Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q 4 May 23 2023 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

COVER

COVER - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Apr. 30, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2023
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity File Number	1-8957
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	91-1292054
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Trading Symbol	ALK
Entity Address, Address Line One	19300 International Boulevard,
Entity Address, City or Town	Seattle,
Entity Address, State or Province	WA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	98188
City Area Code	(206)
Local Phone Number	392-5040
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		127,910,957
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 516	$ 338
Marketable securities	1,913	2,079
Total cash and marketable securities	2,429	2,417
Receivables - net	340	296
Inventories and supplies - net	105	104
Prepaid expenses	181	163
Other Assets, Current	60	44
Total Current Assets	3,099	3,040
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	9,189	9,053
Other property and equipment	1,661	1,661
Deposits for future flight equipment	580	670
Property and Equipment Total	11,430	11,384
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,178	4,127
Total Property and Equipment - Net	7,252	7,257
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,534	1,471
Goodwill	2,037	2,038
Other noncurrent assets	374	380
Other Assets	3,945	3,889
Total Assets	14,296	14,186
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	206	221
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	431	619
Other accrued liabilities	908	846
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	213	228
Current portion of long-term debt	268	276
Total Current Liabilities	4,857	4,493
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,795	1,883
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,455	1,393
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	523	574
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	1,325	1,374
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	355	348
Other liabilities	297	305
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	3,955	3,994
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: 2021 - 133,792,045 shares; 2020 - 133,567,534 shares, Outstanding: 2021 - 124,442,101 shares; 2020 - 124,217,590 shares	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	$ 587	$ 577
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	9,763,498	9,349,944
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2020 - 9,349,944 shares	$ (692)	$ (674)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(365)	(388)
Retained earnings	4,158	4,300
Total Shareholders' Equity	3,689	3,816
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	14,296	14,186
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,218	1,123
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,218	1,123
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,613	1,180
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 1,613	$ 1,180

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	137,006,134	136,883,042
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	127,243,454	127,533,916
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	9,763,498	9,349,944

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,196	$ 1,681
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	723	606
Variable incentive pay	47	36
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	665	347
Aircraft maintenance	124	135
Aircraft rent	59	73
Landing fees and other rentals	152	138
Contracted services	95	78
Selling expenses	66	58
Depreciation and amortization	104	102
Food and beverage service	54	41
Third-party regional carrier expense	52	42
Other	177	152
Special items - Impairment charges and other	13	75
Special items - labor and related	51	0
Operating Expenses	2,382	1,883
Costs and Expenses, Total	2,382	1,883
Operating Income (Loss)	(186)	(202)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17	7
Interest expense	(28)	(27)
Interest capitalized	7	2
Other—net	(9)	14
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(13)	(4)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	(199)	(206)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(57)	(63)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (142)	$ (143)
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ (1.11)	$ (1.14)
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ (1.11)	$ (1.14)
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	127,501,000	125,984,000
Diluted shares (shares)	127,501,000	125,984,000
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,984	$ 1,511
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	58	58
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	386	300
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	58	58
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 58	$ 58

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ (142)	$ (143)
Related to marketable securities:
Total	21	(40)
Related to employee benefit plans:
Total	4	1
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Total	(2)	9
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(119)	(173)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 23	$ (30)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Statement - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock, Common [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		125.906
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 3,801	$ 1	$ 494	$ (674)	$ (262)	$ 4,242
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(143)					(143)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(30)				(30)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	13		13
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(4)		(4)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 3,637	$ 1	503	(674)	(292)	4,099
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.182
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		126.088
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	127,533,916	127.534
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 3,816	$ 1	577	(674)	(388)	4,300
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(142)					(142)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	23				23
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		0.414
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(18)			18
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	12		12
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(2)		(2)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2023	$ 3,689	$ 1	$ 587	$ (692)	$ (365)	$ 4,158
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.123
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	127,243,454	127.243

