MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities	$ 735		$ 735		$ 661
Deferred revenue	491		491		431
Other liabilities	355		355		362
Passenger revenues	1,322	$ 1,297	3,718	$ 3,615
Other - net revenues	213	188	607	523
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities	405		405		368
Deferred revenue	489		489		427
Other liabilities	19		19		19
Total	913		913		$ 814
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Passenger revenues	73	66	215	199
Other - net revenues	107	85	318	244
Total Mileage Plan Revenues	$ 180	$ 151	$ 533	$ 443