Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation

American Airlines Group Inc. (we, us, our and similar terms, or AAG), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose primary business activity is the operation of a major network air carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo through its mainline operating subsidiary, American Airlines, Inc. (American) and its wholly-owned regional airline subsidiaries, Envoy Aviation Group Inc., PSA Airlines, Inc. and Piedmont Airlines, Inc. that operate under the brand American Eagle. On December 9, 2013, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation (AMR) merged with and into US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group), a Delaware corporation, which survived as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG, and AAG emerged from Chapter 11 (the Merger). Upon closing of the Merger and emergence from Chapter 11, AMR changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant areas of judgment relate to passenger revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, the loyalty program, as well as pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits.

(b) Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions of the world, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. As a result, we have experienced an unprecedented decline in the demand for air travel, which has resulted in a material deterioration in our revenues. While our business performed largely as expected in January and February of 2020, a severe reduction in air travel starting in March 2020 resulted in our total operating revenues decreasing approximately 62% in 2020 as compared to 2019. While the length and severity of the reduction in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, our business, operations and financial condition in 2020 were severely impacted.

We have taken aggressive actions to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business including deep capacity reductions, structural changes to our fleet, cost reductions, and steps to preserve cash and improve our overall liquidity position. We remain extremely focused on taking all self-help measures available to manage our business during this unprecedented time, consistent with the terms of the financial assistance we have received from the U.S. Government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Capacity Reductions

We have significantly reduced our capacity (as measured by available seat miles), with 2020 flying decreasing by 50% year-over-year. Domestic capacity in 2020 was down 41% year-over-year while international capacity was down 68% year-over-year. The demand environment continues to be uncertain as COVID-19 cases have continued to fluctuate in jurisdictions to which we fly and travel restrictions have generally remained in place. Due to this uncertainty, we will continue to adjust our future capacity to match observed booking trends for future travel and make further adjustments to our capacity as needed.

Fleet

To better align our network with lower passenger demand, we accelerated the retirement of Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain regional aircraft, including certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. These retirements remove complexity from our operation and bring forward cost savings and efficiencies associated with operating fewer aircraft types. See Note 1(g) below for further information on the accounting for our fleet retirements. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we will continue to evaluate our current fleet and may decide to permanently retire additional aircraft. In addition, we have placed a number of Boeing 737-800 and certain regional aircraft into temporary storage.

Cost Reductions

We moved quickly to better align our costs with our reduced schedule. In aggregate, we estimate that we reduced our 2020 operating and capital expenditures by more than $17 billion. These savings were achieved primarily through capacity reductions. In addition, we implemented a series of actions, including the accelerated fleet retirements discussed above as well as reductions in maintenance expense and $700 million in non-aircraft capital expenditures through less fleet modification work, the elimination of ground service equipment purchases and pausing non-critical facility investments and information technology projects. We also suspended all non-essential hiring, paused non-contractual pay rate increases, reduced executive and board of director compensation, implemented voluntary leave and early retirement programs and decreased our management and support staff team, including officers, by approximately 30%. In total, more than 20,000 team members have opted for an early retirement or long-term partially paid leave. Additionally, we have made reductions in marketing, contractor, event and training expenses as well as consolidated space at airport facilities.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we involuntarily furloughed certain team members starting October 1, 2020, and subsequently recalled the team members effective December 1, 2020 covered by the financial assistance provided pursuant to the payroll support program (PSP2) established under Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PSP Extension Law) (see Note 18 for further information).

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2020, we had $14.3 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $6.9 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, $7.0 billion in an undrawn term loan facility under the CARES Act and a total of $446 million in undrawn short-term revolving and other facilities.

During 2020, we completed the following financing transactions (see Note 5 for further information):

•refinanced the $1.2 billion 2014 Term Loan Facility at a lower interest rate and extended the maturity from 2021 to 2027;

•issued $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.75% unsecured senior notes due 2025;

•raised $1.0 billion from the senior secured delayed draw term loan credit facility (Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility);

•borrowed $750 million under the 2013 Revolving Facility, $1.6 billion under the 2014 Revolving Facility and $450 million under the April 2016 Revolving Facility;

•issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025;

•issued 85.2 million shares of AAG common stock at a price of $13.50 per share and 44.3 million shares of AAG common stock at a price of $12.975 per share pursuant to two underwritten public offerings of common stock for aggregate net proceeds of $1.7 billion;

•issued $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 11.75% senior secured notes due 2025 and used the proceeds thereof, in part, to repay the $1.0 billion Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility that we borrowed in March 2020;

•issued approximately $360 million in special facility revenue bonds, of which $47 million was used to fund the redemption of certain outstanding bonds;

•entered into a $7.5 billion secured term loan facility with the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury), of which we borrowed $550 million (see below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement);

•issued $1.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of two series of 10.75% senior secured notes due 2026 secured by various collateral;

•issued 68.6 million shares of AAG common stock at an average price of $12.87 per share pursuant to an at-the-market offering for net proceeds of $869 million (see Note 18 for further information);

•raised $665 million principally from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions as well as $351 million from asset sales primarily related to previously parked aircraft; and

•received approximately $600 million of proceeds from enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and other aircraft and flight equipment financings, of which $17 million was used to repay existing indebtedness.

In addition to the foregoing financings, we received an aggregate of $6.0 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP1) established under the CARES Act, all of which was received by the end of September 2020. In connection with our receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP1 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares (the PSP1 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See below for further discussion on PSP1.

In January 2021, we received $1.5 billion (of an expected total of at least $3.0 billion) in financial assistance through PSP2. In connection with our receipt of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP2 Promissory Note) to Treasury for an initial principal sum of approximately $433 million and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 2.8 million shares (the PSP2 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See Note 18 for further discussion on PSP2.

Also, we are permitted to, and have, deferred payment of the employer portion of Social Security taxes through the end of 2020 (with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022). This deferral provided approximately $350 million in additional liquidity during 2020. Additionally, we have suspended our capital return program, including share repurchases and the payment of future dividends for at least the period that the restrictions imposed by the CARES Act and the PSP Extension Law are applicable.

We continue to evaluate future financing opportunities and work with third-party appraisers on valuations of our remaining unencumbered assets.

A significant portion of our debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring us to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and/or contain loan to value, collateral coverage and/or debt service coverage ratio covenants.

Given the above actions and our current assumptions about the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel demand, which could be materially different due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we expect to meet our cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in our existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on our current level of unrestricted cash and short-term investments, our anticipated access to liquidity (including via proceeds from financings and funds from government assistance obtained pursuant to the CARES Act and the PSP Extension Law) and projected cash flows from operations.

PSP1

On April 20, 2020 (the PSP1 Closing Date), American, Envoy Air Inc. (Envoy), Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont) and PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA and together with American, Envoy and Piedmont, the Subsidiaries), entered into a Payroll Support Program Agreement (the PSP1 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP1 provided pursuant to the CARES Act. In connection with our entry into the PSP1 Agreement, on the PSP1 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP1 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP1 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors (the Guarantors).

PSP1 Agreement

In connection with PSP1, we are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the requirement against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2020, the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained and the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock, and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2021, as well as those that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until March 24, 2022. The PSP1 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on us. These provisions were subsequently extended upon our entry into PSP2. See Note 18 for further discussion on PSP2. In addition, we have entered into the Treasury Loan Agreement (as defined below) and, as a result, the stock repurchase, dividend and executive compensation restrictions imposed by the Treasury Loan Agreement will remain in place through the date that is one year after the secured loan provided under the Treasury Loan Agreement is fully repaid. See below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement.

Pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement, Treasury provided us financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $6.0 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP1, AAG issued the PSP1 Promissory Note in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP1 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP1 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million PSP1 Warrant Shares. See Note 5 for further information on the PSP1 Promissory Note and below for more information on the PSP1 Warrant Agreement and the PSP1 Warrants.

For accounting purposes, the $6.0 billion of aggregate financial assistance we received pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement is allocated to the PSP1 Promissory Note, the PSP1 Warrants and other PSP1 financial assistance (the PSP1 Financial Assistance). The aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion of the PSP1 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the total fair value of the PSP1 Warrants of $63 million, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $4.2 billion of PSP1 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the second and third quarters of 2020, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.

PSP1 Warrant Agreement and PSP1 Warrants

As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP1 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG agreed to issue warrants to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million PSP1 Warrant Shares of AAG common stock. The exercise price of the PSP1 Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share (which was the closing price of AAG common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on April 9, 2020) subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP1 Warrants.

Pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, on each of the PSP1 Closing Date, May 29, 2020, June 30, 2020, July 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, AAG issued to Treasury a PSP1 Warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.7 million shares, 2.8 million shares, 2.8 million shares, 1.4 million shares and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of AAG common stock based on the terms described herein.

The PSP1 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP1 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP1 Warrant. The PSP1 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at our option. The PSP1 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP1 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP1 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.

Treasury Loan Agreement

On September 25, 2020 (the Treasury Loan Closing Date), AAG and American entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to borrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, AAG and American entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion. The Treasury Loan Agreement will involve the issuance of additional warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 60.0 million shares of AAG common stock, assuming the Treasury Term Loan Facility is fully drawn. As of December 31, 2020, American had borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility, which is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2025, and issued warrants to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock. See Note 5 for further information on the Treasury Loan Agreement and below for more information on the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement and Treasury Loan Warrants.

Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement and Warrants

In connection with the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement) with Treasury. Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement, AAG agreed to issue warrants (each a Treasury Loan Warrant and, collectively, the Treasury Loan Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 60.0 million shares (the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares) of AAG's common stock based on the $7.5 billion commitment amount under the Treasury Term Loan Facility. The exercise price of the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Term Loan Facility in the consolidated balance sheet.

Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement, on the Treasury Loan Closing Date, AAG issued to Treasury a Treasury Loan Warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million Treasury Loan Warrant Shares based on the terms described herein. On the date of each additional borrowing under the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG will issue to Treasury an additional Treasury Loan Warrant for a number of Treasury Loan Warrant Shares equal to 10% of such borrowing, divided by $12.51, the exercise price of such shares.

The Treasury Loan Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each Treasury Loan Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such Treasury Loan Warrant. The Treasury Loan Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at AAG's option. The Treasury Loan Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the Treasury Loan Agreement. No separate proceeds were received upon issuance of the Treasury Loan Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.

(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2016-13: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

This ASU requires the use of an expected loss model for certain types of financial instruments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to calculate credit loss estimates. For trade receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses is required. For available-for-sale debt securities, an allowance for credit losses will be required rather than a reduction to the carrying value of the asset. We adopted this accounting standard prospectively as of January 1, 2020, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2020-06: Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts In An Entity's Own Equity (the New Convertible Debt Standard)

The New Convertible Debt Standard simplifies the accounting for certain convertible instruments by removing the separation models for convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and for convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature. As a result, more convertible debt instruments will be reported as a single liability instrument with no separate accounting for embedded conversion features. Additionally, the New Convertible Debt Standard amends the diluted earnings per share calculation for convertible instruments by requiring the use of the if-converted method. The treasury stock method is no longer available. Entities may adopt the New Convertible Debt Standard using either a full or modified retrospective approach, and it is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The New Convertible Debt Standard is applicable to our 6.50% convertible senior notes due 2025. We early adopted the New Convertible Debt Standard as of January 1, 2021 using the modified retrospective method to recognize our 6.50% convertible senior notes as a single liability instrument. As of January 1, 2021, we recorded a $415 million ($320 million net of tax) reduction to additional paid-in capital to remove the equity component of the 6.50% convertible senior notes from our balance sheet and a $19 million cumulative effect adjustment credit, net of tax, to retained deficit related to non-cash debt discount amortization recognized in periods prior to adoption resulting in a corresponding reduction of $389 million to the debt discount associated with the 6.50% convertible senior notes. See Note 5(h) for additional information on our 6.50% convertible senior notes.

(d) Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are recorded in nonoperating expense on our consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on our consolidated balance sheets. For investments in an unrealized loss position, we determine whether a credit loss exists by considering information about the collectability of the instrument, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. There have been no credit losses.

(e) Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments

We have restricted cash and short-term investments related primarily to money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of Terminal 8 at JFK and collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations.

(f) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies, Net

Aircraft fuel is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Spare parts and supplies are recorded at average costs less an allowance for obsolescence. These items are expensed when used.

(g) Operating Property and Equipment

Operating property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated or amortized to residual values over the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, whichever is less, using the straight-line method. Residual values for aircraft, engines and related rotable parts are generally 5% to 10% of original cost. Costs of major improvements that enhance the usefulness of the asset are capitalized and depreciated or amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is less. The estimated useful lives for the principal property and equipment classifications are as follows:

Principal Property and Equipment Classification	Estimated Useful Life
Aircraft, engines and related rotable parts	20 – 30 years
Buildings and improvements	5 – 30 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	3 – 10 years
Capitalized software	5 – 10 years

Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.4 billion, $2.6 billion and $2.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

We assess impairment of operating property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An impairment of an asset or group of assets exists only when the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated directly by the assets are less than the carrying value of the assets. We group assets principally by fleet-type when estimating future cash flows, which is generally the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. Estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions, including our current fleet plan. If such assets are impaired, the impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceed their fair value. Fair value reflects management’s best estimate including inputs from published pricing guides and bids from third parties as well as contracted sales agreements when applicable.

In 2020, our operations, liquidity and stock price were significantly impacted by decreased passenger demand and government travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we decided to retire certain mainline aircraft earlier than planned, including Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 aircraft as well as certain regional aircraft, including certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. As a result of these events and circumstances, we performed impairment tests for our long-lived assets in the first three quarters of 2020.