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ (142)	$ (143)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	104	102
Stock-based compensation and other	23	5
Special items - Impairment charges and other	13	75
Special items - labor and related	51	0
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	(56)	58
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable	(44)	(112)
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability	433	480
Increase in deferred revenue	46	74
Other - net	(206)	(136)
Net cash provided by operating activities	222	287
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(50)	(207)
Other flight equipment	(50)	(24)
Other property and equipment	(24)	(57)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(124)	(288)
Purchases of marketable securities	(201)	(552)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	388	880
Other investing activities	(3)	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	60	39
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock repurchases	(18)	0
Long-term debt payments	(96)	(170)
Other financing activities	0	2
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(114)	(168)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	168	158
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	369	494
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	537	652
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	32	35
Non-cash transactions:
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating leases	111	158
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	516	628
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses, assets held-for-sale and other current assets	21	24
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 537	$ 652

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services (McGee), a ground services subsidiary of Alaska, and other immaterial business units. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2023 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, including impairment charges. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

FLEET TRANSITION

FLEET TRANSITION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fleet Transition and Related Activities Disclosure	FLEET TRANSITION In the first quarter of 2022, the Company announced plans to accelerate the transition of its mainline operations to an all-Boeing 737 fleet. It also announced plans to transition its regional operations to an all-Embraer fleet, retiring the Q400 fleet. All remaining A320 and Q400 aircraft were removed from operating service in January 2023. Alaska operates ten A321neo aircraft, and plans to remove them from its operating fleet by the end of the third quarter of 2023. Valuation of long-lived assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. In 2023, charges will continue to be recorded for certain accelerated aircraft ownership expenses related to the A321neo fleet consistent with the time period the aircraft are expected to remain in operation. Charges will also be recorded to reflect adjustments to estimated costs to return the A320 fleet. The Company continues to evaluate options for the A321neo aircraft and will consider the need for further impairment or adjustments for owned and leased long-lived assets whenever indicators of impairment are present. The following table summarizes our special charges for fleet transition costs for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2023 2022 Lease return costs and other expenses $ 7 $ 5 Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses 6 — Impairment of long-lived assets — 70 Special items - fleet transition and other $ 13 $ 75
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent to quarter end, Alaska signed agreements to exit the existing leases for four of the ten leased A321neo aircraft from one lessor, and subsequently purchase the aircraft with intent to resell. The settlement of the leases and purchase of the aircraft are expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023. The transactions will result in cash outflows of approximately $250 million in 2023, of which approximately half will settle the outstanding lease liability, with the remainder representing the purchase price of the aircraft. The agreements were not contractually obligated at March 31, 2023, and are not reflected within the consolidated financial statements or accompanying notes.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	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, and certain revenue from the frequent flyer program. Mileage Plan other revenue includes brand and marketing revenue from the co-branded credit card and other partners, and certain interline frequent flyer revenue, net of commissions. Cargo and other revenue includes freight and mail revenue, and to a lesser extent, other ancillary revenue products such as lounge membership and certain commissions. The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 10. The level of detail within the Company’s condensed 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 Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage, net of taxes and fees $ 1,648 $ 1,232 Passenger ancillary revenue 104 91 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 232 188 Total Passenger revenue $ 1,984 $ 1,511 Mileage Plan Loyalty Program Mileage Plan revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Passenger revenue $ 232 $ 188 Mileage Plan other revenue 154 112 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 386 $ 300 Cargo and Other Revenue Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Cargo revenue $ 29 $ 29 Other revenue 29 29 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 58 $ 58 Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $485 million and $390 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Mileage Plan assets and liabilities 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 $94 million of such receivables as of March 31, 2023 and $83 million as of December 31, 2022. The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,497 $ 2,358 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (218) (176) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (21) (9) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 285 259 Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31 $ 2,543 $ 2,432

