Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 465	$ 224	$ 617	$ 283
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	228	213	449	422
Unrealized gains on fuel derivative instruments	(7)	55	(67)	33
Deferred income taxes	(11)	21	81	23
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables	10	(51)	(61)	(147)
Other assets	(21)	6	(14)	(19)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	424	162	448	282
Air traffic liability	153	199	914	907
Cash collateral paid to derivative counterparties	95	(53)	106	(25)
Other, net	2	2	(15)	1
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,338	778	2,458	1,760
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	500	193	907	727
Purchases of short-term investments	(1,159)	(900)	(1,929)	(1,624)
Proceeds from sales of short-term and other investments	803	793	1,622	1,580
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	(1)	0	(1)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(857)	(300)	(1,215)	(771)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Employee stock plans	25	13	73	19
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(73)	(52)	(119)	(216)
Payments of cash dividends	(42)	(28)	(97)	(43)
Repayment of construction obligation	(2)	0	(5)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(240)	(251)	(555)	(351)
Other, net	(8)	(9)	(13)	(22)
Net cash used in financing activities	(340)	(327)	(716)	(613)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	141	151	527	376
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,741	1,338	1,355	1,113
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	1,882	1,489	1,882	1,489
CASH PAYMENTS FOR:
Interest, net of amount capitalized	33	26	67	67
Income taxes	12	21	12	23
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
Assets constructed for others	$ 19	$ 47	$ 31	$ 75