As a result of the impairment tests performed, we determined the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded the carrying value except for the aircraft being retired earlier than planned as discussed above. For those aircraft and certain related spare parts, we recorded $1.5 billion in non-cash special impairment charges reflecting the difference between the carrying values of these assets and their fair values for the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, prepaid expense and other on the consolidated balance sheet included $164 million of these retired aircraft that are expected to be sold in the next year, and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet included $401 million of nonoperating retired aircraft. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we will continue to evaluate our current fleet (including aircraft in temporary storage) and may decide to permanently retire additional aircraft.

(h) Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, current operating lease liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, in our consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.

We use our estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. We give consideration to our recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating our incremental borrowing rates.

Our lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Our lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.

Under certain of our capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, we do not own the underlying aircraft. However, since we control the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories of these aircraft and therefore control the asset, the aircraft is deemed to be leased for accounting purposes. For these capacity purchase agreements, we account for the lease and non-lease components separately. The lease component consists of the aircraft and the non-lease components consist of services, such as the crew and maintenance. We allocate the consideration in the capacity purchase agreements to the lease and non-lease components using their estimated relative standalone prices. See Note 12(b) for additional information on our capacity purchase agreements.

For real estate, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

(i) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes.

We provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of our deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. We consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact our assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond our control, such as the health of the economy, the availability and price volatility of aircraft fuel and travel demand.

(j) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the merger with US Airways Group. We have one reporting unit. We assess goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be lower than the carrying value. Our annual assessment date is October 1.

Goodwill is assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment. If we determine that it is more likely than not that our goodwill may be impaired, we use a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the impairment, if any.

In addition to our annual impairment assessment, we performed interim impairment tests in 2020 on our goodwill as a result of the events and circumstances previously discussed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. We performed a quantitative analysis by using a market approach. Under the market approach, the fair value of the reporting unit was determined based on quoted market prices for equity and the fair value of debt as described in Note 9. The fair value exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit, and our goodwill was not impaired. The carrying value of our goodwill on our consolidated balance sheets was $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As discussed above, due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we will continue to evaluate our goodwill for events and circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit may be lower than the carrying value.

(k) Other Intangibles, Net

Intangible assets consist primarily of certain domestic airport slots and gate leasehold rights, customer relationships, marketing agreements, international slots and route authorities and tradenames.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their acquired fair values, subsequently amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and are assessed for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired.

The following table provides information relating to our amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):

	December 31,
	2020		2019
Domestic airport slots	$	365	$	365
Customer relationships	300		300
Marketing agreements	105		105
Tradenames	35		35
Airport gate leasehold rights	137		137
Accumulated amortization	(745)		(704)
Total	$	197	$	238

Certain domestic airport slots and airport gate leasehold rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. The customer relationships and marketing agreements were identified as intangible assets subject to amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over approximately nine years and 30 years, respectively. Tradenames are fully amortized.

We recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $41 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. We expect to record annual amortization expense for these intangible assets as follows (in millions):

2021	$	41
2022	41
2023	7
2024	7
2025	7
2026 and thereafter	94
Total	$	197

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain domestic airport slots and international slots and route authorities. We assess indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets may be lower than their carrying values. Our annual assessment date is October 1.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment. If we determine that it is more likely than not that our indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired, we use a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the impairment, if any.

In addition to our annual impairment assessment, we performed interim impairment tests in 2020 on our indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the events and circumstances previously discussed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. We performed qualitative impairment tests on our indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined there was no material impairment. We had $1.8 billion of indefinite-lived intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheets at each of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As discussed above, due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, we will continue to evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for events and circumstances that indicate that their fair values may be lower than the carrying values.

(l) Revenue Recognition

Revenue

The following are the significant categories comprising our reported operating revenues (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Passenger revenue:
Passenger travel	$	13,456	$	38,831	$	37,457
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)	1,062		3,179		3,219
Total passenger revenue	14,518		42,010		40,676
Cargo	769		863		1,013
Other:
Loyalty revenue - marketing services	1,825		2,361		2,352
Other revenue	225		534		500
Total other revenue	2,050		2,895		2,852
Total operating revenues	$	17,337	$	45,768	$	44,541

(1)Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions, which were earned from travel or co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.

The following is our total passenger revenue by geographic region (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Domestic	$	11,765	$	30,881	$	29,573
Latin America	1,852		5,047		5,125
Atlantic	654		4,624		4,376
Pacific	247		1,458		1,602
Total passenger revenue	$	14,518	$	42,010	$	40,676

We attribute passenger revenue by geographic region based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment.

Passenger Revenue

We recognize all revenues generated from transportation on American and our regional flights operated under the brand name American Eagle, including associated baggage fees and other inflight services, as passenger revenue when transportation is provided. Ticket and other related sales for transportation that has not yet been provided are initially deferred and recorded as air traffic liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel.

The majority of tickets sold are nonrefundable. A small percentage of tickets, some of which are partially used tickets, expire unused. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized in passenger revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are generally based on the analysis of our historical data. We have consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from unused tickets at the date of travel. Estimated future refunds and exchanges included in the air traffic liability are routinely evaluated based on subsequent activity to validate the accuracy of our estimates. Any adjustments resulting from periodic evaluations of the estimated air traffic liability are included in passenger revenue during the period in which the evaluations are completed.

Various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to end customers are collected by us as an agent and remitted to taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and recorded as a liability until remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. The CARES Act

provided for a temporary tax holiday from collecting and remitting certain government ticket taxes for tickets purchased between March 28, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Loyalty Revenue

We currently operate the loyalty program, AAdvantage. This program awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on American, any oneworld airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of other program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard US co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. Mileage credits can be redeemed for travel on American and other participating partner airlines, as well as other non-air travel awards such as hotels and rental cars. For mileage credits earned by AAdvantage loyalty program members, we apply the deferred revenue method. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through June 30, 2021 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets.

Mileage credits earned through travel

For mileage credits earned through travel, we apply a relative selling price approach whereby the total amount collected from each passenger ticket sale is allocated between the air transportation and the mileage credits earned. The portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided. The estimated selling price of mileage credits is determined using an equivalent ticket value approach, which uses historical data, including award redemption patterns by geographic region and class of service, as well as similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted for an estimate of the miles that will not be redeemed using statistical models based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust our estimates in the future.

Mileage credits sold to co-branded credit cards and other partners

We sell mileage credits to participating airline partners and non-airline business partners, including our co-branded credit card partners, under contracts with terms extending generally for one to seven years. Consideration received from the sale of mileage credits is variable and payment terms typically are within 30 days subsequent to the month of mileage sale. Sales of mileage credits to non-airline business partners are comprised of two components, transportation and marketing. We allocate the consideration received from these sales of mileage credits based on the relative selling price of each product or service delivered.

Our most significant partner agreements are our co-branded credit card agreements with Citi and Barclaycard US. We identified the following revenue elements in these co-branded credit card agreements: the transportation component; and the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the agreements, as well as advertising (collectively, the marketing component). Accordingly, we recognize the marketing component in other revenue in the period of the mileage sale following the sales-based royalty method.

