Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q 2 Aug 24 2024 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

COVER

COVER - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jul. 31, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2024
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		126,159,173
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,115	$ 281
Marketable securities	1,394	1,510
Total cash and marketable securities	2,509	1,791
Receivables - net	370	383
Inventories and supplies - net	106	116
Prepaid expenses	179	176
Other Assets, Current	212	239
Total Current Assets	3,376	2,705
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	10,734	10,425
Other property and equipment	1,941	1,814
Deposits for future flight equipment	383	491
Property and Equipment Total	13,058	12,730
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,537	4,342
Total Property and Equipment - Net	8,521	8,388
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,142	1,195
Goodwill	2,033	2,033
Other noncurrent assets	270	292
Other Assets	3,445	3,520
Total Assets	15,342	14,613
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	203	207
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	513	584
Other accrued liabilities	852	800
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	153	158
Current portion of long-term debt	359	353
Total Current Liabilities	4,968	4,459
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	2,313	2,182
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,050	1,125
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	746	695
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	1,329	1,382
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	358	362
Other liabilities	352	295
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	3,835	3,859
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	$ 757	$ 695
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	14,094,740	12,870,477
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2020 - 9,349,944 shares	$ (868)	$ (819)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(287)	(299)
Retained earnings	4,623	4,535
Total Shareholders' Equity	4,226	4,113
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	15,342	14,613
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,312	1,221
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,312	1,221
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,576	1,136
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 1,576	$ 1,136

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
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)	140,570,032	138,960,830
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	126,475,292	126,090,353
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	14,094,740	12,870,477

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,897	$ 2,838	$ 5,129	$ 5,034
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	782	754	1,586	1,477
Variable incentive pay	49	57	93	104
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	615	573	1,180	1,238
Aircraft maintenance	129	125	251	249
Aircraft rent	46	54	93	113
Landing fees and other rentals	173	167	338	319
Contracted services	106	95	203	190
Selling expenses	84	81	161	147
Depreciation and amortization	128	113	254	217
Food and beverage service	67	60	125	114
Third-party regional carrier expense	64	54	118	106
Other	186	182	391	359
Special items - operating	146	186	180	250
Costs and Expenses, Total	2,575	2,501	4,973	4,883
Operating Income (Loss)	322	337	156	151
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	24	22	41	39
Interest expense	(36)	(28)	(71)	(56)
Interest capitalized	6	7	12	14
Special items - net non-operating	0	(6)	0	(6)
Other—net	0	(7)	0	(16)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(6)	(12)	(18)	(25)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	316	325	138	126
Income tax (benefit) expense	96	85	50	28
Net Income (Loss)	$ 220	$ 240	$ 88	$ 98
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 1.74	$ 1.88	$ 0.70	$ 0.77
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 1.71	$ 1.86	$ 0.69	$ 0.76
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	126,337,000	127,440,000	126,153,000	127,470,000
Diluted shares (shares)	128,310,000	128,919,000	127,857,000	128,860,000
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,651	$ 2,598	$ 4,655	$ 4,582
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72	70	136	128
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	464	438	876	824
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72	70	136	128
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 72	$ 70	$ 136	$ 128

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 220	$ 240	$ 88	$ 98
Related to marketable securities:
Total	4	(5)	5	16
Related to employee benefit plans:
Total	3	4	6	8
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Total	0	1	1	(1)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	227	240	100	121
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 7	$ 0	$ 12	$ 23

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)		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
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)	98
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	23
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2023	3,951	$ 1	648	(731)	(365)	4,398
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		127.243
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2023	3,689	$ 1	587	(692)	(365)	4,158
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	240					240
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	0				0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		0.017
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		0.872
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(39)			39
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	26		26
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.924
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	34		34
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	1		1
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2023	$ 3,951	$ 1	648	(731)	(365)	4,398
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.036
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		127.348
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	126,090,353	126.090
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 4,113	$ 1	695	(819)	(299)	4,535
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(132)					(132)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	5				5
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		0.561
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(21)			21
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	15		15
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(3)		(3)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2024	3,977	$ 1	707	(840)	(294)	4,403
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.177
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2023	4,113	$ 1	695	(819)	(299)	4,535
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	88
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	12
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2024	4,226	$ 1	757	(868)	(287)	4,623
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		125.706
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2024	3,977	$ 1	707	(840)	(294)	4,403
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	220					220
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7				7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		0.013
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		0.663
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(28)			28
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	13		13
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		1.401
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	37		37
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0		0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2024	$ 4,226	$ 1	$ 757	$ (868)	$ (287)	$ 4,623
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.018
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	126,475,292	126.475

