CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Revenues
Passenger, Mainline	$ 3,284	$ 2,995	$ 2,595
Passenger, Regional	746	713	671
Total passenger revenue	4,030	3,708	3,266
Freight and mail	111	109	106
Other - net	516	501	460
Total Operating Revenues	4,657	4,318	3,832
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	1,038	991	961
Variable incentive pay	88	72	92
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	1,459	1,298	901
Aircraft maintenance	222	206	217
Aircraft rent	116	116	139
Landing fees and other rentals	243	238	233
Contracted services	200	185	163
Selling expenses	168	175	154
Depreciation and amortization	264	247	230
Food and beverage service	79	67	57
Other	248	235	201
Fleet transition and restructuring related expenses	0	39	13
Total Operating Expenses	4,125	3,869	3,361
Operating Income	532	449	471
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	19	22	29
Interest expense	(64)	(87)	(108)
Interest capitalized	18	12	6
Other - net	9	(2)	8
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(18)	(55)	(65)
Income before income tax	514	394	406
Income tax expense	198	149	155
Net Income	$ 316	$ 245	$ 251
Basic Earnings Per Share:	$ 4.47	$ 3.41	$ 3.50
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$ 4.40	$ 3.33	$ 3.41
Shares used for computation:
Basic	70,708	71,755	71,644
Diluted	71,784	73,421	73,571