The transportation component represents the estimated selling price of future travel awards and is determined using the same equivalent ticket value approach described above. The portion of each mileage credit sold attributable to transportation is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided.

For the portion of our outstanding mileage credits that we estimate will not be redeemed, we recognize the associated value proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. Our estimates use statistical models based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption.

Cargo Revenue

Cargo revenue is recognized when we provide the transportation.

Other Revenue

Other revenue includes revenue associated with our loyalty program, which is comprised principally of the marketing component of mileage sales to co-branded credit card and other partners and other marketing related payments. Loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $2.4 billion for both 2019 and 2018. The accounting and recognition for the loyalty program marketing services are discussed above in “Loyalty

Revenue.” The remaining amounts included within other revenue relate to airport clubs, advertising and vacation-related services.

Contract Balances

Our significant contract liabilities are comprised of (1) outstanding loyalty program mileage credits that may be redeemed for future travel and other non-air travel awards, reported as loyalty program liability on our consolidated balance sheets and (2) ticket sales for transportation that has not yet been provided, reported as air traffic liability on our consolidated balance sheets.

	December 31,
	2020		2019
	(in millions)
Loyalty program liability	$	9,195	$	8,615
Air traffic liability	4,757		4,808
Total	$	13,952	$	13,423

The balance of the loyalty program liability fluctuates based on seasonal patterns, which impact the volume of mileage credits issued through travel or sold to co-branded credit card and other partners (deferral of revenue) and mileage credits redeemed (recognition of revenue). Changes in loyalty program liability are as follows (in millions):

Balance at December 31, 2019	$	8,615
Deferral of revenue	1,812
Recognition of revenue (1)	(1,232)
Balance at December 31, 2020 (2)	$	9,195

(1)Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.

(2)Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and generally do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. As previously discussed, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended the expiration of mileage credits through June 30, 2021 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets. As of December 31, 2020, our current loyalty program liability was $2.0 billion and represents our current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next 12 months based on historical as well as projected trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust our estimates in the future.

The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel. The balance in our air traffic liability also fluctuates with seasonal travel patterns. The contract duration of passenger tickets is generally one year. Accordingly, any revenue associated with tickets sold for future travel will be recognized within 12 months. For 2020, $2.8 billion of revenue was recognized in passenger revenue that was included in our air traffic liability at December 31, 2019. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended the contract duration for certain tickets to December 31, 2021, principally those with travel scheduled from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Additionally, we have eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets. As of December 31, 2020, the air traffic liability included approximately $2.6 billion of travel credits related to these unused tickets for travel prior to December 31, 2020. Accordingly, any revenue associated with these tickets will be recognized within the next 12 months. Given this change in contract duration and uncertainty surrounding the future demand for air travel, our estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for future flown or unused tickets as well as our estimates of refunds may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience.

Our ticket contract receivables relate to ticket sales to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards and are reflected as accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These receivables are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. All accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for

credit losses, which have been minimal in the past. We consider past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the allowance for credit losses.

(m) Maintenance, Materials and Repairs

Maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased flight equipment are charged to operating expense as incurred, except costs incurred for maintenance and repair under flight hour maintenance contract agreements, which are accrued based on contractual terms when an obligation exists.

(n) Selling Expenses

Selling expenses include credit card fees, commissions, computerized reservations systems fees and advertising. Selling expenses associated with passenger revenue are expensed when the transportation or service is provided. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $50 million, $129 million and $128 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(o) Share-based Compensation

We account for our share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock award at the time of grant, which is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the stock award. The majority of our stock awards are time vested restricted stock units, and the fair value of such awards is based on the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. See Note 15 for further discussion of share-based compensation.

(p) Foreign Currency Gains and Losses

Foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as part of other income, net within total nonoperating expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, foreign currency losses were $24 million, $32 million and $55 million.

(q) Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses includes costs associated with ground and cargo handling, crew travel, aircraft food and catering, aircraft cleaning, passenger accommodation, airport security, international navigation fees and certain general and administrative expenses.

(r) Regional Expenses

Expenses associated with American Eagle operations are classified as regional expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. Regional expenses consist of the following (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	$	821	$	1,869	$	1,843
Salaries, wages and benefits	1,591		1,781		1,591
Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers (1)	1,054		1,398		1,431
Maintenance, materials and repairs	314		403		340
Other rent and landing fees	496		651		610
Aircraft rent	13		29		32
Selling expenses	153		402		369
Depreciation and amortization	325		336		318
Special items, net	(309)		6		6
Other	434		626		593
Total regional expenses	$	4,892	$	7,501	$	7,133

(1)In 2020, 2019, and 2018, we recognized $438 million, $590 million and $565 million, respectively, of expense under our capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Inc. (Republic). We hold a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the parent company of Republic.

American Airlines, Inc.

Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation

American Airlines, Inc. (American) is a Delaware corporation whose primary business activity is the operation of a major network air carrier, providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo. American is the principal wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG), which owns all of American’s outstanding common stock, par value $1.00 per share. On December 9, 2013, a subsidiary of AMR Corporation (AMR) merged with and into US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group), a Delaware corporation, which survived as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAG, and AAG emerged from Chapter 11 (the Merger). Upon closing of the Merger and emergence from Chapter 11, AMR changed its name to American Airlines Group Inc. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant areas of judgment relate to passenger revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived and intangible assets, the loyalty program, as well as pension and retiree medical and other postretirement benefits.

(b) Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 has been declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has surfaced in nearly all regions of the world, which has driven the implementation of significant, government-imposed measures to prevent or reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, testing regimes, closing of borders, “stay at home” orders and business closures. As a result, American has experienced an unprecedented decline in the demand for air travel, which has resulted in a material deterioration in its revenues. While American's business performed largely as expected in January and February of 2020, a severe reduction in air travel starting in March 2020 resulted in its total operating revenues decreasing approximately 62% in 2020 as compared to 2019. While the length and severity of the reduction in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, American's business, operations and financial condition in 2020 were severely impacted.

American has taken aggressive actions to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business including deep capacity reductions, structural changes to its fleet, cost reductions, and steps to preserve cash and improve its overall liquidity position. American remains extremely focused on taking all self-help measures available to manage its business during this unprecedented time, consistent with the terms of the financial assistance it has received from the U.S. Government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Capacity Reductions

American has significantly reduced its capacity (as measured by available seat miles), with 2020 flying decreasing by 50% year-over-year. Domestic capacity in 2020 was down 41% year-over-year while international capacity was down 68% year-over-year. The demand environment continues to be uncertain as COVID-19 cases have continued to fluctuate in jurisdictions to which American flies and travel restrictions have generally remained in place. Due to this uncertainty, American will continue to adjust its future capacity to match observed booking trends for future travel and make further adjustments to its capacity as needed.

Fleet

To better align American’s network with lower passenger demand, American accelerated the retirement of Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 fleets as well as certain regional aircraft, including certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. These retirements remove complexity from American’s operation and bring forward cost savings and efficiencies associated with operating fewer aircraft types. See Note 1(g) below for further information on the accounting for American's fleet retirements. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, American will continue to evaluate its current fleet and may decide to permanently retire additional aircraft. In addition, American has placed a number of Boeing 737-800 and certain regional aircraft into temporary storage.

Cost Reductions

American moved quickly to better align its costs with its reduced schedule. In aggregate, American estimates that it has reduced its 2020 operating and capital expenditures by more than $17 billion. These savings were achieved primarily through capacity reductions. In addition, American implemented a series of actions, including the accelerated fleet retirements discussed above as well as reductions in maintenance expense and $700 million in non-aircraft capital expenditures through less fleet modification work, the elimination of ground service equipment purchases and pausing non-critical facility investments and information technology projects. American also suspended all non-essential hiring, paused non-contractual pay rate increases, reduced executive and board of director compensation, implemented voluntary leave and early retirement programs and decreased its management and support staff team, including officers, by approximately 30%. In total, more than 20,000 team members have opted for an early retirement or long-term partially paid leave. Additionally, American has made reductions in marketing, contractor, event and training expenses as well as consolidated space at airport facilities.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, American involuntarily furloughed certain team members starting October 1, 2020, and subsequently recalled the team members effective December 1, 2020 covered by the financial assistance provided pursuant to the payroll support program (PSP2) established under Subtitle A of Title IV of Division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PSP Extension Law) (see Note 17 for further information).

Liquidity

As of December 31, 2020, American had $14.3 billion in total available liquidity, consisting of $6.9 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, $7.0 billion in an undrawn term loan facility under the CARES Act and a total of $446 million in undrawn short-term revolving and other facilities.

During 2020, American completed the following financing transactions (see Note 3 for further information):

•refinanced the $1.2 billion 2014 Term Loan Facility at a lower interest rate and extended the maturity from 2021 to 2027;

•raised $1.0 billion from the senior secured delayed draw term loan credit facility (Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility);

•borrowed $750 million under the 2013 Revolving Facility, $1.6 billion under the 2014 Revolving Facility and $450 million under the April 2016 Revolving Facility;

•issued $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 11.75% senior secured notes due 2025 and used the proceeds thereof, in part, to repay the $1.0 billion Delayed Draw Term Loan Credit Facility that American borrowed in March 2020;

•issued approximately $360 million in special facility revenue bonds, of which $47 million was used to fund the redemption of certain outstanding bonds;

•entered into a $7.5 billion secured term loan facility with the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury), of which American borrowed $550 million (see below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement);

•issued $1.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of two series of 10.75% senior secured notes due 2026 secured by various collateral;

•raised $665 million principally from aircraft sale-leaseback transactions as well as $351 million from asset sales primarily related to previously parked aircraft; and

•received approximately $600 million of proceeds from enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETCs) and other aircraft and flight equipment financings, of which $17 million was used to repay existing indebtedness.

In addition to the foregoing financings, AAG and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) received an aggregate of $6.0 billion in financial assistance through the payroll support program (PSP1) established under the CARES Act, all of which was received by the end of September 2020. In connection with the receipt by AAG and the Subsidiaries of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP1 Promissory Note) to Treasury for $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million shares (the PSP1 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See below for further discussion on PSP1.

In January 2021, AAG and the Subsidiaries received $1.5 billion (of an expected total of at least $3.0 billion) in financial assistance through PSP2. In connection with the receipt by AAG and the Subsidiaries of this financial assistance, AAG issued a promissory note (the PSP2 Promissory Note) to Treasury for an initial principal sum of approximately $433 million and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 2.8 million shares (the PSP2 Warrant Shares) of AAG common stock. See Note 17 for further discussion on PSP2.

Also, American is permitted to, and has, deferred payment of the employer portion of Social Security taxes through the end of 2020 (with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022). This deferral provided approximately $325 million in additional liquidity during 2020. Additionally, AAG has suspended its capital return program, including share repurchases and the payment of future dividends for at least the period that the restrictions imposed by the CARES Act and the PSP Extension Law are applicable.

American continues to evaluate future financing opportunities and work with third-party appraisers on valuations of its remaining unencumbered assets.

A significant portion of American’s debt financing agreements contain covenants requiring it to maintain an aggregate of at least $2.0 billion of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and amounts available to be drawn under revolving credit facilities and/or contain loan to value, collateral coverage and/or debt service coverage ratio covenants.

Given the above actions and American’s current assumptions about the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel demand, which could be materially different due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, American expects to meet its cash obligations as well as remain in compliance with the debt covenants in its existing financing agreements for the next 12 months based on its current level of unrestricted cash and short-term investments, its anticipated access to liquidity (including via proceeds from financings and funds from government assistance obtained pursuant to the CARES Act and the PSP Extension Law) and projected cash flows from operations.

PSP1

On April 20, 2020 (the PSP1 Closing Date), American, Envoy Air Inc. (Envoy), Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont) and PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA and together with American, Envoy and Piedmont, the Subsidiaries), entered into a Payroll Support Program Agreement (the PSP1 Agreement) with Treasury, with respect to PSP1 provided pursuant to the CARES Act. In connection with the Subsidiaries' entry into the PSP1 Agreement, on the PSP1 Closing Date, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the PSP1 Warrant Agreement) with Treasury and issued the PSP1 Promissory Note to Treasury, with the Subsidiaries as guarantors.

PSP1 Agreement

In connection with PSP1, AAG and the Subsidiaries are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits, the requirement against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits, which expired on September 30, 2020, the requirement that certain levels of commercial air service be maintained and the provisions that prohibit the repurchase of AAG common stock, and the payment of common stock dividends through at least September 30, 2021, as well as those that restrict the payment of certain executive compensation until March 24, 2022. The PSP1 Agreement also imposes substantial reporting obligations on AAG and the Subsidiaries. These provisions were subsequently extended upon the entry of AAG and its Subsidiaries into PSP2. See Note 17 for further discussion on PSP2. In addition, AAG and the Subsidiaries have entered into the Treasury Loan Agreement (as defined below) and, as a result, the stock repurchase, dividend and executive compensation restrictions imposed by the Treasury Loan Agreement will remain in place through the date that is one year after the secured loan provided under the Treasury Loan Agreement is fully repaid. See below for additional information on the Treasury Loan Agreement.

Pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement, Treasury provided to AAG and the Subsidiaries financial assistance in an aggregate of approximately $6.0 billion. As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under PSP1, AAG issued the PSP1 Promissory Note in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion and issued warrants (each a PSP1 Warrant and, collectively, the PSP1 Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million PSP1 Warrant Shares. See below for more information on the PSP1 Warrant Agreement and the PSP1 Warrants.