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 100 $ 113 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 891 947 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 487 514 Less debt issuance costs (15) (15) Total debt 2,063 2,159 Less current portion 268 276 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,795 $ 1,883 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.5 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 6.1 % 5.8 % Approximately $286 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at March 31, 2023, resulting in an effective weighted-average interest rate for the full debt portfolio of 3.7%. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company made scheduled debt payments of $94 million and prepayments of $2 million. Debt Maturity At March 31, 2023, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2023 $ 185 2024 243 2025 296 2026 176 2027 535 Thereafter 643 Total Principal Payments $ 2,078 Bank Lines of Credit Alaska has three credit facilities totaling $486 million as of March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Service cost $ 7 $ 11 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 7 11 Interest cost 27 16 Expected return on assets (28) (32) Recognized actuarial loss 6 2 Pension expense included in Non-operating Income (Expense) $ 5 $ (14)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock Repurchase In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. In March 2020, subject to restrictions under the CARES Act, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely. These restrictions ended on October 1, 2022. The Company restarted the share repurchase program in February 2023 pursuant to the existing repurchase program. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has repurchased 8 million shares for $562 million under this program. Share purchase activity (in millions, except share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Shares Amount Shares Amount 2015 Repurchase Program—$1 billion 413,554 $ 18 — $ — CARES Act Warrant Issuances As additional taxpayer protection required under the Payroll Support Program (PSP) 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. As of March 31, 2023, there are 1,882,517 total warrants outstanding, with a weighted average strike price of $39.06. The value of the warrants was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The total fair value of all outstanding warrants was $30 million, recorded in stockholders' equity at issuance. Loss Per Share Loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the average number of common shares outstanding. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of loss per share were not material.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions), is shown below for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at December 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $122 $ (80) $ (319) $ 11 $ (388) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($2) 5 4 — 9 Change in value, net of tax effect of ($3) 16 — (2) 14 Balance at March 31, 2023, net of tax effect of $117 $ (59) $ (315) $ 9 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of $0 2 1 — 3 Change in value, net of tax effect of $10 (42) — 9 (33) Balance at March 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $93 $ (44) $ (251) $ 3 $ (292)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
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 revenues. Under U.S. GAAP, operating segments are defined as components of a business for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) in making resource allocation decisions. Financial performance for the operating airlines and CPAs is managed and reviewed by the Company's CODM as part of three reportable operating segments: • Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, 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 revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations. • Horizon - includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs. The CODM makes resource allocation decisions for these reporting segments based on flight profitability data, aircraft type, route economics and other financial information. The "Consolidating and Other" column reflects Air Group parent company activity, McGee Air Services, consolidating entries and other immaterial business units of the company. The “Air Group Adjusted” column represents a non-GAAP measure that is used by the Company's CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 1,690 $ 294 $ — $ — $ 1,984 $ — $ 1,984 CPA revenue — — 78 (78) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 143 11 — — 154 — 154 Cargo and other revenue 57 — — 1 58 — 58 Total Operating Revenue 1,890 305 78 (77) 2,196 — 2,196 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,390 256 84 (77) 1,653 64 1,717 Fuel expense 561 85 — (1) 645 20 665 Total Operating Expenses 1,951 341 84 (78) 2,298 84 2,382 Non-operating Income (Expense) (6) — (8) 1 (13) — (13) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (67) $ (36) $ (14) $ 2 $ (115) $ (84) $ (199) Pretax Margin (5.2) % (9.1) % Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 1,243 $ 268 $ — $ — $ 1,511 $ — $ 1,511 CPA revenue — — 94 (94) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 100 12 — — 112 — 112 Cargo and other revenue 57 — — 1 58 — 58 Total Operating Revenue 1,400 280 94 (93) 1,681 — 1,681 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,194 262 99 (94) 1,461 75 1,536 Fuel expense 381 73 — — 454 (107) 347 Total Operating Expenses 1,575 335 99 (94) 1,915 (32) 1,883 Non-operating Income (Expense) 1 — (5) — (4) — (4) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (174) $ (55) $ (10) $ 1 $ (238) $ 32 $ (206) Pretax Margin (14.2) % (12.3) % (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 allocation and excludes certain charges. (c) Includes special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments. Total assets were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Mainline $ 19,896 $ 19,733 Horizon 1,158 1,157 Consolidating & Other (6,758) (6,704) Consolidated $ 14,296 $ 14,186

