INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RECONCILIATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
U.S. federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income before income tax	$ 1,345	$ 1,312	$ 975
Expected tax expense	471	459	341
Nondeductible expenses	20	4	4
State income taxes	28	19	25
State income sourcing	13	(15)	0
Other—net	(1)	(3)	0
Total tax expense related to income	$ 531	$ 464	$ 370
Effective tax rate	39.50%	35.40%	37.90%
Special tax expense (benefit)	$ 17	$ (26)
Additions based on tax positions and settlements related to the current year	3	$ 19	$ 1
Virgin America Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Nondeductible expenses	$ 39