Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q3 Nov 222022 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

COVER

COVER - shares	9 Months Ended
COVER - shares	Sep. 30, 2022	Oct. 31, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
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		126,837,831
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 688	$ 470
Marketable securities	2,462	2,646
Total cash and marketable securities	3,150	3,116
Receivables - net	345	546
Inventories and supplies - net	94	62
Prepaid expenses, assets held-for-sale, and other current assets	221	196
Total Current Assets	3,810	3,920
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,811	8,127
Other property and equipment	1,589	1,489
Deposits for future flight equipment	300	384
Property and Equipment Total	10,700	10,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,046	3,862
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,654	6,138
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,605	1,453
Goodwill	2,040	2,044
Other noncurrent assets	422	396
Other Assets	4,067	3,893
Total Assets	14,531	13,951
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	202	200
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	583	457
Other accrued liabilities	805	625
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	263	268
Current portion of long-term debt	321	366
Total Current Liabilities	4,709	3,991
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,889	2,173
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,482	1,279
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	571	578
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	1,413	1,446
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	296	305
Other liabilities	345	378
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	4,107	3,986
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 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	549	494
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2020 - 9,349,944 shares; 2020 - 9,349,944 shares	(674)	(674)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(328)	(262)
Retained earnings	4,278	4,242
Total Shareholders' Equity	3,826	3,801
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	14,531	13,951
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,068	912
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,068	912
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Current Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	1,467	1,163
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 1,467	$ 1,163

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
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)	136,184,043	135,255,808
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	126,834,099	125,905,864
Treasury Stock, Shares (shares)	9,349,944	9,349,944

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,828	$ 1,953	$ 7,167	$ 4,277
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	686	578	1,931	1,581
Variable incentive pay	48	42	140	109
PSPGrantRecognized	0	0	0	(914)
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	877	376	2,000	853
Aircraft maintenance	92	89	331	272
Aircraft rent	76	64	222	188
Landing fees and other rentals	161	141	435	414
Contracted services	83	62	243	167
Selling expenses	82	49	218	123
Depreciation and amortization	104	99	310	294
Food and beverage service	52	39	143	97
Third-party regional carrier expense	53	39	145	106
Other	207	126	536	348
Special items - Impairment charges and other	155	(9)	376	5
Special items - labor ratification bonus	90	0	90	0
Restructuring Charges	0	0	0	(12)
Operating Expenses	2,766	1,695	7,120	3,631
Costs and Expenses, Total	2,766	1,695	7,120	3,631
Operating Income (Loss)	62	258	47	646
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17	6	35	19
Interest expense	(31)	(30)	(84)	(101)
Interest capitalized	3	3	8	9
Other—net	14	8	38	27
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	3	(13)	(3)	(46)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	65	245	44	600
Income tax (benefit) expense	25	51	8	140
Net Income (Loss)	$ 40	$ 194	$ 36	$ 460
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 0.32	$ 1.55	$ 0.28	$ 3.69
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 0.31	$ 1.53	$ 0.28	$ 3.64
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	126,783,000	125,250,000	126,440,000	124,846,000
Diluted shares (shares)	128,370,000	127,188,000	128,087,000	126,325,000
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,615	$ 1,774	$ 6,544	$ 3,785
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	67	59	190	160
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Passenger Revenue [Member] \| Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	382	310	1,104	760
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] \| Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	67	59	190	160
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] \| Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 67	$ 59	$ 190	$ 160

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 40	$ 194	$ 36	$ 460
Related to marketable securities:
Total	(26)	(3)	(86)	(16)
Related to employee benefit plans:
Total	1	6	2	19
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Total	5	2	18	9
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	20	199	(30)	472
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (20)	$ 5	$ (66)	$ 12

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 [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		124.217
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 2,988	$ 1	$ 391	$ (674)	$ (494)	$ 3,764
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	(131)					(131)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	0				0
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, 2021	2,875	$ 1	409	(674)	(494)	3,633
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	8		8
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.225
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2020	2,988	$ 1	391	(674)	(494)	3,764
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	460
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	12
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2021	3,531	$ 1	462	(674)	(482)	4,224
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		124.442
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2021	2,875	$ 1	409	(674)	(494)	3,633
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	397					397
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7				7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		0.009
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	13		13
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.716
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	23		23
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	1		1
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2021	3,324	$ 1	454	(674)	(487)	4,030
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	8		8
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.062
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		125.229
Net Income (Loss)	194					194
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	5				5
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	10		10
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(2)		(2)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2021	$ 3,531	$ 1	462	(674)	(482)	4,224
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.076
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		125.305
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	125,905,864	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)
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
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)	36
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(66)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2022	3,826	$ 1	549	(674)	(328)	4,278
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		126.088
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2022	3,637	$ 1	503	(674)	(292)	4,099
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income (Loss)	139					139
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(16)				(16)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		0.017
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	9		9
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.643
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	30		30
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0		0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2022	3,799	$ 1	542	(674)	(308)	4,238
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.012
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		126.760
Net Income (Loss)	40					40
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(20)				(20)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	8		8
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(1)		(1)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2022	$ 3,826	$ 1	$ 549	$ (674)	$ (328)	$ 4,278
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.074
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	126,834,099	126.834

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 40	$ 194	$ 36	$ 460
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	104	99	310	294
Stock-based compensation and other			33	35
Special items - Impairment charges and other	155	(9)	376	5
Restructuring Charges	0	0	0	(12)
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision			0	(95)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable			(59)	(56)
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability			304	152
Increase in deferred revenue			123	73
Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			0	(100)
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds			260	0
Other - net			26	(45)
Net cash provided by operating activities			1,409	901
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits			(688)	(52)
Other flight equipment			(156)	(78)
Other property and equipment			(103)	(60)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest			(947)	(190)
Purchases of marketable securities			(1,670)	(3,413)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities			1,731	2,669
Other investing activities			(2)	(9)
Net cash used in investing activities			(888)	(943)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt			0	363
Long-term debt payments			(333)	(1,222)
Other financing activities			37	34
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(296)	(825)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			225	(867)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year			494	1,386
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	719	519	719	519
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)			72	100
Income taxes				0
Non-cash transactions:
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating leases			419	126
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	688	495	688	495
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses, assets held-for-sale and other current assets	31	24	31	24
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 719	$ 519	$ 719	$ 519

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFIC

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Sep. 30, 2022
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. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2022 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions require more judgment than they would otherwise given the uncertainty of the future demand for air travel, among other considerations. Further, due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

FLEET TRANSITION

FLEET TRANSITION	9 Months Ended
FLEET TRANSITION	Sep. 30, 2022
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. Under these plans, Alaska is accelerating the retirement of its Airbus A320 aircraft, with all expected to exit the fleet by January 2023. Alaska also operates Airbus A321neo aircraft, and plans to remove them from its fleet by the end of 2023, subject to agreement with counterparties. The Company operated 23 A320 and ten A321neo aircraft as of September 30, 2022. Horizon plans to retire its Q400 fleet, which includes 19 owned and three leased aircraft in operation as of September 30, 2022, in January 2023. Valuation of long-lived assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $70 million related to the Q400 fleet, reflecting the amount by which carrying value exceeded fair value of the owned Q400 aircraft as of March 31, 2022. This amount was recorded within the "Special items - fleet transition" line in the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2022 for additional details. In the second quarter, the Company adjusted useful lives and depreciation schedules for Airbus and Q400 capitalized leasehold improvements, spare engines, inventory, and other fixed assets, as well as the amortization schedules for the right of use assets and aircraft rent expenses. These accelerated schedules are based on the dates the aircraft are expected to be removed from operating service. Incremental costs associated with the accelerated schedules are recognized within the "Special items - fleet transition" line item. The Company has estimated future lease return costs for the leased Airbus aircraft. Costs of returning leased aircraft begin accruing when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable, and are recognized over the remaining operating life of the aircraft. These estimates are based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage, and lease terms. These estimates may change as actual amounts due to any lessor upon return may not be known with certainty until lease termination. In the third quarter, all lease return costs were recorded within the "Special items - fleet transition" line in the consolidated statement of operations. A summary of special charges for fleet transition activities is included below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. The impairment charges are one-time in nature, while the other special charges continue to be recorded consistent with the schedules described above. The majority of remaining charges will be recorded in 2022 with additional charges associated with the Airbus A321neo aircraft to be recorded in 2023. The Company will continue to evaluate the need for further impairment or adjustments for owned and leased long-lived assets as fleet decisions evolve. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in millions) Airbus Q400 Total Airbus Q400 Total Lease return costs and other expenses $ 75 $ — $ 75 $ 183 $ — $ 183 Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses 62 18 80 102 21 123 Impairment of long-lived assets — — — — 70 70 Total special items - fleet transition $ 137 $ 18 $ 155 $ 285 $ 91 $ 376

