Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Operating Revenue by Principal Geographic Region

The Company's operating revenue by principal geographic region (as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation) for the years ended December 31 is presented in the table below (in millions):

	2023		2022		2021
Domestic (U.S. and Canada)	$	32,400	$	28,474	$	16,845
Atlantic	10,982		9,072		3,414
Pacific	5,267		2,927		1,507
Latin America	5,068		4,482		2,868
Total	$	53,717	$	44,955	$	24,634

Roll Forward of Frequent Flyer Deferred Revenue

The table below presents a roll forward of Frequent flyer deferred revenue (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2023		2022
Total Frequent flyer deferred revenue - beginning balance	$	6,675	$	6,282
Total miles awarded	3,297		2,558
Travel miles redeemed	(2,723)		(2,079)
Non-travel miles redeemed	(106)		(86)
Total Frequent flyer deferred revenue - ending balance	$	7,143	$	6,675

Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of consolidated cash flows (in millions):

	At December 31,
	2023		2022		2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,058	$	7,166	$	18,283
Restricted cash	31		45		37
Other assets:
Restricted cash	245		210		213
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of consolidated cash flows	$	6,334	$	7,421	$	18,533

Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of consolidated cash flows (in millions):

	At December 31,
	2023		2022		2021
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,058	$	7,166	$	18,283
Restricted cash	31		45		37
Other assets:
Restricted cash	245		210		213
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of consolidated cash flows	$	6,334	$	7,421	$	18,533

Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment

The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:

	Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Aircraft, spare engines and related rotable parts	25 to 30
Aircraft seats	10 to 15
Buildings	25 to 45
Other property and equipment	3 to 15
Computer software	5 to 15
Building improvements	1 to 40

Information about Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents information about the Company's goodwill and other intangible assets at December 31 (in millions):

	2023				2022
	Gross  Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross  Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Goodwill	$	4,527			$	4,527
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
China route authority	$	1,020			$	1,020
Airport slots	574				574
Tradenames and logos	593				593
Alliances	404				404
Total	$	2,591			$	2,591
Finite-lived intangible assets
Frequent flyer database	$	1,177	$	1,068	$	1,177	$	1,040
Hubs	145		131		145		124
Contracts	—		—		7		7
Other	307		296		314		301
Total	$	1,629	$	1,495	$	1,643	$	1,472