Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 6,448	$ 4,365
Property and equipment additions:
Flight equipment, including advance payments	(1,583)	(1,179)
Ground property and equipment, including technology	(484)	(410)
Purchase of equity investments	(500)	0
Purchase of short-term investments	(740)	(1,642)
Redemption of short-term investments	510	748
Other, net	21	58
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,776)	(2,425)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(2,151)	(2,485)
Repurchase of common stock	(1,775)	(600)
Cash dividends	(254)	(176)
Fuel card obligation	(343)	1
Proceeds from long-term obligations	1,038	980
Other, net	94	6
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,391)	(2,274)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	281	(334)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,088	2,844
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,369	2,510
Non-Cash Transactions:
Flight equipment acquired under capital leases	$ 104	$ 28