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	9 Months Ended
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS	Sep. 30, 2022
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. In the first quarter of 2022, the Company amended its Mileage Plan co-branded credit card agreement with Bank of America. The amendment extended the term of the agreement into 2030 and resulted in modifications to the separately identifiable performance obligations. The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 9. 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage, net of taxes and fees $ 2,252 $ 1,483 $ 5,536 $ 3,122 Passenger ancillary revenue 127 101 337 235 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 236 190 671 428 Total Passenger revenue $ 2,615 $ 1,774 $ 6,544 $ 3,785 Mileage Plan Loyalty Program Mileage Plan revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Passenger revenue $ 236 $ 190 $ 671 $ 428 Mileage Plan other revenue 146 120 433 332 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 382 $ 310 $ 1,104 $ 760 Cargo and Other Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cargo revenue $ 37 $ 34 $ 102 $ 95 Other revenue 30 25 88 65 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 67 $ 59 $ 190 $ 160 Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $65 million and $101 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and $587 million and $276 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. 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 $80 million of such receivables as of September 30, 2022 and $64 million as of December 31, 2021. The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 Total Deferred revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,358 $ 2,277 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (632) (428) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (45) (30) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 800 531 Total Deferred revenue balance at September 30 $ 2,481 $ 2,350

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
LONG-TERM DEBT	Sep. 30, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 117 $ 163 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 947 1,058 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 562 738 Less debt issuance costs (16) (20) Total debt 2,210 2,539 Less current portion 321 366 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,889 $ 2,173 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 4.2 % 1.3 % Approximately $353 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at September 30, 2022, resulting in an effective weighted-average interest rate for the full debt portfolio of 3.5%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company made scheduled debt payments of $316 million and prepayments of $17 million for loans related to Q400 aircraft. Debt Maturity At September 30, 2022, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2022 $ 52 2023 309 2024 238 2025 273 2026 176 Thereafter 1,178 Total $ 2,226 Bank Lines of Credit Alaska has three credit facilities totaling $486 million as of September 30, 2022. One of the credit facilities for $150 million expires in March 2025 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. A second credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2024 and is secured by aircraft. Both facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. A third credit facility for $86 million expires in June 2023 and is secured by aircraft. Alaska has secured letters of credit against the third facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the other two facilities. All credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. Alaska was in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2022.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	Sep. 30, 2022
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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Service cost $ 12 $ 13 $ 34 $ 39 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 12 13 34 39 Interest cost 17 14 49 42 Expected return on assets (32) (30) (96) (91) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) (1) (1) (1) Recognized actuarial loss 2 9 6 27 Pension expense included in Non-operating Income (Expense) $ (14) $ (8) $ (42) $ (23)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	Sep. 30, 2022
