Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 152	$ 59
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	221	210
Unrealized gains on fuel derivative instruments	(60)	(21)
Deferred income taxes	92	2
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables	(72)	(97)
Other assets	7	(25)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	24	120
Air traffic liability	761	707
Cash collateral paid to derivative counterparties	11	28
Other, net	(17)	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,119	983
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	407	534
Purchases of short-term investments	(770)	(725)
Proceeds from sales of short-term and other investments	819	787
Net cash used in investing activities	(358)	(472)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Employee stock plans	49	6
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(46)	(164)
Payments of cash dividends	(56)	(15)
Repayment of construction obligation	(3)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(315)	(100)
Other, net	(4)	(13)
Net cash used in financing activities	(375)	(286)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	386	225
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,355	1,113
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	1,741	1,338
CASH PAYMENTS FOR:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	34	41
Income taxes	0	2
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
Assets constructed for others	$ 13	$ 28