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 88	$ 98
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	254	217
Stock-based compensation and other	37	56
Special items - operating and other noncash	0	238
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	47	(27)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable	(55)	(55)
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability	440	394
Increase in deferred revenue	38	80
Other - net	23	(223)
Net cash provided by operating activities	872	832
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(380)	(414)
Other flight equipment	(63)	(113)
Other property and equipment	(144)	(107)
Supplier Proceeds	162	0
Purchases of marketable securities	(163)	(389)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	288	574
Investing activities - fleet transition	133	(29)
Other investing activities	32	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(135)	(479)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	279	0
Common stock repurchases	(49)	(57)
Long-term debt payments	(149)	(149)
Other financing activities	6	41
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	87	(165)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	824	188
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	308	369
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	1,132	557
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	55	42
Income taxes	0	14
Non-cash transactions:
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating leases	34	120
Operating lease converted to finance lease	0	310
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired	68	134
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	1,115	536
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses, assets held-for-sale and other current assets	17	21
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 1,132	$ 557

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Basis of Presentation The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The unaudited 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 Quarterly Report on 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2024 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain rows, columns, figures, or percentages may not recalculate due to rounding. 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 revenue 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year. Flight 1282 and Boeing 737-9 MAX Grounding As a result of the Flight 1282 accident and the subsequent grounding of Boeing 737-9 MAX (B737-9) aircraft, Air Group's operation and results in the first and second quarters were significantly impacted. The Company received compensation from Boeing to address the financial damages incurred as a result of the grounding. In the first quarter, Boeing paid Air Group $162 million in cash. In the second quarter, Boeing issued Air Group $61 million in supplier credit memos to be applied against future Boeing goods and services purchases. Compensation received under the agreement is accounted for as a reduction in cost basis of certain B737-9 aircraft. The compensation is reflected within Aircraft and other flight equipment and Deposits for future flight equipment in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Business Combinations, Asset Ac

Business Combinations, Asset Acquisitions, and Joint Venture Formation	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure	On December 2, 2023, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (Hawaiian). The Company has agreed to pay Hawaiian's shareholders $18.00 per share, or approximately $1.0 billion, in cash for the outstanding shares of Hawaiian. In addition, the Company expects to assume Hawaiian's debt and lease obligations on the date of acquisition. The acquisition has been approved by Hawaiian's shareholders and is subject to final approval by various regulatory bodies. On February 7, 2024, Air Group and Hawaiian each received a request for additional information and documentary material (the “Second Request”) from the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) in connection with the DOJ’s review of the acquisition. On March 27, 2024, Air Group and Hawaiian entered into a timing agreement with the DOJ pursuant to which they agreed, among other things, not to consummate the acquisition before 90 days following the date on which both parties have certified substantial compliance with the Second Request unless they have received written notice from the DOJ prior to the end of such 90-day period that the DOJ has closed its investigation of the acquisition. On May 7, 2024, Air Group and Hawaiian certified substantial compliance with the Second Request. The certification of substantial compliance triggered the start of the 90-day period described in the prior paragraph, which was previously scheduled to expire on August 5, 2024. On July 29, 2024, Air Group and Hawaiian agreed with the DOJ to extend the Review Period until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 15, 2024. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred integration costs of $30 million and $38 million, respectively, primarily consisting of professional services fees. These costs are included within Special items - operating in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company expects to continue to incur integration costs as activities supporting the proposed acquisition continue.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue 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 level of detail within the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Passenger ticket revenue, net of taxes and fees $ 2,226 $ 2,207 $ 3,874 $ 3,855 Passenger ancillary revenue 135 123 243 227 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 290 268 538 500 Total Passenger revenue $ 2,651 $ 2,598 $ 4,655 $ 4,582 Mileage Plan Loyalty Program Mileage Plan revenue included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Mileage Plan passenger revenue $ 290 $ 268 $ 538 $ 500 Mileage Plan other revenue 174 170 338 324 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 464 $ 438 $ 876 $ 824 Cargo and Other Revenue Cargo and other revenue included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cargo revenue $ 36 $ 39 $ 64 $ 68 Other revenue 36 31 72 60 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 72 $ 70 $ 136 $ 128 Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $150 million and $103 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and $717 million and $588 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. 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 $87 million of such receivables as of June 30, 2024 and $102 million as of December 31, 2023. The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,603 $ 2,497 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (508) (470) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (67) (52) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 613 602 Total Deferred Revenue balance at June 30 $ 2,641 $ 2,577