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 7.6 million shares for $544 million under this program. In March 2020, subject to restrictions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, the Company suspended the share repurchase program indefinitely. These restrictions ended on October 1, 2022. 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. 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. Total warrants outstanding are as follows as of September 30, 2022: Number of warrants outstanding Strike Price PSP 1 928,126 31.61 CARES Act loan warrants 427,080 31.61 PSP 2 305,499 52.25 PSP 3 221,812 66.39 Outstanding September 30, 2022 1,882,517 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at June 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $98 $ (64) $ (251) $ 7 $ (308) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax impact of $0 2 1 — 3 Change in value, net of tax impact of $6 (28) — 5 (23) Balance at September 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $104 $ (90) $ (250) $ 12 $ (328) Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax impact of $1 6 2 — 8 Change in value, net of tax impact of $20 (92) — 18 (74) Balance at September 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $104 $ (90) $ (250) $ 12 $ (328) Earnings Per Share (EPS) Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options, restricted stock units, and warrants, using the treasury-stock method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	Sep. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION Alaska Air Group has two operating airlines – Alaska and Horizon. Each is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska has CPAs for regional capacity with Horizon and SkyWest, under which Alaska receives all passenger 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 September 30, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenues Passenger revenues $ 2,217 $ 398 $ — $ — $ 2,615 $ — $ 2,615 CPA revenues — — 93 (93) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 133 13 — — 146 — 146 Cargo and other 65 — — 2 67 — 67 Total Operating Revenues 2,415 411 93 (91) 2,828 — 2,828 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,352 292 94 (94) 1,644 245 1,889 Fuel expense 625 121 — — 746 131 877 Total Operating Expenses 1,977 413 94 (94) 2,390 376 2,766 Non-operating Income (Expense) 8 — (5) — 3 — 3 Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 446 $ (2) $ (6) $ 3 $ 441 $ (376) $ 65 Pretax Margin 15.6 % 2.3 % Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenues Passenger revenues $ 1,425 $ 349 $ — $ — $ 1,774 $ — $ 1,774 CPA revenues — — 107 (107) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 105 15 — — 120 — 120 Cargo and other 58 — — 1 59 — 59 Total Operating Revenues 1,588 364 107 (106) 1,953 — 1,953 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,060 288 93 (113) 1,328 (9) 1,319 Fuel expense 299 77 — — 376 — 376 Total Operating Expenses 1,359 365 93 (113) 1,704 (9) 1,695 Non-operating Income (Expense) (8) — (6) 1 (13) — (13) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 221 $ (1) $ 8 $ 8 $ 236 $ 9 $ 245 Pretax Margin 12.1 % 12.5 %

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIF_2

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022
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. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2022 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses, including impairment charges. Due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Company's business, these estimates and assumptions require more judgment than they would otherwise given the uncertainty of the future demand for air travel, among other considerations. Further, due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_2

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage, net of taxes and fees $ 2,252 $ 1,483 $ 5,536 $ 3,122 Passenger ancillary revenue 127 101 337 235 Mileage Plan passenger revenue 236 190 671 428 Total Passenger revenue $ 2,615 $ 1,774 $ 6,544 $ 3,785 Mileage Plan revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Passenger revenue $ 236 $ 190 $ 671 $ 428 Mileage Plan other revenue 146 120 433 332 Total Mileage Plan revenue $ 382 $ 310 $ 1,104 $ 760 Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cargo revenue $ 37 $ 34 $ 102 $ 95 Other revenue 30 25 88 65 Total Cargo and other revenue $ 67 $ 59 $ 190 $ 160
Contract with Customer Liabilities	The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 Total Deferred revenue balance at January 1 $ 2,358 $ 2,277 Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue (632) (428) Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue (45) (30) Increase in liability for mileage credits issued 800 531 Total Deferred revenue balance at September 30 $ 2,481 $ 2,350

