | Asset Impairment Charge [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	70,000,000
Q400 | Accelerated Aircraft Ownership Expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	33,000,000
Q400 | Lease return costs and other expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0

COVID-19 PANDEMIC NARRATIVE (De

COVID-19 PANDEMIC NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			21 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 481,000,000
Restructuring Charges	0	$ (10,000,000)	$ 220,000,000
Special Items - Impairment charges and other	496,000,000	(1,000,000)	627,000,000
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity	$ 486,000,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights	1,455,437
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		$ 16,000,000	$ 14,000,000
Airbus
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 378,000,000
Q400
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 103,000,000
US Treasury CARES Act Loan
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued				$ 30,000,000

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 248	$ 216	$ 173
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	8,808	5,499	3,019
Passenger [Member] | Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	133	124	112
Passenger Tickets [Member] | Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	7,430	4,533	2,428
Passenger Ancillary Services [Member] | Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	447	327	245
Mileage Plan Services [Member] | Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	931	639	346
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	590	461	374
Other Services [Member] | Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 115	$ 92	$ 61

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Contract with Customer, Liability	$ 2,497	$ 2,358	$ 2,277
Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase From Issuance of Credits	1,082	763
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	(65)	(43)
Passenger Services [Member]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	$ (878)	$ (639)

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) aircraft	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Percent of Mileage Breakage	17.40%	17.40%
Contract cost recognized	$ 311	$ 90	$ 43
Receivable	$ 296	546
Number of Partner AIrlines | aircraft	24
Credit Card Receivables	$ 201	167
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net	33	37
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	700	703
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	$ 83	$ 64

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANC

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (388)	$ (262)	$ (494)	$ (465)
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel Hedge Contracts, Current [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	33	71
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel Hedge Contracts, Noncurrent [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	11	10
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	8	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	7	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	0	(6)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	0	(3)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 23	$ 17

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME STATEMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Gains (losses) recognized in interest income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss expected to be reclassified	$ (8)
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Losses recognized in income	2
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 (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	93	$ 104	$ (10)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	23	17	(21)
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 (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax	$ 0	$ 0	$ (3)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR V

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF HEDGE POSITIONS (Details) gallons in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) gallons	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Investing Activities	$ (130)	$ (38)	$ 14
Interest Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months	$ 8
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | gallons	421
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 302

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 2,073
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	2,200
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	2,079	$ 2,646
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,138	2,727
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	(9)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	510	337
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	510	337
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	1,569	2,309
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,628	2,390
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	(9)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	44	81
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	44	81
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	15	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	(9)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, 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
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	15	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	(9)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	505	331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	505	331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury and Government [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	25	38
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	25	38
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	261	311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	261	311
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	196	232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	196	232
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	1,025	1,663
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	1,025	1,663
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	62	65
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	62	65
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	5	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	5	6
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	0	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Total Marketable Securities, FV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Marketable securities	$ 2,100

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VA

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	$ 2,252	$ 3,595	$ 2,318

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR _2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	$ 2,252	$ 3,595	$ 2,318
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	421
Due after one year through five years	1,624
Due after five years through 10 years	28
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Total	2,073
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	431
Due after one year through five years	1,717
Due after five years through 10 years	30
Marketable securities	2,178
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	$ 6

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 566
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,660	$ 1,821
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,473	$ 1,919

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			21 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 2,159	$ 2,539		$ 2,539
Less debt issuance costs	(15)	(20)		(20)
Less current portion	276	366		366
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$ 1,883	$ 2,173		$ 2,173
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.50%	3.70%		3.70%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	5.80%	1.30%		1.30%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs	$ 0	$ 363	$ 2,564
Long-term debt payments	385	1,334	565
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2023	280
2024	244
2025	296
2026	176
2027	535
Thereafter	643
Long-term Debt	2,174
Unsecured Term Loan through PSP of CARES Act	$ 600	600		$ 600
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		16	14
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time	3.70%
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		16	$ 14
Scheduled debt payments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	$ 368
Debt prepayments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	17
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	113	163		163
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		738		738
Variable Rate Notes Payable due through 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	514
July 2020 EETC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 947	$ 1,058		1,058
US Treasury CARES Act Loan
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued				30
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued				$ 30

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - SECURED DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 2,159	$ 2,539
Long-term debt payments	385	1,334	$ 565
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 0	$ 363	$ 2,564

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) credit_facility	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2020 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity	$ 486,000,000
Number of credit facilities | credit_facility	3
Credit Facility 1 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, asset restrictions, unrestricted cash and marketable securities	$ 500,000,000
Credit Facility 1 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity			$ 86,000,000
Credit Facility 2 [Member] | Secured by other [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity				$ 150,000,000
Credit Facility 3 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000

LEASES - NARRATIVE (Details)

LEASES - NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) aircraft	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Sublease Income | $	$ 15	$ 16	$ 14
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability | $	461
Operating Lease, Payments | $	354
Lessor, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Assumption and Judgment, Value of Underlying Asset, Amount | $	$ 213
E175 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	12 years
B737 MAX [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	12 years
A321neo [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	9 years
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Q400
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	6
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | E175 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	42
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B737-800
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B737 MAX [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A320 ac [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	32
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A321neo [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A319 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	4
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A319, nonop [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	4
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A320, nonop [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	20
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Q400, nonop [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft)	5
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost | $	$ 381	377	286
Aircraft Leases [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost | $	10	5	1
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost | $	$ 27	$ 17	$ 12

LEASES - Schedule of Leased Ass

LEASES - Schedule of Leased Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 1,471	$ 1,453
Operating Lease, Expense	708	654	$ 602
Sublease Income	(15)	(16)	(14)
Lease, Cost	693	638	588
Aircraft Leases [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	701	782
Operating Lease, Cost	191	174	215
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	683	600
Operating Lease, Cost	100	80	80
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	21	16
Operating Lease, Cost	384	379	288
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	66	55
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 33	$ 21	$ 19

LEASES - Lease Cost (Details)

LEASES - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 708	$ 654	$ 602
Sublease Income	15	16	14
Lease, Cost	693	638	588
Aircraft Leases [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 191	174	215
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.40%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	7 years 10 months 24 days
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 100	80	80
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	7%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	8 years 9 months 18 days
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 384	379	288
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.40%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	7 years 10 months 24 days
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 33	$ 21	$ 19
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.70%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	27 years 6 months

LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liab

LEASES - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Aircraft Leases [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 173
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	118
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	113
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	110
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	106
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	356
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	976
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	156
Operating Lease, Liability	820
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	112
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	112
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	112
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	112
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	112
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	385
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	945
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	238
Operating Lease, Liability	707
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	10
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	25
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	4
Operating Lease, Liability	21
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	17
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	7
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	6
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	6
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	5
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	88
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	129
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	61
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 68

INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED TAX ASS

INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Excess of tax over book depreciation	$ 1,312	$ 1,145
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets	17	19
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	49	76
Gross deferred tax liabilities	1,734	1,591
Mileage Plan	(436)	(416)
Inventory obsolescence	(21)	(17)
Employee benefits	(145)	(127)
Net operating losses	(28)	(25)
Other - net	(88)	(34)
Deferred tax assets	(1,177)	(1,033)
Valuation allowance	17	20
Net deferred tax liabilities	574	578
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Finite-Lived Assets	356	351
Deferred Tax Assets - Leasing Arrangement	392	374
Deferred Tax Assets, Leasehold Maintenance	(67)	$ (40)
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable	285
Federal 1120 Refund [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable	10
Other State Amended Return Refunds [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable	12
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss	$ 325

INCOME TAXES - COMPONENTS OF TA

INCOME TAXES - COMPONENTS OF TAX EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$ (11)	$ 40	$ (212)
State	(3)	16	(11)
Total current	(14)	56	(223)
Deferred tax expense:
Federal	32	80	(246)
State	3	15	(47)
Total deferred	35	95	(293)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 21	$ 151	$ (516)

INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME

INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RECONCILIATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
U.S. federal tax rate	21%	35%	35%
Income before income tax	$ 79	$ 629	$ (1,840)
Expected tax expense	17	132	(386)
Nondeductible expenses	11	10	9
State income taxes	5	20	(62)
Valuation allowance	(4)	1	18
Tax credits	(5)	(2)	0
FIN48 reserve	(3)	3	(2)
Tax law changes	0	(14)	(93)
Other—net	0	1	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 21	$ 151	$ (516)
Effective tax rate	26.20%	24%	28%

INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES - UNC

INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES - UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 19
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	3	$ 8		$ 6
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	5	2	$ (1)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	20
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	20	0	4
Beginning balance	41	35	40
Additions related to prior years	0	3	1
Releases related to prior years	(1)	0	(1)
Additions related to current year activity	1	3	0
Releases due to settlements	(20)	0	(4)
Releases due to lapse of statute of limitations	0	0	(1)
Ending balance	$ 21	$ 41	$ 35

INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES NARRA

INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax law changes	$ 0	$ (14)	$ (93)
Income Taxes Paid	38
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable	285
Federal 1120 Refund [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable	$ 10

INCOME TAXES NEW ACCOUNTING STA

INCOME TAXES NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Other Special Items [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	$ 49	$ 76
Valuation allowance	$ 17	$ 20

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 plan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Qualified Defined Benefit Plans	4
Number of defined benefit plans	1
Number of defined contribution plans	7

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - ASSUMP

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - ASSUMPTIONS (Details) - Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligations, Weighted-average discount rate	5.41%	2.82%
Benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase	2.01%	2.02%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average discount rate	2.82%	2.43%	3.33%
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average expected return on assets	3%	3%	3.25%
Net period benefit costs, Rate of compensation increase	2.02%	2.02%	2.11%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligations, Weighted-average discount rate	5.42%	2.90%
Benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase	2.35%	2.38%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average discount rate	2.90%	2.58%	3.47%
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average expected return on assets	5.25%	5.50%	5.50%
Net period benefit costs, Rate of compensation increase	2.38%	2.43%	5.44%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PLAN A

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PLAN ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 1,894	$ 2,695	$ 2,488
Plan asset allocations	100%	100%
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 1,811	$ 2,597
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	45%	42%
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Credit bond index fund [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 1,001	$ 1,342
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	5%	4%
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 76	$ 92
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 7	$ 6
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	35%	38%
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 568	$ 885
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	15%	16%
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	$ 242	$ 370
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	100%	100%
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	90%	90%
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	0%	0%
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	7%	7%
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan asset allocations	3%	3%
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	37
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	—
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	29
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	9
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	85
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	—
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	2
Minimum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	0
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	57
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	10
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	39
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	19
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	95
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	12
Maximum [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit Plan - Salaried [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description	8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUNDED

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUNDED STATUS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	$ 0	$ 0	$ 11
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Benefit obligation
Beginning of year	2,758	2,934
Service cost	45	52	46
Actuarial (gain) loss	(628)	(171)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	(172)	(117)
End of year	2,079	2,758	2,934
Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost, including early-out expense	46	56
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	9	0
Defined Benefit Interest Cost, PBO	66	56
Plan assets at fair value
Beginning of year	2,695	2,488
Actual return on plan assets	(629)	224
Employer contributions	0	100
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	(172)	(117)
End of year	1,894	2,695	$ 2,488
Funded status (unfunded)	$ (185)	$ (63)
Percent funded	91%	98%
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,000	$ 2,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	$ 172	$ 117

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - AMOUNT

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability-long term	$ (348)	$ (305)
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Accrued benefit liability-long term	(240)	(155)
Plan assets-long term (within Other noncurrent assets)	55	92
Total liability recognized	(185)	(63)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Prior service cost (credit)	6	(4)
Net loss	438	316
Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax)	$ 444	$ 312

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EXPECT

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EXPECTED AMORTIZATION FROM AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	$ 128	$ 122	$ 110

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	$ 0	$ 0	$ 11
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	45	52	46
Interest cost	65	56	75
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits	9	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	128	122	110
Amortization of prior service cost	(1)	(1)	(1)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	(8)	(37)	(35)
Net pension expense (benefit)	$ (11)	$ 22	$ 56