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 14 $ 14 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 7 7 14 14 Interest cost 27 27 54 54 Expected return on assets (32) (29) (64) (57) Recognized actuarial loss 4 6 9 12 Pension expense (benefit) included in Non-operating Income $ (1) $ 4 $ (1) $ 9

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock Repurchase In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. The Company repurchased 1.2 million shares for $49 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 1.3 million shares for $57 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has repurchased 12.3 million shares for $738 million, with $262 million remaining under this program. CARES Act Warrant Issuances As taxpayer protection required under the Payroll Support Program (PSP) under the CARES Act, the Company granted the U.S. Department of 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 warrants were sold at auction in the second quarter of 2024 to a third party investor. The sale had no impact to the amount held on the Company's balance sheet.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is shown below for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023: (in millions) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2024 $ (45) $ (354) $ 9 $ 96 $ (294) Change in value 6 — — — 6 Reclassifications into earnings — 4 — (3) 1 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Balance at December 31, 2023 $ (46) $ (358) $ 8 $ 97 $ (299) Change in value 7 — 1 — 8 Reclassifications into earnings — 8 — (4) 4 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2023 $ (78) $ (416) $ 12 $ 117 $ (365) Change in value (9) — 2 1 (6) Reclassifications into earnings 3 5 — (2) 6 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2022 (104) (421) 15 122 (388) Change in value 11 — (1) (2) 8 Reclassifications into earnings 9 10 — (4) 15 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
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. Historically, our CODM has reviewed financial performance information for our airline operations and the Horizon CPA as part of three reportable operating segments: • Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas. • Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico 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 CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs. In addition to these reported segments, the Company has a "Consolidating and Other" column which 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. Over time, our Mainline and Regional airline segments have increasingly been managed as a single component that provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo, and includes our loyalty program. Managing this component in an integrated manner enables our team to leverage our comprehensive network, single route scheduling system, and fleet as a single business to deliver optimized consolidated financial results. In 2024, management began evaluating changes to internal reporting that may change the discrete information that is provided to our CODM in the future to better align with the way the business is managed. Such changes may have an impact on the Company’s reportable segments once finalized. The Company will continue to report using the existing segment structure until changes in our internal reporting have been fully implemented, and a segment analysis has been performed to determine if any changes to reportable segments are indicated. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,188 $ 463 $ — $ — $ 2,651 $ — $ 2,651 CPA revenue — — 112 (112) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 160 14 — — 174 — 174 Cargo and other revenue 69 — — 3 72 — 72 Total Operating Revenue 2,417 477 112 (109) 2,897 — 2,897 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,516 322 92 (116) 1,814 146 1,960 Fuel expense 520 100 — — 620 (5) 615 Total Operating Expenses 2,036 422 92 (116) 2,434 141 2,575 Non-operating Income (Expense) 6 — (12) — (6) — (6) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 387 $ 55 $ 8 $ 7 $ 457 $ (141) $ 316 Pretax Margin 15.8 % 10.9 % Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,209 $ 389 $ — $ — $ 2,598 $ — $ 2,598 CPA revenue — — 92 (92) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 158 12 — — 170 — 170 Cargo and other revenue 67 — — 3 70 — 70 Total Operating Revenue 2,434 401 92 (89) 2,838 — 2,838 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,468 279 87 (92) 1,742 186 1,928 Fuel expense 490 81 — 1 572 1 573 Total Operating Expenses 1,958 360 87 (91) 2,314 187 2,501 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3 — (10) 1 (6) (6) (12) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 479 $ 41 $ (5) $ 3 $ 518 $ (193) $ 325 Pretax Margin 18.3 % 11.5 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 3,817 $ 838 $ — $ — $ 4,655 $ — $ 4,655 CPA revenue — — 216 (216) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 309 29 — — 338 — 338 Cargo and other revenue 131 — — 5 136 — 136 Total Operating Revenue 4,257 867 216 (211) 5,129 — 5,129 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,030 621 180 (218) 3,613 180 3,793 Fuel expense 1,005 193 — — 1,198 (18) 1,180 Total Operating Expenses 4,035 814 180 (218) 4,811 162 4,973 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3 — (23) 2 (18) — (18) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 225 $ 53 $ 13 $ 9 $ 300 $ (162) $ 138 Pretax Margin 5.8 % 2.7 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 3,882 $ 700 $ — $ — $ 4,582 $ — $ 4,582 CPA revenue — — 170 (170) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 301 23 — — 324 — 324 Cargo and other revenue 124 — — 4 128 — 128 Total Operating Revenue 4,307 723 170 (166) 5,034 — 5,034 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 2,858 535 171 (169) 3,395 250 3,645 Fuel expense 1,051 166 — — 1,217 21 1,238 Total Operating Expenses 3,909 701 171 (169) 4,612 271 4,883 Non-operating Income (Expense) (3) — (18) 2 (19) (6) (25) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 395 $ 22 $ (19) $ 5 $ 403 $ (277) $ 126 Pretax Margin 8.0 % 2.5 %