For accounting purposes, the $6.0 billion of aggregate financial assistance AAG and the Subsidiaries received pursuant to the PSP1 Agreement is allocated to the PSP1 Promissory Note, the PSP1 Warrants and other PSP1 financial assistance (the PSP1 Financial Assistance). The aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion of the PSP1 Promissory Note was recorded as unsecured long-term debt, and the total fair value of the PSP1 Warrants of $63 million, estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, was recorded in stockholders' equity in AAG's consolidated balance sheet. The remaining amount of approximately $4.2 billion of PSP1 Financial Assistance was recognized as a credit to special items, net in the consolidated statement of operations in the second and third quarters of 2020, the period over which the continuation of payment of eligible employee wages, salaries and benefits was required.

PSP1 Warrant Agreement and PSP1 Warrants

As partial compensation to the U.S. Government for the provision of financial assistance under the PSP1 Agreement, and pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, AAG agreed to issue warrants to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 14.1 million PSP1 Warrant Shares of AAG common stock. The exercise price of the PSP1 Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share (which was the closing price of AAG common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on April 9, 2020) subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the PSP1 Warrants.

Pursuant to the PSP1 Warrant Agreement, on each of the PSP1 Closing Date, May 29, 2020, June 30, 2020, July 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020, AAG issued to Treasury a PSP1 Warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 6.7 million shares, 2.8 million shares, 2.8 million shares, 1.4 million shares and 0.4 million shares, respectively, of AAG common stock based on the terms described herein.

The PSP1 Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each PSP1 Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such PSP1 Warrant. The PSP1 Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at AAG's option. The PSP1 Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the PSP1 Agreement. No separate proceeds (apart from the financial assistance described above) were received upon issuance of the PSP1 Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.

Treasury Loan Agreement

On September 25, 2020 (the Treasury Loan Closing Date), AAG and American entered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement (the Treasury Loan Agreement) with Treasury, which provided for a secured term loan facility (the Treasury Term Loan Facility) that permitted American to borrow up to $5.5 billion. Subsequently, on October 21, 2020, AAG and American entered into an amendment to the Treasury Loan Agreement, which increased the borrowing amount to up to $7.5 billion. The Treasury Loan Agreement will involve the issuance of additional warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 60.0 million shares of AAG common stock, assuming the Treasury Term Loan Facility is fully drawn. As of December 31, 2020, American had borrowed $550 million under the Treasury Term Loan Facility, which is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2025, and issued warrants to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of AAG common stock. See Note 3 for further information on the Treasury Loan Agreement and below for more information on the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement and Treasury Loan Warrants.

Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement and Warrants

In connection with the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG also entered into a warrant agreement (the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement) with Treasury. Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement, AAG agreed to issue warrants (each a Treasury Loan Warrant and, collectively, the Treasury Loan Warrants) to Treasury to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 60.0 million shares (the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares) of AAG's common stock based on the $7.5 billion commitment amount under the Treasury Term Loan Facility. The exercise price of the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is $12.51 per share subject to certain anti-dilution provisions provided for in the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity in AAG's consolidated balance sheet with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Term Loan Facility in American’s consolidated balance sheet.

Pursuant to the Treasury Loan Warrant Agreement, on the Treasury Loan Closing Date, AAG issued to Treasury a Treasury Loan Warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million Treasury Loan Warrant Shares based on the terms described herein. On the date of each additional borrowing under the Treasury Loan Agreement, AAG will issue to Treasury an additional Treasury Loan Warrant for a number of Treasury Loan Warrant Shares equal to 10% of such borrowing, divided by $12.51, the exercise price of such shares.

The Treasury Loan Warrants do not have any voting rights and are freely transferrable, with registration rights. Each Treasury Loan Warrant expires on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance of such Treasury Loan Warrant. The Treasury Loan Warrants will be exercisable either through net share settlement or cash, at AAG's option. The Treasury Loan Warrants were issued solely as compensation to the U.S. Government related to entry into the Treasury Loan Agreement. No separate proceeds were received upon issuance of the Treasury Loan Warrants or will be received upon exercise thereof.

(c) Recent Accounting Pronouncement

ASU 2016-13: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

This ASU requires the use of an expected loss model for certain types of financial instruments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to calculate credit loss estimates. For trade receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses is required. For available-for-sale debt securities, an allowance for credit losses will be required rather than a reduction to the carrying value of the asset. American adopted this accounting standard prospectively as of January 1, 2020, and it did not have a material impact on American's consolidated financial statements.

(d) Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses are recorded in nonoperating expense on American’s consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on American’s consolidated balance sheets. For investments in an unrealized loss position, American determines whether a credit loss exists by considering information about the collectability of the instrument, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. There have been no credit losses.

(e) Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments

American has restricted cash and short-term investments related primarily to money market funds to be used to finance a substantial portion of the cost of the renovation and expansion of Terminal 8 at JFK and collateral held to support workers’ compensation obligations.

(f) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies, Net

Aircraft fuel is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Spare parts and supplies are recorded at average costs less an allowance for obsolescence. These items are expensed when used.

(g) Operating Property and Equipment

Operating property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated or amortized to residual values over the asset’s estimated useful life or the lease term, whichever is less, using the straight-line method. Residual values for aircraft, engines and related rotable parts are generally 5% to 10% of original cost. Costs of major improvements that enhance the usefulness of the asset are capitalized and depreciated or amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is less. The estimated useful lives for the principal property and equipment classifications are as follows:

Principal Property and Equipment Classification	Estimated Useful Life
Aircraft, engines and related rotable parts	20 – 30 years
Buildings and improvements	5 – 30 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	3 – 10 years
Capitalized software	5 – 10 years

Total depreciation and amortization expense was $2.3 billion, $2.5 billion and $2.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

American assesses impairment of operating property and equipment when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. An impairment of an asset or group of assets exists only when the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated directly by the assets are less than the carrying value of the assets. American groups assets principally by fleet-type when estimating future cash flows, which is generally the lowest level for

which identifiable cash flows exist. Estimates of future cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect management’s best estimate of future market and operating conditions, including American’s current fleet plan. If such assets are impaired, the impairment charge recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceed their fair value. Fair value reflects management’s best estimate including inputs from published pricing guides and bids from third parties as well as contracted sales agreements when applicable.

In 2020, American’s operations, liquidity and stock price were significantly impacted by decreased passenger demand and government travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, American decided to retire certain mainline aircraft earlier than planned, including Airbus A330-200, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Airbus A330-300 and Embraer 190 aircraft as well as certain regional aircraft, including certain Embraer 140 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft. As a result of these events and circumstances, American performed impairment tests for its long-lived assets in the first three quarters of 2020.

As a result of the impairment tests performed, American determined the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded the carrying value except for the aircraft being retired earlier than planned as discussed above. For those aircraft and certain related spare parts, American recorded $1.5 billion in non-cash special impairment charges reflecting the difference between the carrying values of these assets and their fair values for the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, prepaid expense and other on the consolidated balance sheet included $164 million of these retired aircraft that are expected to be sold in the next year, and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet included $400 million of nonoperating retired aircraft. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, American will continue to evaluate its current fleet (including aircraft in temporary storage) and may decide to permanently retire additional aircraft.