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_2

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services (McGee), a ground services subsidiary of Alaska, and other immaterial business units. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2023 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, including impairment charges. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage, net of taxes and fees $ 1,648 $ 1,232 Passenger ancillary revenue 104 91 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 232 188 Total Passenger revenue $ 1,984 $ 1,511 Mileage Plan revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Passenger revenue $ 232 $ 188 Mileage Plan other revenue 154 112 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 386 $ 300 Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Cargo revenue $ 29 $ 29 Other revenue 29 29 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 58 $ 58
Contract with Customer Liabilities	The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,497 $ 2,358 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (218) (176) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (21) (9) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 285 259 Total Deferred Revenue balance at March 31 $ 2,543 $ 2,432

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): March 31, 2023 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 425 $ 415 Due after one year through five years 1,532 1,465 Due after five years 28 27 No maturity date 5 6 Total $ 1,990 $ 1,913
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Fair values of financial instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 520 $ — $ 520 $ 505 $ — $ 505 Equity mutual funds 6 — 6 5 — 5 Foreign government bonds — 25 25 — 25 25 Asset-backed securities — 235 235 — 261 261 Mortgage-backed securities — 160 160 — 196 196 Corporate notes and bonds — 909 909 — 1,025 1,025 Municipal securities — 58 58 — 62 62 Total Marketable securities 526 1,387 1,913 510 1,569 2,079 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge contracts - call options — 21 21 — 44 44 Interest rate swap agreements — 12 12 — 15 15 Total Assets $ 526 $ 1,420 $ 1,946 $ 510 $ 1,628 $ 2,138 Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fixed-rate debt $ 1,591 $ 1,660 Estimated fair value $ 1,435 $ 1,473

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 100 $ 113 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 891 947 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 487 514 Less debt issuance costs (15) (15) Total debt 2,063 2,159 Less current portion 268 276 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,795 $ 1,883 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.5 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 6.1 % 5.8 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At March 31, 2023, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2023 $ 185 2024 243 2025 296 2026 176 2027 535 Thereafter 643 Total Principal Payments $ 2,078

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 2022 Service cost $ 7 $ 11 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 7 11 Interest cost 27 16 Expected return on assets (28) (32) Recognized actuarial loss 6 2 Pension expense included in Non-operating Income (Expense) $ 5 $ (14)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions	Future minimum payments for commitments as of March 31, 2023 (in millions): Aircraft-Related Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements and Other Obligations (b) Remainder of 2023 $ 1,742 $ 154 2024 1,393 224 2025 1,440 227 2026 689 219 2027 335 220 Thereafter 598 739 Total $ 6,197 $ 1,783 (a) Includes contractual commitments for aircraft, engines, and aircraft maintenance. Option deliveries are excluded from minimum commitments until exercise.
Schedule of Future Aircraft Delivery	Firm Orders Options and Other Rights Total Aircraft Type 2023-2027 2025-2030 2023-2030 B737 102 105 207 E175 17 13 30 Total 119 118 237

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions), is shown below for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at December 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $122 $ (80) $ (319) $ 11 $ (388) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($2) 5 4 — 9 Change in value, net of tax effect of ($3) 16 — (2) 14 Balance at March 31, 2023, net of tax effect of $117 $ (59) $ (315) $ 9 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of $0 2 1 — 3 Change in value, net of tax effect of $10 (42) — 9 (33) Balance at March 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $93 $ (44) $ (251) $ 3 $ (292)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 9	$ 3
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights	Loss