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_2

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation		Organization and Basis of Presentation The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska and Horizon. The unaudited 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 Quarterly Report on 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2024 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain rows, columns, figures, or percentages may not recalculate due to rounding. 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 revenue 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 and six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year. Flight 1282 and Boeing 737-9 MAX Grounding As a result of the Flight 1282 accident and the subsequent grounding of Boeing 737-9 MAX (B737-9) aircraft, Air Group's operation and results in the first and second quarters were significantly impacted. The Company received compensation from Boeing to address the financial damages incurred as a result of the grounding. In the first quarter, Boeing paid Air Group $162 million in cash. In the second quarter, Boeing issued Air Group $61 million in supplier credit memos to be applied against future Boeing goods and services purchases. Compensation received under the agreement is accounted for as a reduction in cost basis of certain B737-9 aircraft. The compensation is reflected within Aircraft and other flight equipment and Deposits for future flight equipment in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Supplier compensation [Line Items]
Supplier Proceeds		$ 162	$ 0
Supplier credit memos [Member]
Supplier compensation [Line Items]
Supplier credit memos	$ 61

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Passenger revenue recognized in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Passenger ticket revenue, net of taxes and fees $ 2,226 $ 2,207 $ 3,874 $ 3,855 Passenger ancillary revenue 135 123 243 227 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 290 268 538 500 Total Passenger revenue $ 2,651 $ 2,598 $ 4,655 $ 4,582 Mileage Plan revenue included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Mileage Plan passenger revenue $ 290 $ 268 $ 538 $ 500 Mileage Plan other revenue 174 170 338 324 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 464 $ 438 $ 876 $ 824 Cargo and other revenue included in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cargo revenue $ 36 $ 39 $ 64 $ 68 Other revenue 36 31 72 60 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 72 $ 70 $ 136 $ 128
Contract with Customer Liabilities	The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,603 $ 2,497 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (508) (470) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (67) (52) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 613 602 Total Deferred Revenue balance at June 30 $ 2,641 $ 2,577