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): September 30, 2022 Cost Basis Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 738 $ 729 Due after one year through five years 1,811 1,704 Due after five years 26 24 Total $ 2,575 $ 2,457 As of September 30, 2022, $5 million of total marketable securities do not have a maturity date and are therefore excluded from the total fair value of maturities for marketable securities above.
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Fair values of financial instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Assets Marketable securities U.S. government and agency securities $ 532 $ — $ 532 $ 331 $ — $ 331 Equity mutual funds 5 — 5 6 — 6 Foreign government bonds — 25 25 — 38 38 Asset-backed securities — 260 260 — 311 311 Mortgage-backed securities — 208 208 — 232 232 Corporate notes and bonds — 1,384 1,384 — 1,663 1,663 Municipal securities — 48 48 — 65 65 Total Marketable securities 537 1,925 2,462 337 2,309 2,646 Derivative instruments Fuel hedge - call options — 51 51 — 81 81 Interest rate swap agreements — 15 15 — — — Total Assets $ 537 $ 1,991 $ 2,528 $ 337 $ 2,390 $ 2,727 Liabilities Derivative instruments Interest rate swap agreements — — — — (9) (9) Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (9) $ (9) Fixed-rate debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions): September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Total fixed-rate debt $ 1,664 $ 1,821 Estimated fair value $ 1,610 $ 1,919

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 117 $ 163 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 947 1,058 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 562 738 Less debt issuance costs (16) (20) Total debt 2,210 2,539 Less current portion 321 366 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,889 $ 2,173 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 4.2 % 1.3 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At September 30, 2022, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2022 $ 52 2023 309 2024 238 2025 273 2026 176 Thereafter 1,178 Total $ 2,226

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Service cost $ 12 $ 13 $ 34 $ 39 Pension expense included in Wages and benefits 12 13 34 39 Interest cost 17 14 49 42 Expected return on assets (32) (30) (96) (91) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (1) (1) (1) (1) Recognized actuarial loss 2 9 6 27 Pension expense included in Non-operating Income (Expense) $ (14) $ (8) $ (42) $ (23)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)

COMMITMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
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 September 30, 2022 (in millions): Aircraft Commitments (a) Capacity Purchase Agreements (b) Remainder of 2022 $ 529 $ 41 2023 2,124 172 2024 512 178 2025 254 186 2026 249 186 Thereafter 738 763 Total $ 4,406 $ 1,526 (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 Total Aircraft Type 2022-2026 2024-2026 2022-2026 Boeing 737-8 10 — 10 Boeing 737-9 40 11 51 Boeing 737-10 6 41 47 Embraer E175 20 13 33 Total 76 65 141

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2022: Marketable Securities Employee Benefit Plan Interest Rate Derivatives Total Balance at June 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $98 $ (64) $ (251) $ 7 $ (308) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax impact of $0 2 1 — 3 Change in value, net of tax impact of $6 (28) — 5 (23) Balance at September 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $104 $ (90) $ (250) $ 12 $ (328) Balance at December 31, 2021, net of tax effect of $83 $ (4) $ (252) $ (6) $ (262) Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax impact of $1 6 2 — 8 Change in value, net of tax impact of $20 (92) — 18 (74) Balance at September 30, 2022, net of tax effect of $104 $ (90) $ (250) $ 12 $ (328)
Related to marketable securities	$ (328)	$ (328)	$ (308)	$ (262)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	3	8
OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax	(23)	$ (74)
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights		Total warrants outstanding are as follows as of September 30, 2022: Number of warrants outstanding Strike Price PSP 1 928,126 31.61 CARES Act loan warrants 427,080 31.61 PSP 2 305,499 52.25 PSP 3 221,812 66.39 Outstanding September 30, 2022 1,882,517
Related to marketable securities	$ (328)	$ (328)	$ (308)	$ (262)

