Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 4,609	$ 1,318	$ 280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,341	2,107	1,998
Deferred income taxes	980	591	115
(Gain)/loss on fair value investments	(1,283)	874	(38)
Pension, postretirement and postemployment payments greater than expense	(121)	(453)	(2,038)
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(7)	(728)	(981)
Fuel inventory	121	(158)	(318)
Prepaids and other current assets	17	(867)	(58)
Profit sharing	821	455	108
Other payables, deferred revenue and accrued liabilities	(285)	1,226	1,986
Noncurrent liabilities	(18)	(348)	(399)
Other, net	(33)	120	419
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,464	6,363	3,264
Property and equipment additions:
Flight equipment, including advance payments	(3,645)	(4,495)	(1,596)
Ground property and equipment, including technology	(1,678)	(1,871)	(1,651)
Purchase of equity investments	(152)	(870)	0
Purchase of short-term investments	(2,312)	(2,704)	(12,655)
Redemption of short-term investments	4,547	2,804	15,036
Other, net	92	212	(32)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,148)	(6,924)	(898)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term obligations	878	0	1,902
Payments on debt and finance lease obligations	(4,071)	(4,475)	(5,834)
Cash dividends	(128)	0	0
Other, net	(73)	(60)	80
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,394)	(4,535)	(3,852)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(78)	(5,096)	(1,486)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	3,473	8,569	10,055
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	3,395	3,473	8,569
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid for Interest	1,164	1,261	1,524
Non-Cash Transactions:
Right-of-use assets acquired under operating leases	661	531	2,113
Flight and ground equipment acquired under finance leases	31	91	1,049
Operating leases converted to finance leases	84	342	42
Equity investments and other financings	0	330	0
Air traffic
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Liabilities and deferred revenue	(1,216)	1,902	1,814
Loyalty program
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Liabilities and deferred revenue	$ 538	$ 324	$ 376