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): June 30, 2024 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 600 $ 592 Due after one year through five years 785 758 Due after five years through ten years 29 26 Due after 10 years 13 12 No maturity date 4 6 Total $ 1,431 $ 1,394
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Fair values of financial instruments on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 438 $ — $ 438 $ 387 $ — $ 387 Equity mutual funds 6 — 6 5 — 5 Foreign government bonds — 10 10 — 10 10 Asset-backed securities — 168 168 — 192 192 Mortgage-backed securities — 91 91 — 115 115 Corporate notes and bonds — 638 638 — 763 763 Municipal securities — 43 43 — 38 38 Total Marketable securities 444 950 1,394 392 1,118 1,510 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge contracts - call options — 6 6 — 11 11 Interest rate swap agreements — 9 9 — 8 8 Total Assets $ 444 $ 965 $ 1,409 $ 392 $ 1,137 $ 1,529 Fixed-rate debt on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions): June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Fixed-rate debt $ 1,447 $ 1,515 Estimated fair value $ 1,367 $ 1,382

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt obligations on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions): June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 68 $ 80 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 779 835 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2036 1,239 971 Less debt issuance costs (14) (15) Total debt 2,672 2,471 Less current portion (a) (359) (289) Long-term debt, less current portion $ 2,313 $ 2,182 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.3 % 3.4 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 6.9 % 6.8 % (a) Excludes finance lease liabilities recognized within Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At June 30, 2024, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2024 $ 164 2025 385 2026 342 2027 666 2028 176 Thereafter 953 Total Principal Payments $ 2,686

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
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 June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 14 $ 14 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 7 7 14 14 Interest cost 27 27 54 54 Expected return on assets (32) (29) (64) (57) Recognized actuarial loss 4 6 9 12 Pension expense (benefit) included in Non-operating Income $ (1) $ 4 $ (1) $ 9

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions	Future minimum contractual payments for commitments as of June 30, 2024 (in millions): Aircraft-Related Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements and Other Obligations (b) Remainder of 2024 $ 864 $ 119 2025 1,064 242 2026 1,186 235 2027 1,100 231 2028 151 234 Thereafter 715 658 Total $ 5,080 $ 1,719 (a) Includes contractual commitments for aircraft, engines, and aircraft maintenance. Option deliveries are excluded from minimum commitments until exercise. (b) Excludes lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.
Schedule of Future Aircraft Delivery	Firm Orders Options and Other Rights Total Aircraft Type 2024-2027 2026-2030 2024-2030 B737 72 105 177 E175 6 4 10 Total 78 109 187

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			A roll forward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss is shown below for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023: (in millions) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2024 $ (45) $ (354) $ 9 $ 96 $ (294) Change in value 6 — — — 6 Reclassifications into earnings — 4 — (3) 1 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Balance at December 31, 2023 $ (46) $ (358) $ 8 $ 97 $ (299) Change in value 7 — 1 — 8 Reclassifications into earnings — 8 — (4) 4 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2023 $ (78) $ (416) $ 12 $ 117 $ (365) Change in value (9) — 2 1 (6) Reclassifications into earnings 3 5 — (2) 6 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2022 (104) (421) 15 122 (388) Change in value 11 — (1) (2) 8 Reclassifications into earnings 9 10 — (4) 15 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 1	$ 6	$ 4	$ 15
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024
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 is shown below for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023: (in millions) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2024 $ (45) $ (354) $ 9 $ 96 $ (294) Change in value 6 — — — 6 Reclassifications into earnings — 4 — (3) 1 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Balance at December 31, 2023 $ (46) $ (358) $ 8 $ 97 $ (299) Change in value 7 — 1 — 8 Reclassifications into earnings — 8 — (4) 4 Balance at June 30, 2024 $ (39) $ (350) $ 9 $ 93 $ (287) Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Tax Effect Total Balance at March 31, 2023 $ (78) $ (416) $ 12 $ 117 $ (365) Change in value (9) — 2 1 (6) Reclassifications into earnings 3 5 — (2) 6 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365) Balance at December 31, 2022 (104) (421) 15 122 (388) Change in value 11 — (1) (2) 8 Reclassifications into earnings 9 10 — (4) 15 Balance at June 30, 2023 $ (84) $ (411) $ 14 $ 116 $ (365)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,188 $ 463 $ — $ — $ 2,651 $ — $ 2,651 CPA revenue — — 112 (112) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 160 14 — — 174 — 174 Cargo and other revenue 69 — — 3 72 — 72 Total Operating Revenue 2,417 477 112 (109) 2,897 — 2,897 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,516 322 92 (116) 1,814 146 1,960 Fuel expense 520 100 — — 620 (5) 615 Total Operating Expenses 2,036 422 92 (116) 2,434 141 2,575 Non-operating Income (Expense) 6 — (12) — (6) — (6) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 387 $ 55 $ 8 $ 7 $ 457 $ (141) $ 316 Pretax Margin 15.8 % 10.9 % Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 2,209 $ 389 $ — $ — $ 2,598 $ — $ 2,598 CPA revenue — — 92 (92) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 158 12 — — 170 — 170 Cargo and other revenue 67 — — 3 70 — 70 Total Operating Revenue 2,434 401 92 (89) 2,838 — 2,838 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,468 279 87 (92) 1,742 186 1,928 Fuel expense 490 81 — 1 572 1 573 Total Operating Expenses 1,958 360 87 (91) 2,314 187 2,501 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3 — (10) 1 (6) (6) (12) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 479 $ 41 $ (5) $ 3 $ 518 $ (193) $ 325 Pretax Margin 18.3 % 11.5 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 3,817 $ 838 $ — $ — $ 4,655 $ — $ 4,655 CPA revenue — — 216 (216) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 309 29 — — 338 — 338 Cargo and other revenue 131 — — 5 136 — 136 Total Operating Revenue 4,257 867 216 (211) 5,129 — 5,129 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 3,030 621 180 (218) 3,613 180 3,793 Fuel expense 1,005 193 — — 1,198 (18) 1,180 Total Operating Expenses 4,035 814 180 (218) 4,811 162 4,973 Non-operating Income (Expense) 3 — (23) 2 (18) — (18) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 225 $ 53 $ 13 $ 9 $ 300 $ (162) $ 138 Pretax Margin 5.8 % 2.7 % Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenue Passenger revenue $ 3,882 $ 700 $ — $ — $ 4,582 $ — $ 4,582 CPA revenue — — 170 (170) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 301 23 — — 324 — 324 Cargo and other revenue 124 — — 4 128 — 128 Total Operating Revenue 4,307 723 170 (166) 5,034 — 5,034 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 2,858 535 171 (169) 3,395 250 3,645 Fuel expense 1,051 166 — — 1,217 21 1,238 Total Operating Expenses 3,909 701 171 (169) 4,612 271 4,883 Non-operating Income (Expense) (3) — (18) 2 (19) (6) (25) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 395 $ 22 $ (19) $ 5 $ 403 $ (277) $ 126 Pretax Margin 8.0 % 2.5 %
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ (6)	$ (12)	$ (18)	$ (25)
Interest income	24	22	41	39
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,960	1,928	3,793	3,645
Economic fuel	615	573	1,180	1,238
Operating Expenses	2,575	2,501	4,973	4,883
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	$ 316	$ 325	$ 138	$ 126
Pretax Margin, GAAP	10.90%	11.50%	2.70%	2.50%
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	15.80%	18.30%	5.80%	8%

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_3

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Supplier compensation [Line Items]
Supplier Proceeds		$ 162	$ 0
Supplier credit memos [Member]
Supplier compensation [Line Items]
Supplier credit memos	$ 61

Business Combinations, Asset _2

Business Combinations, Asset Acquisitions, and Joint Venture Formation (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	Dec. 02, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Amount Per Share Paid To Each Holder of Record | $ / shares	$ 18
Business Acquisition , Amount Paid To Each Holder Of Record | $	$ 1

FLEET TRANSITION (Details)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Special items - operating	$ 146	$ 186	$ 180	$ 250

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,897	$ 2,838	$ 5,129	$ 5,034
Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
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	2,226	2,207	3,874	3,855
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ancillary revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	135	123	243	227
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan passenger revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	290	268	538	500
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	464	438	876	824
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	290	268	538	500
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72	70	136	128
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	36	39	64	68
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 36	$ 31	$ 72	$ 60

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	$ 370		$ 370		$ 383
Costs and Expenses	2,575	$ 2,501	4,973	$ 4,883
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized			613	602
Receivable	87		87		$ 102
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized			(67)	(52)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	$ 150	$ 103	$ 717	$ 588

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$ 2,603	$ 2,497
Revenue recognized	613	602
Total Deferred Revenue balance at Sept 30	2,641	2,577
Passenger revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	(508)	(470)
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	$ (67)	$ (52)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	$ 1,400
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,409	$ 1,529
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,394	1,510
Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	444	392
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	444	392
Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	965	1,137
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	950	1,118
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	601
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	6	11
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	6	11
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	9	8
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	9	8
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	438	387
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	438	387
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	10	10
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	10	10
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	168	192
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	168	192
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	91	115
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	91	115
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	638	763
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	638	763
Municipal securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	43	38
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	$ 43	$ 38

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATUR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATURITIES FOR MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($)
Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 600
Due after one year through five years	785
Due after five years through 10 years	29
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Amortized Cost	13
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	4
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Cost Basis	1,431
Total	1,400
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	592
Due after one year through five years	758
Due after five years through 10 years	26
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Fair Value	12
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	6
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Fair Value	$ 1,394

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 601
Carrying amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,447	$ 1,515
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,367	$ 1,382

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2024	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ (14)	$ (14)		$ (15)
Total		2,672	2,672		2,471
Less current portion		(359)	(359)		(289)
Long-term debt, less current portion		$ 2,313	$ 2,313		$ 2,182
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate		3.30%	3.30%		3.40%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate		6.90%	6.90%		6.80%
Long-term debt payments			$ 149	$ 149
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights		$ 39.06	$ 39.06
Proceeds from issuance of debt			$ 279	$ 0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			$ 348
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		4.70%	4.70%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			$ 348
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 626	626
Scheduled Debt Payments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payments			149
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		68	68		$ 80
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		779	779		835
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	150
PSP Notes Payable through 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		600	600		600
Variable rate notes payable due through 2035
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total		1,239	1,239		$ 971
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Cash proceeds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		280
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		280
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Cash proceeds [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 67
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 67
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Noncash proceeds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			68
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			68
Variable Rate debt with interest rate swap [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		223	223
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 223	$ 223

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 164
2022	385
2023	342
2024	666
2025	176
Thereafter	953
Total	$ 2,686

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt	$ 279	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	626
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	400
Credit Facility 3 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	76
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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 7	$ 7	$ 14	$ 14
Interest cost	27	27	54	54
Expected return on assets	32	29	64	57
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(4)	(6)	(9)	(12)
Wages and Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	7	7	14	14
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	$ (1)	$ 4	$ (1)	$ 9

COMMITMENTS (Details)

COMMITMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($) aircraft
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	187
Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	78
Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	109
B737 MAX [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	177
B737 MAX [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	72
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	10
E175 [Member] | Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	6
E175 [Member] | Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	4
Aircraft-related Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2023	$ 864
2024	1,064
2025	1,186
2026	1,100
2027	151
Thereafter	715
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	5,080
CPA and Other [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2023	119
2024	242
2025	235
2026	231
2027	234
Thereafter	658
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	1,719
Virgin Group trademark license agreement [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 8

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON ST

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended		94 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Mar. 31, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Aug. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 28	$ 21	$ 39	$ 18
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount								$ 1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)					1,200,000	1,300,000	12,300,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value					$ 49	$ 57	$ 738
Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount	$ 262				$ 262