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUTURE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUTURE BENEFITS EXPECTED TO BE PAID (Details) - Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2023	$ 116
2024	114
2025	133
2026	142
2027	156
2028-2032	$ 835

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOY_2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL BENEFITS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	$ 89	$ 125

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - DEFINE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Total expense for the defined-contribution plans	$ 160	$ 125	$ 126

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PILOT

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PILOT LONG-TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS (Details) - Postretirement Health Coverage [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total liability net of a prefunded trust account	$ 69	$ 77
Prefunded trust account	$ 11	$ 8

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EMPLOY

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE-PAY PLANS (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Operational Performance Rewards Program entitles all Air Group employees to maximum quarterly payouts (in dollars per quarter)	450
Variable incentive pay	$ 257,000,000	$ 151,000,000	$ 130,000,000

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PROJEC

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation	$ 1,332	$ 1,750
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	1,267	1,685
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets	$ 1,092	$ 1,595

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) aircraft	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	240
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 37	$ 22
Firm aircraft commitment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	122
Aircraft option and other rights [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	118
Virgin America Flight Attendants [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 78
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	78
PAGA Penalties [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	25
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	25
Virgin America Case Judgment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	31
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	31
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2023	1,846
2024	1,580
2025	1,262
2026	689
2027	337
Thereafter	606
Total	6,320
Capacity Purchase Agreements[Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2023	209
2024	216
2025	220
2026	217
2027	218
Thereafter	739
Total	$ 1,819
B737 MAX [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	210
B737 MAX [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	105
B737 MAX [Member] | Aircraft option and other rights [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	105
B737 MAX [Member] | Aircraft firm commitments, new in period [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	52
E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	30
E175 [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	17
E175 [Member] | Aircraft option and other rights [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	13
E175 [Member] | Aircraft firm commitments, new in period [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | aircraft	8
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B737-800
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | aircraft	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B737 MAX [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | aircraft	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Q400
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | aircraft	6
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | A321neo [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | aircraft	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | aircraft	42

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDE

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - STOCK CHANGES (Details)	Dec. 31, 2022 $ / shares shares
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, shares authorized | shares	400,000,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOL_2

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - DIVIDENDS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend paid	$ 0	$ 0	$ 45

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY - COMMON S

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY - COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended		64 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock repurchase (in shares)	538,078
Common stock repurchase	$ 31	$ 31
2015 $1 billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 1,000
Common stock repurchase (in shares)			7,600,000
Common stock repurchase			$ 544

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOL_3

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - OTHER (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury stock, shares	9,349,944	9,349,944

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOL_4

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (388)	$ (262)	$ (494)	$ (465)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(134)	211	(43)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	8	21	14
AOCI - Marketable Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(80)	(4)	23	9
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(82)	(23)	25
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	6	(4)	(11)
AOCI - Employee Benefit Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(319)	(252)	(498)	(469)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(69)	221	(52)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2	25	23
AOCI - Interest Rate Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	11	(6)	(19)	$ (5)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	17	13	(16)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY CARES Act

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY CARES Act Issuance (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended		21 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2022
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights				1,455,437
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				1,882,518
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	$ 16	$ 14
US Treasury CARES Act Loan
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued			$ 30
PSP 1 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 31.61
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				928,127
CARES Act Loan Program Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [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	427,080		427,080
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				427,080
PSP 2 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 52.25
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				305,499
PSP 3 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 66.39
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				221,812

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 35	$ 44	$ 34
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	9	11	8
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards	$ 15
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period	1 year 2 months 12 days
Shares authorized under stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	20,000,000
Shares remaining available for future grants (shares)	12,076,777
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 3	$ 5	$ 4
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards	$ 3
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period	2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected volatility	44%	43%	34%
Expected term	6 years	6 years	6 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.91%	0.68%	1.03%
Expected dividend yield	0%	0%	1.73%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 23.36	$ 23.66	$ 14.11
Estimated fair value of options granted (millions)	$ 4	$ 4	$ 6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	1,179,227
Granted (in Shares)	171,450
Exercised (in shares)	(4,110)
Canceled (in shares)	(35,871)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(79,939)
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	1,230,757	1,179,227
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 62.11
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	54.84
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	31.73
Canceled, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	71.62
Fofeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	54.01
Outstanding, ending balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 61.45	$ 62.11
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Contractual Life	5 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1	$ 3
Exercisable, Outstanding (in shares)	758,220
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 63.90
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Contractual Life	4 years 6 months
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]
Vested or expected to vest, Shares	1,230,230
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 61.45
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Contractual Life	5 years 7 months 6 days
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 1
Intrinsic value of option exercises	0	3	2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	4	4	3
Stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	14	$ 20	14
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards	$ 12
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period	1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares)	546,480
Granted (in shares)	457,243
Vested (in shares)	(494,882)
Forfeited (in shares)	(402,081)
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)	106,760	546,480
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Non-vested, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 52.81
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	59.72
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	54.44
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	62.38
Non-vested, ending balance, Weighted-Average Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 53.97	$ 52.81
Non-vested, Weighted-Average Contractual Life	2 years 10 months 24 days	1 year 3 months 18 days
Non-vested, Total Instrinsic Value (in dollars)	$ 11	$ 36
Deferred stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	1	1	1
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 17	$ 18	$ 15
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	1,292,489	1,254,393	1,524,194
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate	10%