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions), is shown below for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at December 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $122 $ (80) $ (319) $ 11 $ (388) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of ($2) 5 4 — 9 Change in value, net of tax effect of ($3) 16 — (2) 14 Balance at March 31, 2023, net of tax effect of $117 $ (59) $ (315) $ 9 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax effect of $0 2 1 — 3 Change in value, net of tax effect of $10 (42) — 9 (33) Balance at March 31, 2022, net of tax effect of $93 $ (44) $ (251) $ 3 $ (292)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 1,690 $ 294 $ — $ — $ 1,984 $ — $ 1,984 CPA revenue — — 78 (78) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 143 11 — — 154 — 154 Cargo and other revenue 57 — — 1 58 — 58 Total Operating Revenue 1,890 305 78 (77) 2,196 — 2,196 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,390 256 84 (77) 1,653 64 1,717 Fuel expense 561 85 — (1) 645 20 665 Total Operating Expenses 1,951 341 84 (78) 2,298 84 2,382 Non-operating Income (Expense) (6) — (8) 1 (13) — (13) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (67) $ (36) $ (14) $ 2 $ (115) $ (84) $ (199) Pretax Margin (5.2) % (9.1) % Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 1,243 $ 268 $ — $ — $ 1,511 $ — $ 1,511 CPA revenue — — 94 (94) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 100 12 — — 112 — 112 Cargo and other revenue 57 — — 1 58 — 58 Total Operating Revenue 1,400 280 94 (93) 1,681 — 1,681 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,194 262 99 (94) 1,461 75 1,536 Fuel expense 381 73 — — 454 (107) 347 Total Operating Expenses 1,575 335 99 (94) 1,915 (32) 1,883 Non-operating Income (Expense) 1 — (5) — (4) — (4) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (174) $ (55) $ (10) $ 1 $ (238) $ 32 $ (206) Pretax Margin (14.2) % (12.3) % (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 allocation and excludes certain charges. (c) Includes special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments. Total assets were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Mainline $ 19,896 $ 19,733 Horizon 1,158 1,157 Consolidating & Other (6,758) (6,704) Consolidated $ 14,296 $ 14,186
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ (13)	$ (4)
Interest income	17	7
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,717	1,536
Economic fuel	665	347
Operating Expenses	2,382	1,883
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	$ (199)	$ (206)
Pretax Margin, GAAP	(9.10%)	(12.30%)
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	(5.20%)	(14.20%)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2023 USD ($) airline	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($) airline	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 13	$ 75
Impairment Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		0	70
Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		6	0
Lease return costs and other expenses
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 7	$ 5
A321neo [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of Aircraft Operated | airline		10
A321neo [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of Aircraft Operated | airline	4
Remainder of 2023	$ 250

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,196	$ 1,681
Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,648	1,232
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ancillary revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	104	91
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan passenger revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	232	188
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	386	300
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	232	188
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	58	58
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	29	29
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 29	$ 29

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	$ 340		$ 296
Costs and Expenses	2,382	$ 1,883
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	285	259
Receivable	94		$ 83
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	(21)	(9)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	$ 485	$ 390

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$ 2,497	$ 2,358
Revenue recognized	285	259
Total Deferred Revenue balance at Sept 30	2,543	2,432
Passenger revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	(218)	(176)
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	$ (21)	$ (9)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	$ 2,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	1,900
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,946	$ 2,138
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,913	2,079
Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	526	510
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	526	510
Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,420	1,628
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,387	1,569
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	564
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	21	44
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	21	44
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	12	15
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	12	15
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	520	505
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	520	505
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	5
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	5
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	25	25
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	25	25
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	235	261
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	235	261
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	160	196
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	160	196
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	909	1,025
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	909	1,025
Municipal securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	58	62
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 58	$ 62

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATUR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATURITIES FOR MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 425
Due after one year through five years	1,532
Due after five years through 10 years	28
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	5
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Cost Basis	1,990
Total	2,000
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	415
Due after one year through five years	1,465
Due after five years through 10 years	27
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	6
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Fair Value	1,913
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	$ 1,900

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 564
Carrying amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,591	$ 1,660
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,435	$ 1,473

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (15)			$ (15)
Total	2,063			2,159
Less current portion	268			276
Long-term debt, less current portion	$ 1,795			$ 1,883
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.50%			3.50%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	6.10%			5.80%
Long-term debt payments	$ 96	$ 170
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights	$ 39.06
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.70%
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 100 $ 113 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 891 947 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 487 514 Less debt issuance costs (15) (15) Total debt 2,063 2,159 Less current portion 268 276 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,795 $ 1,883 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.5 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 6.1 % 5.8 % Approximately $286 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at March 31, 2023, resulting in an effective weighted-average interest rate for the full debt portfolio of 3.7%. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company made scheduled debt payments of $94 million and prepayments of $2 million. Debt Maturity At March 31, 2023, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2023 $ 185 2024 243 2025 296 2026 176 2027 535 Thereafter 643 Total Principal Payments $ 2,078 Bank Lines of Credit Alaska has three credit facilities totaling $486 million as of March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 486
Debt Prepayments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payments	2
Scheduled Debt Payments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payments	94
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	100			$ 113
Variable rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	487			514
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued			$ 30
July 2020 EETC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	891			947
Credit Facility 1 [Member] | Secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	150
PSP Notes Payable through 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	600			$ 600
Variable Rate debt with interest rate swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	286
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 286