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT ACTIVITY (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024 USD ($) $ / shares shares
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 | $ / shares	$ 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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 1	$ 6	$ 4	$ 15
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	6	(6)	8	8
AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent	93	116	93	116	$ 96	$ 97	$ 117	$ 122
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(287)	(365)	(287)	(365)	(294)	(299)	(365)	(388)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	(3)	(2)	(4)	(4)
Income tax effect	0	1	0	(2)
Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent	(39)	(84)	(39)	(84)	(45)	(46)	(78)	(104)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	6	(9)	7	11
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	3	0	9
AOCI Employee Benefit Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent	(350)	(411)	(350)	(411)	(354)	(358)	(416)	(421)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0	0	0
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	4	5	8	10
AOCI - Interest Rate Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent	9	14	9	14	$ 9	$ 8	$ 12	$ 15
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	2	1	(1)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,897	$ 2,838	$ 5,129	$ 5,034
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,960	1,928	3,793	3,645
Economic fuel	615	573	1,180	1,238
Total Operating Expenses	2,575	2,501	4,973	4,883
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	24	22	41	39
Interest expense	(36)	(28)	(71)	(56)
Interest capitalized	6	7	12	14
Other—net	0	(7)	0	(16)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6)	(12)	(18)	(25)
Costs and Expenses, Total	$ 2,575	$ 2,501	$ 4,973	$ 4,883
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	15.80%	18.30%	5.80%	8%
Pretax Margin, GAAP	10.90%	11.50%	2.70%	2.50%
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 464	$ 438	$ 876	$ 824
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,897	2,838	5,129	5,034
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,814	1,742	3,613	3,395
Economic fuel	620	572	1,198	1,217
Total Operating Expenses	2,434	2,314	4,811	4,612
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6)	(6)	(18)	(19)
Income (loss) before income tax	457	518	300	403
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,417	2,434	4,257	4,307
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,516	1,468	3,030	2,858
Economic fuel	520	490	1,005	1,051
Total Operating Expenses	2,036	1,958	4,035	3,909
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	6	3	3	(3)
Income (loss) before income tax	387	479	225	395
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	477	401	867	723
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	322	279	621	535
Economic fuel	100	81	193	166
Total Operating Expenses	422	360	814	701
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	55	41	53	22
Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	112	92	216	170
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	92	87	180	171
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	92	87	180	171
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(12)	(10)	(23)	(18)
Income (loss) before income tax	8	(5)	13	(19)
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(109)	(89)	(211)	(166)
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	(116)	(92)	(218)	(169)
Economic fuel	0	1	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	(116)	(91)	(218)	(169)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	1	2	2
Income (loss) before income tax	7	3	9	5
Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	146	186	180	250
Economic fuel	(5)	1	(18)	21
Total Operating Expenses	141	187	162	271
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	(6)	0	(6)
Income (loss) before income tax	(141)	(193)	(162)	(277)
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Passenger [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,651	2,598	4,655	4,582
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,188	2,209	3,817	3,882
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	463	389	838	700
Passenger [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	112	92	216	170
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(112)	(92)	(216)	(170)
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	174	170	338	324
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	160	158	309	301
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	14	12	29	23
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72	70	136	128
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	72	70	136	128
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	69	67	131	124
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	3	3	5	4
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION,

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Total assets	$ 15,342	$ 14,613
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	20,674	19,937
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	1,383	1,352
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Total assets	$ (6,715)	$ (6,676)

Unusual or Infrequently Occurri

Unusual or Infrequently Occurring Items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Special items - operating	$ 146	$ 186	$ 180	$ 250
Special items - net non-operating	0	(6)	0	(6)
Fleet transition - impairment [Member]
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Special items - operating	41	186	67	199
Labor agreements
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Special items - operating	30	0	30	51
Integration costs
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Special items - operating	30	0	38	0
Litigation
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Special items - operating	$ 45	$ 0	$ 45	$ 0

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements	1,627,000	1,066,000	1,421,000	962,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants	346,000	413,000	283,000	428,000
Stock Compensation Plan Member
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,100,000	1,700,000	1,900,000	2,100,000
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	200,000	100,000	200,000	100,000