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment			Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenues Passenger revenues $ 2,217 $ 398 $ — $ — $ 2,615 $ — $ 2,615 CPA revenues — — 93 (93) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 133 13 — — 146 — 146 Cargo and other 65 — — 2 67 — 67 Total Operating Revenues 2,415 411 93 (91) 2,828 — 2,828 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,352 292 94 (94) 1,644 245 1,889 Fuel expense 625 121 — — 746 131 877 Total Operating Expenses 1,977 413 94 (94) 2,390 376 2,766 Non-operating Income (Expense) 8 — (5) — 3 — 3 Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 446 $ (2) $ (6) $ 3 $ 441 $ (376) $ 65 Pretax Margin 15.6 % 2.3 % Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Mainline Regional Horizon Consolidating & Other (a) Air Group Adjusted (b) Special Items (c) Consolidated Operating Revenues Passenger revenues $ 1,425 $ 349 $ — $ — $ 1,774 $ — $ 1,774 CPA revenues — — 107 (107) — — — Mileage Plan other revenue 105 15 — — 120 — 120 Cargo and other 58 — — 1 59 — 59 Total Operating Revenues 1,588 364 107 (106) 1,953 — 1,953 Operating Expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,060 288 93 (113) 1,328 (9) 1,319 Fuel expense 299 77 — — 376 — 376 Total Operating Expenses 1,359 365 93 (113) 1,704 (9) 1,695 Non-operating Income (Expense) (8) — (6) 1 (13) — (13) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ 221 $ (1) $ 8 $ 8 $ 236 $ 9 $ 245 Pretax Margin 12.1 % 12.5 %
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ 3	$ (13)	$ (3)	$ (46)
Interest income	17	6	35	19
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,889	1,319	5,120	2,778
Economic fuel	877	376	2,000	853
Operating Expenses	2,766	1,695	7,120	3,631
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	$ 65	$ 245	$ 44	$ 600
Pretax Margin, GAAP	2.30%	12.50%	0.60%	14%
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	15.60%	12.10%	8%	(9.10%)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details)

FLEET TRANSITION (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
FLEET TRANSITION (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 155,000,000		$ 376,000,000
Impairment Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	0		70,000,000
Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	80,000,000		123,000,000
Lease return costs and other expenses
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	75,000,000		183,000,000
Impairment Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 70,000,000
Airbus Aircraft [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	137,000,000		285,000,000
Airbus Aircraft [Member] \| Impairment Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	0		0
Airbus Aircraft [Member] \| Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	62,000,000		102,000,000
Airbus Aircraft [Member] \| Lease return costs and other expenses
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	75,000,000		183,000,000
Q400 Aircraft
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	18,000,000		91,000,000
Q400 Aircraft \| Impairment Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	0		70,000,000
Q400 Aircraft \| Accelerated aircraft ownership expenses [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	18,000,000		21,000,000
Q400 Aircraft \| Lease return costs and other expenses
Impaired Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0		$ 0

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_3

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,828	$ 1,953	$ 7,167	$ 4,277
Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
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	2,252	1,483	5,536	3,122
Passenger Revenue [Member] \| Passenger ancillary revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	127	101	337	235
Passenger Revenue [Member] \| Mileage Plan passenger revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	236	190	671	428
Passenger Revenue [Member] \| Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	382	310	1,104	760
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	236	190	671	428
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] \| Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	67	59	190	160
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] \| Cargo revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	37	34	102	95
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] \| Other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 30	$ 25	$ 88	$ 65

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_4

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	$ 345		$ 345		$ 546
Costs and Expenses	2,766	$ 1,695	7,120	$ 3,631
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized			800	531
Receivable	80		80		$ 64
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] \| Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized			(45)	(30)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	$ 65	$ 101	$ 587	$ 276

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH C_5

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$ 2,358	$ 2,277
Revenue recognized	800	531
Total Deferred Revenue balance at Sept 30	2,481	2,350
Passenger revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	(632)	(428)
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized	$ (45)	$ (30)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost	$ 2,600
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	2,500
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,528	$ 2,727
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	9
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	2,462	2,646
Level 1 [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	537	337
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	537	337
Level 2 [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,991	2,390
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	9
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,925	2,309
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	708
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	51	81
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	51	81
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	15	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	9
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
Derivative instruments, liabilities	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	15	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	9
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	532	331
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	532	331
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	5	6
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	5	6
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	38
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	38
Asset-backed securities [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	260	311
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	260	311
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	208	232
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	208	232
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	1,384	1,663
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	1,384	1,663
Municipal securities [Member] \| Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	48	65
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	$ 48	$ 65

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATUR

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATURITIES FOR MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 738
Due after one year through five years	1,811
Due after five years through 10 years	26
Total	2,600
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	729
Due after one year through five years	1,704
Due after five years through 10 years	24
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	2,500
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	5
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Cost Basis	2,575
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, With Maturities - Fair Value	$ 2,457

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 708
Carrying amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,664	$ 1,821
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,610	$ 1,919

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LO

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net				$ (16)		$ (20)
Total				2,210		2,539
Less current portion				321		366
Long-term debt, less current portion				$ 1,889		$ 2,173
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate				3.50%		3.70%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate				4.20%		1.30%
Long-term debt payments				$ (333)	$ (1,222)
Proceeds from issuance of debt				$ 0	$ 363
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		$ 8	$ 8
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate				3.50%
LONG-TERM DEBT				LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheet (in millions): September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029 $ 117 $ 163 Fixed-rate PSP notes payable due through 2031 600 600 Fixed-rate EETC payable due through 2025 & 2027 947 1,058 Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029 562 738 Less debt issuance costs (16) (20) Total debt 2,210 2,539 Less current portion 321 366 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 1,889 $ 2,173 Weighted-average fixed-interest rate 3.5 % 3.7 % Weighted-average variable-interest rate 4.2 % 1.3 % Approximately $353 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at September 30, 2022, resulting in an effective weighted-average interest rate for the full debt portfolio of 3.5%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company made scheduled debt payments of $316 million and prepayments of $17 million for loans related to Q400 aircraft. Debt Maturity At September 30, 2022, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions): Total Remainder of 2022 $ 52 2023 309 2024 238 2025 273 2026 176 Thereafter 1,178 Total $ 2,226 Bank Lines of Credit Alaska has three credit facilities totaling $486 million as of September 30, 2022. One of the credit facilities for $150 million expires in March 2025 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. A second credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2024 and is secured by aircraft. Both facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. A third credit facility for $86 million expires in June 2023 and is secured by aircraft. Alaska has secured letters of credit against the third facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the other two facilities. All credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. Alaska was in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2022.
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 486
Debt Prepayments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payments				(17)
Scheduled Debt Payments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt payments				(316)
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total				117		$ 163
Variable rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total				562		738
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				947		1,058
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				353
Derivative, Notional Amount				$ 353

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT -

LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2021	$ 52
2022	309
2023	238
2024	273
2025	176
Thereafter	1,178
Total	$ 2,226

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) airline	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt				$ 0	$ 363
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		$ 8	$ 8
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities \| airline				3
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 12	$ 13	$ 34	$ 39
Interest cost	17	14	49	42
Expected return on assets	32	30	96	91
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(2)	(9)	(6)	(27)
Wages and Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	12	13	34	39
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	$ (14)	$ (8)	$ (42)	$ (23)

COMMITMENTS (Details)

COMMITMENTS (Details)	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS (Details)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($) aircraft
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	141
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 22,000,000
Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	76
Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	65
Maximum
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual	$ 22,000,000
Minimum
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 0
E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	33
E175 [Member] \| Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	20
E175 [Member] \| Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	13
E175 [Member] \| New firm aircraft commitment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	8
E175 [Member] \| New aircraft purchase option [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	13
B 737-8
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	10
B 737-8 \| Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	10
B 737-8 \| Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	0
B 737-9
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	51
B 737-9 \| Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	40
B 737-9 \| Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	11
B 737-10
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	47
B 737-10 \| Firm aircraft commitment
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	6
B 737-10 \| Aircraft purchase option
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) \| aircraft	41
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2021	$ 529,000,000
2022	2,124,000,000
2023	512,000,000
2024	254,000,000
2025	249,000,000
Thereafter	738,000,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	4,406,000,000
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Remainder of 2021	41,000,000
2022	172,000,000
2023	178,000,000
2024	186,000,000
2025	186,000,000
Thereafter	763,000,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	1,526,000,000
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

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON ST

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - 2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	67 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Aug. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)	7,600,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 544

