Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger	$ 17,658	$ 16,721	$ 16,093
Freight	175	164	160
Other	772	814	835
Total operating revenues	18,605	17,699	17,088
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits	5,434	5,035	4,749
Fuel and oil	5,293	5,763	6,120
Maintenance materials and repairs	978	1,080	1,132
Aircraft rentals	295	361	355
Landing fees and other rentals	1,111	1,103	1,043
Depreciation and amortization	938	867	844
Acquisition and integration	126	86	183
Other operating expenses	2,205	2,126	2,039
Total operating expenses	16,380	16,421	16,465
OPERATING INCOME	2,225	1,278	623
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
Interest expense	130	131	147
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment	(23)	(24)	(21)
Interest income	(7)	(6)	(7)
Other (gains) losses, net	309	(32)	(181)
Total other expenses (income)	409	69	(62)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	1,816	1,209	685
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	680	455	264
NET INCOME	$ 1,136	$ 754	$ 421
NET INCOME PER SHARE, BASIC (in dollars per share)	$ 1.65	$ 1.06	$ 0.56
NET INCOME PER SHARE, DILUTED (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 1.05	$ 0.56
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2200	$ 0.1300	$ 0.0345