(h) Leases

American determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, current operating lease liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in American’s consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, in American’s consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent American’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term.

American uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. American gives consideration to its recent debt issuances as well as publicly available data for instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.

American’s lease term includes options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. American’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.

Under certain of American’s capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, American does not own the underlying aircraft. However, since American controls the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories of these aircraft and therefore control the asset, the aircraft is deemed to be leased for accounting purposes. For these capacity purchase agreements, American accounts for the lease and non-lease components separately. The lease component consists of the aircraft and the non-lease components consist of services, such as the crew and maintenance. American allocates the consideration in the capacity purchase agreements to the lease and non-lease components using their estimated relative standalone prices. See Note 10(b) for additional information on its capacity purchase agreements.

For real estate, American accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

(i) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded net as noncurrent deferred income taxes.

American provides a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. American considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions in evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Many factors are considered that impact American’s assessment of future profitability, including conditions which are beyond American’s control, such as the health of the economy, the availability and price volatility of aircraft fuel and travel demand.

(j) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the merger with US Airways Group. American has one reporting unit. American assesses goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be lower than the carrying value. American’s annual assessment date is October 1.

Goodwill is assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment. If American determines that it is more likely than not that its goodwill may be impaired, it uses a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the impairment, if any.

In addition to American’s annual impairment assessment, it performed interim impairment tests in 2020 on its goodwill as a result of the events and circumstances previously discussed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American’s business. American performed a quantitative analysis by using a market approach. Under the market approach, the fair value of the reporting unit was determined based on quoted market prices for equity and the fair value of debt as described in Note 7. The fair value exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit, and American’s goodwill was not impaired. The carrying value of American’s goodwill on its consolidated balance sheets was $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As discussed above, due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, American will continue to evaluate its goodwill for events and circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit may be lower than the carrying value.

(k) Other Intangibles, Net

Intangible assets consist primarily of certain domestic airport slots and gate leasehold rights, customer relationships, marketing agreements, international slots and route authorities and tradenames.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their acquired fair values, subsequently amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and are assessed for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired.

The following table provides information relating to American’s amortizable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in millions):

	December 31,
	2020		2019
Domestic airport slots	$	365	$	365
Customer relationships	300		300
Marketing agreements	105		105
Tradenames	35		35
Airport gate leasehold rights	137		137
Accumulated amortization	(745)		(704)
Total	$	197	$	238

Certain domestic airport slots and airport gate leasehold rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. The customer relationships and marketing agreements were identified as intangible assets subject to amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over approximately nine years and 30 years, respectively. Tradenames are fully amortized.

American recorded amortization expense related to these intangible assets of $41 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. American expects to record annual amortization expense for these intangible assets as follows (in millions):

2021	$	41
2022	41
2023	7
2024	7
2025	7
2026 and thereafter	94
Total	$	197

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include certain domestic airport slots and international slots and route authorities. American assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the fair values of indefinite-lived intangible assets may be lower than their carrying values. American’s annual assessment date is October 1.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by initially performing a qualitative assessment. If American determines that it is more likely than not that its indefinite-lived intangible assets may be impaired, American uses a quantitative approach to assess the asset’s fair value and the amount of the impairment, if any.

In addition to its annual impairment assessment, American performed interim impairment tests in 2020 on its indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the events and circumstances previously discussed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American’s business. American performed qualitative impairment tests on its indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined there was no material impairment. American had $1.8 billion of indefinite-lived intangible assets on its consolidated balance sheets at each of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As discussed above, due to the inherent uncertainties of the current operating environment, American will continue to evaluate its indefinite-lived intangible assets for events and circumstances that indicate that their fair values may be lower than the carrying values.

(l) Revenue Recognition

Revenue

The following are the significant categories comprising American’s reported operating revenues (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Passenger revenue:
Passenger travel	$	13,456	$	38,831	$	37,457
Loyalty revenue - travel (1)	1,062		3,179		3,219
Total passenger revenue	14,518		42,010		40,676
Cargo	769		863		1,013
Other:
Loyalty revenue - marketing services	1,825		2,361		2,352
Other revenue	223		527		489
Total other revenue	2,048		2,888		2,841
Total operating revenues	$	17,335	$	45,761	$	44,530

(1)Loyalty revenue included in passenger revenue is principally comprised of mileage credit redemptions, which were earned from travel or co-branded credit card and other partners. See “Loyalty Revenue” below for further discussion on these mileage credits.

The following is American’s total passenger revenue by geographic region (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Domestic	$	11,765	$	30,881	$	29,573
Latin America	1,852		5,047		5,125
Atlantic	654		4,624		4,376
Pacific	247		1,458		1,602
Total passenger revenue	$	14,518	$	42,010	$	40,676

American attributes passenger revenue by geographic region based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment.

Passenger Revenue

American recognizes all revenues generated from transportation on American and its regional flights operated under the brand name American Eagle, including associated baggage fees and other inflight services, as passenger revenue when transportation is provided. Ticket and other related sales for transportation that has not yet been provided are initially deferred and recorded as air traffic liability on American’s consolidated balance sheets. The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel.

The majority of tickets sold are nonrefundable. A small percentage of tickets, some of which are partially used tickets, expire unused. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized in passenger revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are generally based on the analysis of American’s historical data. American has consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from unused tickets at the date of travel. Estimated future refunds and exchanges included in the air traffic liability are routinely evaluated based on subsequent activity to validate the accuracy of American’s estimates. Any adjustments resulting from periodic evaluations of the estimated air traffic liability are included in passenger revenue during the period in which the evaluations are completed.

Various taxes and fees assessed on the sale of tickets to end customers are collected by American as an agent and remitted to taxing authorities. These taxes and fees have been presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and recorded as a liability until remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. The CARES Act provided for a temporary tax holiday from collecting and remitting certain government ticket taxes for tickets purchased between March 28, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Loyalty Revenue

American currently operates the loyalty program, AAdvantage. This program awards mileage credits to passengers who fly on American, any oneworld airline or other partner airlines, or by using the services of other program participants, such as the Citi and Barclaycard US co-branded credit cards, and certain hotels and car rental companies. Mileage credits can be redeemed for travel on American and other participating partner airlines, as well as other non-air travel awards such as hotels and rental cars. For mileage credits earned by AAdvantage loyalty program members, American applies the deferred revenue method. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, American suspended the expiration of mileage credits through June 30, 2021 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets.

Mileage credits earned through travel

For mileage credits earned through travel, American applies a relative selling price approach whereby the total amount collected from each passenger ticket sale is allocated between the air transportation and the mileage credits earned. The portion of each passenger ticket sale attributable to mileage credits earned is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided. The estimated selling price of mileage credits is determined using an equivalent ticket value approach, which uses historical data, including award redemption patterns by geographic region and class of service, as well as similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted for an estimate of the miles that will not be redeemed using statistical models based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption.

Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust its estimates in the future.

Mileage credits sold to co-branded credit cards and other partners

American sells mileage credits to participating airline partners and non-airline business partners, including American’s co-branded credit card partners, under contracts with terms extending generally for one to seven years. Consideration received from the sale of mileage credits is variable and payment terms typically are within 30 days subsequent to the month of mileage sale. Sales of mileage credits to non-airline business partners are comprised of two components, transportation and marketing. American allocates the consideration received from these sales of mileage credits based on the relative selling price of each product or service delivered.

American’s most significant partner agreements are its co-branded credit card agreements with Citi and Barclaycard US. American identified the following revenue elements in these co-branded credit card agreements: the transportation component; and the use of intellectual property, including the American brand and access to loyalty program member lists, which is the predominant element in the agreements, as well as advertising (collectively, the marketing component). Accordingly, American recognizes the marketing component in other revenue in the period of the mileage sale following the sales-based royalty method.

The transportation component represents the estimated selling price of future travel awards and is determined using the same equivalent ticket value approach described above. The portion of each mileage credit sold attributable to transportation is initially deferred and then recognized in passenger revenue when mileage credits are redeemed and transportation is provided.

For the portion of American’s outstanding mileage credits that it estimates will not be redeemed, American recognizes the associated value proportionally as the remaining mileage credits are redeemed. American’s estimates use statistical models based on historical redemption patterns to develop an estimate of the likelihood of future redemption.

Cargo Revenue

Cargo revenue is recognized when American provides the transportation.

Other Revenue

Other revenue includes revenue associated with American’s loyalty program, which is comprised principally of the marketing component of mileage sales to co-branded credit card and other partners and other marketing related payments. Loyalty revenue included in other revenue was $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $2.4 billion for both 2019 and 2018. The accounting and recognition for the loyalty program marketing services are discussed above in “Loyalty Revenue.” The remaining amounts included within other revenue relate to airport clubs, advertising and vacation-related services.

Contract Balances

American’s significant contract liabilities are comprised of (1) outstanding loyalty program mileage credits that may be redeemed for future travel and other non-air travel awards, reported as loyalty program liability on American’s consolidated balance sheets and (2) ticket sales for transportation that has not yet been provided, reported as air traffic liability on American’s consolidated balance sheets.

	December 31,
	2020		2019
	(in millions)
Loyalty program liability	$	9,195	$	8,615
Air traffic liability	4,757		4,808
Total	$	13,952	$	13,423

The balance of the loyalty program liability fluctuates based on seasonal patterns, which impact the volume of mileage credits issued through travel or sold to co-branded credit card and other partners (deferral of revenue) and mileage credits redeemed (recognition of revenue). Changes in loyalty program liability are as follows (in millions):

Balance at December 31, 2019	$	8,615
Deferral of revenue	1,812
Recognition of revenue (1)	(1,232)
Balance at December 31, 2020 (2)	$	9,195

(1)Principally relates to revenue recognized from the redemption of mileage credits for both air and non-air travel awards. Mileage credits are combined in one homogenous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period, as well as miles that were issued during the period.

(2)Mileage credits can be redeemed at any time and generally do not expire as long as that AAdvantage member has any type of qualifying activity at least every 18 months. As previously discussed, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, American suspended the expiration of mileage credits through June 30, 2021 and eliminated mileage reinstatement fees for canceled award tickets. As of December 31, 2020, American’s current loyalty program liability was $2.0 billion and represents American’s current estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next 12 months based on historical as well as projected trends, with the balance reflected in long-term loyalty program liability expected to be recognized as revenue in periods thereafter. Given the inherent uncertainty of the current operating environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, American will continue to monitor redemption patterns and may adjust its estimates in the future.

The air traffic liability principally represents tickets sold for future travel on American and partner airlines, as well as estimated future refunds and exchanges of tickets sold for past travel. The balance in American’s air traffic liability also fluctuates with seasonal travel patterns. The contract duration of passenger tickets is generally one year. Accordingly, any revenue associated with tickets sold for future travel will be recognized within 12 months. For 2020, $2.8 billion of revenue was recognized in passenger revenue that was included in American’s air traffic liability at December 31, 2019. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, American extended the contract duration for certain tickets to December 31, 2021, principally those with travel scheduled from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Additionally, American has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international tickets. As of December 31, 2020, the air traffic liability included approximately $2.6 billion of travel credits related to these unused tickets for travel prior to December 31, 2020. Accordingly, any revenue associated with these tickets will be recognized within the next 12 months. Given this change in contract duration and uncertainty surrounding the future demand for air travel, American's estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for future flown or unused tickets as well as American's estimates of refunds may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience.

American’s ticket contract receivables relate to ticket sales to individual passengers primarily through the use of major credit cards and are reflected as accounts receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These receivables are short-term, mostly settled within seven days after sale. All accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for credit losses, which have been minimal in the past. American considers past and future financial and qualitative factors when establishing the allowance for credit losses.

(m) Maintenance, Materials and Repairs

Maintenance and repair costs for owned and leased flight equipment are charged to operating expense as incurred, except costs incurred for maintenance and repair under flight hour maintenance contract agreements, which are accrued based on contractual terms when an obligation exists.

(n) Selling Expenses

Selling expenses include credit card fees, commissions, computerized reservations systems fees and advertising. Selling expenses associated with passenger revenue are expensed when the transportation or service is provided. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $50 million, $129 million and $128 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(o) Share-based Compensation

American accounts for its share-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock award at the time of grant, which is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the stock award. The majority of American’s stock awards are time vested restricted stock units, and the fair value of such awards is based on the market price of the underlying shares of AAG common stock on the date of grant. See Note 13 for further discussion of share-based compensation.

(p) Foreign Currency Gains and Losses

Foreign currency gains and losses are recorded as part of other income, net within total nonoperating expense, net in American’s consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, foreign currency losses were $24 million, $32 million and $54 million.

(q) Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses includes costs associated with ground and cargo handling, crew travel, aircraft food and catering, aircraft cleaning, passenger accommodation, airport security, international navigation fees and certain general and administrative expenses.

(r) Regional Expenses

Expenses associated with American Eagle operations are classified as regional expenses on American’s consolidated statements of operations. Regional expenses consist of the following (in millions):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	$	821	$	1,869	$	1,843
Salaries, wages and benefits	275		325		338
Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers (1)	2,750		3,562		3,267
Maintenance, materials and repairs	3		30		8
Other rent and landing fees	468		621		583
Aircraft rent	13		29		27
Selling expenses	153		402		369
Depreciation and amortization	273		286		267
Special items, net	(338)		—		—
Other	258		394		362
Total regional expenses	$	4,676	$	7,518	$	7,064

(1)In 2020, 2019, and 2018, American recognized $438 million, $590 million and $565 million, respectively, of expense under its capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Inc. (Republic). American holds a 25% equity interest in Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Holdings), the parent company of Republic.