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 185
2022	243
2023	296
2024	176
2025	535
Thereafter	643
Total	$ 2,078

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Mar. 31, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 486
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions		500
Credit Facility 1 [Member] | Secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		150
Credit Facility 2 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		250
Credit Facility 3 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 86
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	$ 30

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 7	$ 11
Interest cost	27	16
Expected return on assets	28	32
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(6)	(2)
Wages and Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	7	11
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	$ 5	$ (14)

COMMITMENTS (Details)

COMMITMENTS (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($) aircraft
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	237
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	$ 31,000,000
Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	119
Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	118
Maximum
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 160,000,000
Loss Contingency Accrual	37,000,000
Minimum
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 10,000,000
B737 MAX [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	207
B737 MAX [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	102
B737 MAX [Member] | Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	105
E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	30
E175 [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	17
E175 [Member] | Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	13
Aircraft-related Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2023	$ 1,742,000,000
2024	1,393,000,000
2025	1,440,000,000
2026	689,000,000
2027	335,000,000
Thereafter	598,000,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	6,197,000,000
CPA and Other [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2023	154,000,000
2024	224,000,000
2025	227,000,000
2026	219,000,000
2027	220,000,000
Thereafter	739,000,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	1,783,000,000
Virgin America Flight Attendants [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	78,000,000
VX PAGA Penalty [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	25
Virgin Group trademark license agreement [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 8,000,000

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON ST

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		91 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	413,554	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 18	$ 0
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)			8,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 18		$ 562

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT ACTIVITY (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Mar. 31, 2023
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		1,882,517
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights		$ 39.06
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	$ 30
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		427,080
CARES Act PSP [Domain]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding		1,455,437

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 9	$ 3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	14	(33)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(365)	(292)	$ (388)	$ (262)
Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	5	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	16	(42)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(59)	(44)	(80)	(4)
AOCI Employee Benefit Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	4	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(315)	(251)	(319)	(252)
AOCI - Interest Rate Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(2)	9
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 9	$ 3	$ 11	$ (6)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,196	$ 1,681
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,717	1,536
Economic fuel	665	347
Total Operating Expenses	2,382	1,883
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17	7
Interest expense	(28)	(27)
Interest capitalized	7	2
Other—net	(9)	14
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(13)	(4)
Costs and Expenses, Total	$ 2,382	$ 1,883
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	(5.20%)	(14.20%)
Pretax Margin, GAAP	(9.10%)	(12.30%)
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 386	$ 300
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,196	1,681
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,653	1,461
Economic fuel	645	454
Total Operating Expenses	2,298	1,915
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(13)	(4)
Income (loss) before income tax	(115)	(238)
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,890	1,400
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,390	1,194
Economic fuel	561	381
Total Operating Expenses	1,951	1,575
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6)	1
Income (loss) before income tax	(67)	(174)
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	305	280
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	256	262
Economic fuel	85	73
Total Operating Expenses	341	335
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(36)	(55)
Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	78	94
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	84	99
Economic fuel	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	84	99
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(8)	(5)
Income (loss) before income tax	(14)	(10)
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(77)	(93)
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	(77)	(94)
Economic fuel	(1)	0
Total Operating Expenses	(78)	(94)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	1	0
Income (loss) before income tax	2	1
Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	64	75
Economic fuel	20	(107)
Total Operating Expenses	84	(32)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(84)	32
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Passenger [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,984	1,511
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,690	1,243
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	294	268
Passenger [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	78	94
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(78)	(94)
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	154	112
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	143	100
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	11	12
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	58	58
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	58	58
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	57	57
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1	1
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 0	$ 0

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION,

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Total assets	$ 14,296	$ 14,186
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	19,896	19,733
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	1,158	1,157
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Total assets	$ (6,758)	$ (6,704)