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		$ 9,646	$ 6,176	$ 3,566
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		6,908	4,212	4,618
Special items - merger-related costs		0	0	6
Economic fuel		2,668	1,279	723
Total Operating Expenses		9,576	5,491	5,341
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Investment Income, Interest		53	25	31
Interest Expense		(108)	(128)	(98)
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment		14	11	11
Other - net		50	36	17
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		9	(56)	(65)
Income before income tax		79	629	(1,840)
Depreciation		415	394	420
Total property and equipment additions		(1,671)	(292)	$ (222)
Total assets		$ 14,186	$ 13,951
Pretax Margin, Adjusted		7.60%	(5.60%)	(49.10%)
Pretax Margin, GAAP		0.80%	10.20%	(51.60%)
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		$ 9,646	$ 6,176	$ 3,566
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		6,328	5,137	4,547
Economic fuel		2,592	1,326	731
Total Operating Expenses		8,920	6,463	5,278
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		9	(56)	(39)
Income before income tax		735	(343)	(1,751)
Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		359	406	386
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		383	373	323
Economic fuel		0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses		383	373	323
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		(22)	(21)	(22)
Income before income tax		(46)	12	41
Depreciation		64	71	74
Total property and equipment additions		(127)	(56)	(12)
Total assets		1,157	1,212
Consolidating & Other
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		(355)	(402)	(383)
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		(356)	(433)	(399)
Economic fuel		0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses		(356)	(433)	(399)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		1	3	2
Income before income tax		2	34	18
Total assets		(6,704)	(6,519)
Special Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		0	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		580	(925)	71
Economic fuel		76	(47)	(8)
Total Operating Expenses		656	(972)	63
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		0	0	(26)
Income before income tax		(656)	972	(89)
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		8,236	5,025	2,829
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		5,216	4,101	3,630
Economic fuel		2,195	1,065	569
Total Operating Expenses		7,411	5,166	4,199
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		30	(38)	(19)
Income before income tax		855	(179)	(1,389)
Depreciation	[1]	351	323	346
Total property and equipment additions	[1]	(1,544)	(236)	(210)
Total assets	[1]	19,733	19,258
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Total Operating Revenues		1,406	1,147	734
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel		1,085	1,096	993
Economic fuel		397	261	162
Total Operating Expenses		1,482	1,357	1,155
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total		0	0	0
Income before income tax		(76)	(210)	(421)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		8,808	5,499	3,019
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		8,808	5,499	3,019
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Consolidating & Other
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		7,454	4,411	2,350
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		1,354	1,088	669
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		359	406	386
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Consolidating & Other
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		(359)	(406)	(386)
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		590	461	374
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		590	461	374
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Consolidating & Other
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		538	402	309
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		52	59	65
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		248	216	173
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		248	216	173
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Consolidating & Other
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		4	4	3
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		244	212	170
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]INCOME TAXES Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts for tax purposes. The Company has a net deferred tax liability, primarily due to differences in depreciation rates for federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions): 2022 2021 Excess of tax over book depreciation $ 1,312 $ 1,145 Intangibles - net 17 19 Operating lease assets 356 351 Other - net 49 76 Deferred tax liabilities 1,734 1,591 Mileage Plan (436) (416) Inventory obsolescence (21) (17) Employee benefits (145) (127) Net operating losses (28) (25) Operating lease liabilities (392) (374) Leasehold maintenance (67) (40) Other - net (88) (34) Deferred tax assets (1,177) (1,033) Valuation allowance 17 20 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 574 $ 578 At December 31, 2022, the Company has paid taxes of $38 million and does not expect to pay any additional tax for 2022. The Company received $285 million in federal tax refunds as a result of carrying back losses from the 2020 tax year and other various amendments of prior year tax returns. The Company also received $10 million in a refund for an overpayment on their 2021 Federal Form 1120 and an additional $12 million in cash was received for various state amended returns. The Company also has gross state NOLs of approximately $325 million that expire beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2042. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce the related deferred income tax assets to an amount which will, more likely than not, be realized. The Company assesses available positive and negative evidence regarding the ability to realize its deferred tax assets. The Company has determined that, based on evidence, a portion of the state NOL carryforward may not be realized and, therefore, has provided a valuation allowance of $17 million for that portion as of December 31, 2022. The Company has likewise concluded it is more likely than not that all of its federal and the remaining state deferred income tax assets will be realized and thus no additional valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company reassesses the need for a valuation allowance each reporting period. Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Current income tax expense (benefit): Federal $ (11) $ 40 $ (212) State (3) 16 (11) Total current income tax expense (benefit) (14) 56 (223) Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal 32 80 (246) State 3 15 (47) Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 35 95 (293) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516) Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Income tax expense (benefit) reconciles to the amount computed by applying the 2022 U.S. federal rate of 21% to income (loss) before income tax and for deferred taxes as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Income (loss) before income tax $ 79 $ 629 $ (1,840) Expected tax expense (benefit) 17 132 (386) Nondeductible expenses 11 10 9 State income tax expense (benefit) 5 20 (62) Tax law changes — (14) (93) Valuation allowance (4) 1 18 Tax credits (5) (2) — FIN48 reserve change (3) 3 (2) Other - net — 1 — Actual tax expense (benefit) $ 21 $ 151 $ (516) Effective tax rate (a) 26.2 % 24.0 % 28.0 % (a) Figures in the table above are rounded to the nearest million. As a result, a manual recalculation of the effective tax rate for 2022 using these rounded figures will not agree directly to the Company's actual effective tax rate for 2022 of 26.2%. In 2021, the Company recorded a current tax benefit of $14 million as a result of provisions outlined in the CARES Act. In 2020, as a result of tax changes signed into law during 2017, with final regulations issued in 2019, the Company recorded a current tax benefit of $93 million. Uncertain Tax Positions The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Alaska, Oregon and California as “major” tax jurisdictions. A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows: Jurisdiction Period Federal 2007 to 2021 Alaska 2018 to 2021 California 2007 to 2021 Oregon 2015 to 2021 Certain tax years are open to the extent of net operating loss carryforwards. Changes in the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits during 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions): 2022 2021 2020 Balance at January 1 $ 41 $ 35 $ 40 Additions related to prior years — 3 1 Releases related to prior years (1) — (1) Additions related to current year activity 1 3 — Releases due to settlements (20) — (4) Releases due to lapse of statute of limitations — — (1) Balance at December 31 $ 21 $ 41 $ 35 As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $21 million of accrued tax contingencies, of which $19 million, if fully recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company has accrued interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit, of $3 million, $8 million, and $6 million. In 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company recognized a benefit of $5 million, expense of $2 million, and benefit of $1 million, for interest and penalties, net of