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULAT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	$ (328)	$ (328)	$ (308)	$ (262)
Total	(328)	(328)		(262)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax	(23)	(74)
Related to marketable securities	(328)	(328)	(308)	(262)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	3	8
Marketable Securities
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	(90)	(90)	(64)	(4)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax	(28)	(92)
Related to marketable securities	(90)	(90)	(64)	(4)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2	6
AOCI Employee Benefit Plan
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	(250)	(250)	(251)	(252)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax	0	0
Related to marketable securities	(250)	(250)	(251)	(252)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	1	2
AOCI - Interest Rate Derivatives
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	12	12	7	(6)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), before Adjustment, after Tax	5	18
Related to marketable securities	12	12	$ 7	$ (6)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$ 0	$ 0

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY , WARRANT ACTIVITY (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				1,882,517
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued		$ 8	$ 8
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued	$ 30
PSP 1 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				928,126
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 31.61
US Treasury CARES Act Loan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				427,080
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 31.61
PSP 2 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				305,499
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 52.25
PSP 3 Warrants
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				221,812
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights				$ 66.39
CARES Act PSP [Domain]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding				1,455,437

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,828	$ 1,953	$ 7,167	$ 4,277
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,889	1,319	5,120	2,778
Economic fuel	877	376	2,000	853
Total Operating Expenses	2,766	1,695	7,120	3,631
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17	6	35	19
Interest expense	(31)	(30)	(84)	(101)
Interest capitalized	3	3	8	9
Other—net	14	8	38	27
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	3	(13)	(3)	(46)
Costs and Expenses, Total	$ 2,766	$ 1,695	$ 7,120	$ 3,631
Pretax Margin, Adjusted	15.60%	12.10%	8%	(9.10%)
Pretax Margin, GAAP	2.30%	12.50%	0.60%	14%
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 382	$ 310	$ 1,104	$ 760
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,828	1,953	7,167	4,277
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,644	1,328	4,654	3,699
Economic fuel	746	376	1,936	921
Total Operating Expenses	2,390	1,704	6,590	4,620
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	3	(13)	(3)	(46)
Income (loss) before income tax	441	236	574	(389)
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,415	1,588	6,066	3,447
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,352	1,060	3,808	2,937
Economic fuel	625	299	1,623	726
Total Operating Expenses	1,977	1,359	5,431	3,663
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	8	(8)	12	(31)
Income (loss) before income tax	446	221	647	(247)
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	411	364	1,097	827
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	292	288	843	839
Economic fuel	121	77	313	195
Total Operating Expenses	413	365	1,156	1,034
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(2)	(1)	(59)	(207)
Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	93	107	288	322
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	94	93	291	272
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	94	93	291	272
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(5)	(6)	(15)	(16)
Income (loss) before income tax	(6)	8	(18)	34
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(91)	(106)	(284)	(319)
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	(94)	(113)	(288)	(349)
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	(94)	(113)	(288)	(349)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	1	0	1
Income (loss) before income tax	3	8	4	31
Special Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	245	(9)	466	(921)
Economic fuel	131	0	64	(68)
Total Operating Expenses	376	(9)	530	(989)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(376)	9	(530)	989
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Passenger [Member] \| Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,615	1,774	6,544	3,785
Passenger [Member] \| Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,217	1,425	5,488	3,003
Passenger [Member] \| Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	398	349	1,056	782
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	93	107	288	322
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] \| Consolidating and Other [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	(93)	(107)	(288)	(322)
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	146	120	433	332
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] \| Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] \| Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	146	120	433	332
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] \| Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	133	105	392	287
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] \| Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	13	15	41	45
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	67	59	190	160
Cargo and Freight [Member] \| Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	67	59	190	160
Cargo and Freight [Member] \| Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	65	58	186	157
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	2	1	4	3
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	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Total assets	$ 14,531	$ 13,951
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	20,065	19,258
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	1,115	1,212
Consolidating and Other [Member]
Total assets	$ (6,649)	$ (6,519)