Revenue - Air Traffic Liability Breakout (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
ATL - PAX Revenue and Ancillary PAX Services	$ 2,843	$ 2,059
ATL - Loyalty Program	3,171	3,011
Air Traffic Liability Total	$ 6,014	$ 5,070	$ 5,430	$ 4,565

Air Traffic Liability Passenger Revenue and Ancillary Passenger Services

No definition available.

Name:	luv_AirTrafficLiabilityPassengerRevenueandAncillaryPassengerServices
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant