10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019

OR

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the transition period from                      to                      

Commission File Number 1-8957

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

 

Delaware	91-1292054
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered	Ticker Symbol
Common stock, $0.01 par value	New York Stock Exchange	ALK

19300 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98188

Telephone: (206) 392-5040

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer   ☐ Non-accelerated filer    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) ☐ Smaller reporting company   ☐ Emerging growth company   ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.): Yes ☐ No ☒

The registrant has 123,173,426 common shares, par value $0.01, outstanding at October 31, 2019.

This document is also available on our website at http://investor.alaskaair.com.

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	4
ITEM 1.	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	4
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	23
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK	41
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	42
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	43
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	43
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	43
ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	43
ITEM 3.	DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	43
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	44
ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION	44
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS	44
	SIGNATURES	44

As used in this Form 10-Q, the terms “Air Group,” the “Company,” “our,” “we” and "us" refer to Alaska Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Alaska Airlines, Inc., Virgin America Inc. (through July 20, 2018, at which point it was legally merged into Alaska Airlines, Inc), and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. are referred to as “Alaska,” “Virgin America” and “Horizon” and together as our “airlines.”

2

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "assume" or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or the Company’s present expectations. Some of the things that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations are:

• the competitive environment in our industry;

• changes in our operating costs, including fuel, which can be volatile;

• our ability to meet our cost reduction goals;

• our ability to achieve anticipated synergies and timing thereof in connection with our acquisition of Virgin America;

• our ability to successfully integrate the Boeing and Airbus operations;

• labor disputes and our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

• operational disruptions;

• general economic conditions, including the impact of those conditions on customer travel behavior;

• the concentration of our revenue from a few key markets;

• an aircraft accident or incident;

• actual or threatened terrorist attacks, global instability and potential U.S. military actions or activities;

• our reliance on automated systems and the risks associated with changes made to those systems;

• changes in laws and regulations.

You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which this report was filed with the SEC. We expressly disclaim any obligation to issue any updates or revisions to our forward-looking statements, even if subsequent events cause our expectations to change regarding the matters discussed in those statements. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such differences might be significant and materially adverse to our shareholders. For a discussion of these and other risk factors, see Item 1A. "Risk Factors” of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and Item 1A. "Risk Factors" included herein. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of those risks as you read this report.

3

PART I

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in millions)	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	237	$	105
Marketable securities	1,382		1,131
Total cash and marketable securities	1,619		1,236
Receivables - net	377		366
Inventories and supplies - net	63		60
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	143		125
Total Current Assets	2,202		1,787
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,492		8,221
Other property and equipment	1,272		1,363
Deposits for future flight equipment	463		439
	10,227		10,023
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,393		3,242
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,834		6,781
Operating lease assets	1,647		—
Goodwill	1,943		1,943
Intangible assets - net	123		127
Other noncurrent assets	234		274
Other Assets	3,947		2,344
Total Assets	$	12,983	$	10,912

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(in millions, except share amounts)	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	120		$	132
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	391			415
Air traffic liability	1,032			788
Other accrued liabilities	476			416
Deferred revenue	794			705
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	268			—
Current portion of long-term debt	265			486
Total Current Liabilities	3,346			2,942
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,444			1,617
Noncurrent Liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities, net of current portion	1,376			—
Deferred income taxes	708			512
Deferred revenue	1,177			1,169
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	467			503
Other liabilities	213			418
	3,941			2,602
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2019 - 131,770,976 shares; 2018 - 130,813,476 shares, Outstanding: 2019 - 123,277,911 shares; 2018 - 123,194,430 shares	1			1
Capital in excess of par value	297			232
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2019 - 8,493,065 shares; 2018 - 7,619,046 shares	(621		)	(568		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(421		)	(448		)
Retained earnings	4,996			4,534
	4,252			3,751
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	12,983		$	10,912

5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Operating Revenues
Passenger revenue	$	2,211		$	2,043		6,038			5,724
Mileage Plan other revenue	118			114			346			329
Cargo and other	60			55			169			147
Total Operating Revenues	2,389			2,212			6,553			6,200
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	608			549			1,732			1,629
Variable incentive pay	46			27			125			104
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	486			513			1,408			1,397
Aircraft maintenance	106			107			341			320
Aircraft rent	82			82			247			233
Landing fees and other rentals	143			135			388			371
Contracted services	72			70			214			227
Selling expenses	77			79			236			245
Depreciation and amortization	106			99			317			290
Food and beverage service	57			53			159			158
Third-party regional carrier expense	42			38			125			114
Other	137			141			411			423
Special items - merger-related costs	5			22			39			67
Special items - other	—			—			—			25
Total Operating Expenses	1,967			1,915			5,742			5,603
Operating Income	422			297			811			597
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11			11			31			29
Interest expense	(18		)	(22		)	(60		)	(71		)
Interest capitalized	4			5			11			14
Other—net	(3		)	(7		)	(20		)	(20		)
Total Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(6		)	(13		)	(38		)	(48		)
Income Before Income Tax	416			284			773			549
Income tax expense	94			67			185			135
Net Income	$	322		$	217		$	588		$	414
Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	2.61		$	1.76		$	4.76		$	3.36
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	2.60		$	1.75		$	4.74		$	3.34
Shares used for computation:
Basic	123.280			123.224			123.330			123.216
Diluted	124.067			123.864			124.051			123.804

6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Net Income	$	322		$	217		$	588		$	414
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	4			(2		)	31			(19		)
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	(5		)	2			(3		)	5
Income tax effect	—			1			(7		)	4
Total	(1		)	1			21			(10		)
Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	8			7			24			21
Income tax effect	(2		)	(2		)	(6		)	(5		)
Total	6			5			18			16
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(5		)	—			(17		)	8
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent	1			2			2			3
Income tax effect	—			(1		)	3			(3		)
Total	(4		)	1			(12		)	8
Other Comprehensive Income	1			7			27			14
Comprehensive Income	$	323		$	224		$	615		$	428

7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

(in millions)	Common Stock Outstanding		Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
Balances at December 31, 2018	123.194		$	1	$	232		$	(568	)	$	(448	)	$	4,534		$	3,751
Cumulative effect of accounting changes(a)	—		—		—			—			—			3			3
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			4			4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			15			—			15
Common stock repurchase	(0.215	)	—		—			(13		)	—			—			(13		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		12			—			—			—			12
Cash dividend declared ($0.35 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(43		)	(43		)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	0.391		—		20			—			—			.			20
Stock issued under stock plans	0.134		—		(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Balances at March 31, 2019	123.504		$	1	$	261		$	(581	)	$	(433	)	$	4,498		$	3,746
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			262			262
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			11			—			11
Common stock repurchase	(0.194	)	—		—			(12		)	—			—			(12		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		9			—			—			—			9
Cash dividend declared ($0.35 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(43		)	(43		)
Stock issued under stock plans	0.028		—		—			—			—			—			—
Balances at June 30, 2019	123.338		$	1	$	270		$	(593	)	$	(422	)	$	4,717		$	3,973
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			322			322
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			1			—			1
Common stock repurchase	(0.465	)	—		—			(28		)	—			—			(28		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		7			—			—			—			7
Cash dividend declared ($0.35 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(43		)	(43		)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	0.394		—		20			—			—			—			20
Stock issued under stock plans	0.011		—		—			—			—			—			—
Balances at September 30, 2019	123.278		$	1	$	297		$	(621	)	$	(421	)	$	4,996		$	4,252

(a) Represents the opening balance sheet adjustment recorded as a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard.

8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)

(in millions)	Common Stock Outstanding		Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
Balances at December 31, 2017	123.061		$	1	$	164		$	(518	)	$	(380	)	$	4,193		$	3,460
Reclassification of tax effects to Retained Earnings	—		—		—			—			(62		)	62			—
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			4			4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			2			—			2
Common stock repurchase	(0.186	)	—		—			(13		)	—			—			(13		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		12			—			—			—			12
Cash dividend declared ($0.32 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(40		)	(40		)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	0.312		—		17			—			—			—			17
Stock issued under stock plans	0.163		—		(3		)	—			—			—			(3		)
Balances at March 31, 2018	123.350		$	1	$	190		$	(531	)	$	(440	)	$	4,219		$	3,439
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			193			193
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			5			—			5
Common stock repurchase	(0.204	)	—		—			(13		)	—			—			(13		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		9			—			—			—			9
Cash dividend declared ($0.32 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(39		)	(39		)
Stock issued under stock plans	0.058		—		(1		)	—			—			—			(1		)
Balances at June 30, 2018	123.204		$	1	$	198		$	(544	)	$	(435	)	$	4,373		$	3,593
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			217			217
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—			7			—			7
Common stock repurchase	(0.193	)	—		—			(12		)	—			—			(12		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		8			—			—			—			8
Cash dividend declared ($0.32 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(40		)	(40		)
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	0.320		—		18			—			—			—			18
Stock issued under stock plans	0.030		—		—			—			—			—			—
Balances at September 30, 2018	123.361		$	1	$	224		$	(556	)	$	(428	)	$	4,550		$	3,791

9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019			2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	588		$	414
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	317			290
Stock-based compensation and other	20			34
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	187			122
Increase in air traffic liability	244			144
Increase in deferred revenue	97			106
Pension contribution	(65		)	—
Other—net	(7		)	(124		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,381			986
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(286		)	(349		)
Other flight equipment	(125		)	(76		)
Other property and equipment	(116		)	(129		)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(527		)	(554		)
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,446		)	(672		)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	1,228			857
Other investing activities	37			36
Net cash used in investing activities	(708		)	(333		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	356			—
Long-term debt payments	(752		)	(544		)
Common stock repurchases	(53		)	(37		)
Dividends paid	(129		)	(118		)
Other financing activities	40			33
Net cash used in financing activities	(538		)	(666		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	135			(13		)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	114			197
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	249		$	184
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	48		$	60
Income taxes, net of refunds received	2			—
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents	$	237		$	174
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12			10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$	249		$	184

10

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

NOTE 1. GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska (including Virgin America in 2018) and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2019 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

Certain reclassifications and rounding adjustments have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.

In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

NOTE 2. REVENUE

Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue are passenger ancillary revenues, such as bag fees, on-board food and beverage, ticket change fees, and certain revenue from the frequent flyer program. Mileage Plan other revenue includes brand and marketing revenue from the Company's co-branded credit card and other partners and certain interline frequent flyer revenue, net of commissions. Cargo and other revenue includes freight and mail revenue, and to a lesser extent, other ancillary revenue products such as lounge membership and certain commissions.

The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 9. The details within the Company’s statements of operations, segment disclosures, and in this footnote depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and how cash flows are affected by economic and other factors.

Passenger Ticket and Ancillary Services Revenue

Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees	$	1,868	$	1,744	$	5,099	$	4,864
Passenger ancillary revenue	157		146		428		401
Mileage Plan passenger revenue	186		153		511		459
Total Passenger revenue	$	2,211	$	2,043	$	6,038	$	5,724

11

Mileage Plan™ Loyalty Program

Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger revenue	$	186	$	153	$	511	$	459
Mileage Plan other revenue	118		114		346		329
Total Mileage Plan revenue	$	304	$	267	$	857	$	788

Cargo and Other

Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Cargo revenue	$	36	$	36	$	104	$	96
Other revenue	24		19		65		51
Total Cargo and other revenue	$	60	$	55	$	169	$	147

Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue

Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities

The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $19 million and $27 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and $582 million and $540 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Mileage Plan^TM assets and liabilities

The Company records a receivable for amounts due from the bank partner and from other partners as mileage credits are sold until the payments are collected. The Company had $103 million of such receivables as of September 30, 2019 and $119 million as of December 31, 2018.

The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$	1,874		$	1,725
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue	(511		)	(459		)
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue	(84		)	(66		)
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	692			631
Total Deferred Revenue balance at September 30	$	1,971		$	1,831

NOTE 3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In determining fair value, there is a three-level hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Level 1 refers to fair values based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 refers to fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.

12

Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis

As of September 30, 2019, total cost basis for all marketable securities was $1.4 billion. There were no significant differences between the cost basis and fair value of any individual class of marketable securities.

Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Total
Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities	$	379	$	—		$	379		$	293	$	—		$	293
Equity mutual funds	5		—			5			—		—			—
Foreign government bonds	—		25			25			—		26			26
Asset-backed securities	—		201			201			—		190			190
Mortgage-backed securities	—		142			142			—		92			92
Corporate notes and bonds	—		609			609			—		520			520
Municipal securities	—		21			21			—		10			10
Total Marketable securities	384		998			1,382			293		838			1,131
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options	—		7			7			—		4			4
Interest rate swap agreements	—		2			2			—		10			10
Total Assets	$	384	$	1,007		$	1,391		$	293	$	852		$	1,145
Liabilities
Derivative instruments
Interest rate swap agreements	—		(14		)	(14		)	—		(7		)	(7		)
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	(14	)	$	(14	)	$	—	$	(7	)	$	(7	)

The Company uses both the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities and equity mutual funds are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. Foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities are Level 2 as the fair value is based on standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs such as quoted interest rates, yield curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable market information.

The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. The fair value for fuel hedge call options is determined utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. In addition, the fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. Interest rate swap agreements are Level 2 as the fair value of these contracts is determined based on the difference between the fixed interest rate in the agreements and the observable LIBOR-based interest forward rates at period end multiplied by the total notional value.

Activity and Maturities for Marketable Securities

Unrealized losses from marketable securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any unrealized losses represent other-than-temporary impairments based on its evaluation of available information as of September 30, 2019.

13

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):

September 30, 2019	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	244	$	244
Due after one year through five years	1,105		1,118
Due after five years through 10 years	15		15
Total	$	1,364	$	1,377

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Company's restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Debt: Debt assumed in the acquisition of Virgin America was subject to a non-recurring fair valuation adjustment as part of purchase price accounting. The adjustment is amortized over the life of the associated debt. All other fixed-rate debt is carried at cost. To estimate the fair value of all fixed-rate debt as of September 30, 2019, the Company uses the income approach by discounting cash flows using borrowing rates for comparable debt over the remaining life of the outstanding debt. The estimated fair value of the fixed-rate debt is Level 3 as certain inputs used are unobservable.

Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt at cost	$	567	$	639
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	2		3
Total fixed-rate debt	$	569	$	642
Estimated fair value	$	584	$	641

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair valuation when there is evidence of impairment. No material impairment charges were taken in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

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NOTE 4. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029	$	569		$	642
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029	1,150			1,473
Less debt issuance costs	(10		)	(12		)
Total debt	1,709			2,103
Less current portion	265			486
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,444		$	1,617
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.4		%	4.1		%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	3.2		%	3.9		%

Approximately $745 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at September 30, 2019.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company made debt payments of $752 million, including the prepayment of $532 million of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $356 million from multiple lenders. The new debt is secured by a total of 12 aircraft.

At September 30, 2019 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

	Total
Remainder of 2019	$	63
2020	268
2021	313
2022	274
2023	234
Thereafter	565
Total	$	1,717

Bank Lines of Credit

The Company has three credit facilities with availability totaling $516 million as of September 30, 2019. All three facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2021 and is secured by aircraft. The second credit facility for $116 million expires in July 2020, with a mechanism for annual renewal, and is secured by aircraft. A third credit facility for $150 million expires in March 2022 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The Company has secured letters of credit against the $116 million facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the two other facilities. All three credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2019.

NOTE 5. LEASES

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for certain operating leases. Under the new standard, a lessee must recognize a liability on the balance sheet representing the lease payments owed, and a lease asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)," which amended Topic 842 to provide a transition method that would not require adjusting comparative period financial information.

The Company transitioned to the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019 utilizing the alternative transition method. Upon transition, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of $3 million. The new standard eliminated build-to-suit lease accounting guidance and resulted in the derecognition of build-to-suit assets and liabilities of approximately $150 million each.

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The Company elected certain practical expedients under the standard, including the practical expedient allowing a policy election to exclude from recognition short-term lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. Such expense was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Additionally, the Company elected the available package of practical expedients allowing for no reassessment of lease classification for existing leases, no reassessment of expired contracts, and no reassessments of initial direct costs for existing leases.

The Company has five asset classes for operating leases: aircraft, capacity purchase arrangements with aircraft (CPA aircraft), airport and terminal facilities, corporate real estate and other equipment. All capitalized lease assets have been recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 as Operating lease assets, with the corresponding liabilities recorded as Operating lease liabilities. Consistent with past accounting, operating rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

At September 30, 2019, the Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions):

	Operating lease assets
Aircraft	$	974
CPA aircraft	609
Airport and terminal facilities	18
Corporate real estate and other	46
Total Operating lease assets	$	1,647

Aircraft

At September 30, 2019, the Company had operating leases for 10 Boeing 737 (B737), 62 Airbus, and eight Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Additionally, the Company operates 32 Embraer 175 (E175) aircraft through its capacity purchase arrangement with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest). Remaining lease terms for these aircraft extend up to 12 years, with options to extend, subject to negotiation at the end of the term. As extension is not certain, and rates are highly likely to be renegotiated, the extended term is only capitalized when it is reasonably determinable. While aircraft rent is primarily fixed, certain leases contain rental adjustments throughout the lease term which would be recognized as variable expense as incurred. Variable lease expense for aircraft was $1 million and $4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Capacity purchase agreements with aircraft (CPA aircraft)

At September 30, 2019, Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity under a CPA with Alaska. Alaska also has CPAs with SkyWest to fly certain routes in the Lower 48 and Canada, and with Peninsula Aviation Services, Inc., (PenAir) to fly certain routes in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services. As Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary, intercompany leases between Alaska and Horizon have not been recognized under the standard. The agreement with PenAir does not contain a leasing arrangement, resulting in no asset or liability recognized.

Remaining lease terms for CPA aircraft range from 8 years to 11 years. Financial arrangements of the CPAs include a fixed component, representing the costs to operate each aircraft and is capitalized under the new lease accounting standard. CPAs also include variable rent based on actual levels of flying, which is expensed as incurred. Variable lease expense for CPA aircraft for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was not material.

Airport and terminal facilities

The Company leases ticket counters, gates, cargo and baggage space, ground equipment, office space and other support areas at numerous airports. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The majority of airport and terminal facility leases are not capitalized because they do not meet the definition of controlled assets under the standard, or because the lease payments are entirely variable. For airports where leased assets are identified, and where the contract includes fixed lease payments, operating lease assets and lease liabilities have been recorded. The Company is also commonly responsible for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services under these agreements. These costs are recognized as variable expense in the period incurred. Airport and terminal facilities variable lease expense was $86 million and $231 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

In 2018, the Company leased 12 airport slots at LaGuardia Airport and eight airport slots at Reagan National Airport to a third party. For these leases, the Company recorded $3 million and $9 million of lease income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

16

Corporate real estate and other leases

Leased corporate real estate is primarily for office space in hub cities, data centers, land leases, and reservation centers. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components under the standard. Other leased assets are comprised of other ancillary contracts and items including leased flight simulators and spare engines. Variable lease expense related to corporate real estate and other leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $8 million.

Components of Lease Expense

The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows (in millions):

	Classification	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Expense
Aircraft	Aircraft rent	$	62		$	186
CPA aircraft	Aircraft rent	20			61
Airport and terminal facilities	Landing fees and other rentals	87			233
Corporate real estate and other	Landing fees and other rentals	5			14
Total lease expense		$	174		$	494
Revenue
Lease income	Cargo and other revenues	(3		)	(9		)
Net lease impact		$	171		$	485

Total rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $165 million and $455 million, respectively.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for capitalized operating leases	$	259
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	47

Lease Term and Discount Rate

As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company generally utilizes the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on information available at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value of lease payments. The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at September 30, 2019:

	Weighted Average IBR		Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Aircraft	4.1	%	6.7
CPA aircraft	4.3	%	9.5
Airports and terminal facilities	4.1	%	10.2
Corporate real estate and other	4.3	%	36.4

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Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft			CPA Aircraft			Airport and Terminal Facilities			Corporate Real Estate & Other
Remainder of 2019	$	63		$	20		1			$	2
2020	234			79			3			7
2021	196			79			3			6
2022	171			79			2			4
2023	116			79			2			4
Thereafter	330			408			12			77
Total lease payments	$	1,110		$	744		$	23		$	100
Less: Imputed interest	(140		)	(135		)	(4		)	(54		)
Total operating lease liabilities	$	970		$	609		$	19		$	46

All future lease contracts have remaining non-cancelable lease terms ranging from 2019 to 2031.

NOTE 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): 

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service cost	$	11		$	12		$	32		$	36
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits	11			12			32			36
Interest cost	23			20			67			59
Expected return on assets	(24		)	(27		)	(71		)	(80		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
Recognized actuarial loss	9			9			27			25
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$	7		$	1		$	22		$	3

The Company made a voluntary contribution of $65 million to three defined-benefit pension plans during the three months ended September 30, 2019.

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NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum payments for commitments, excluding operating leases, as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft Commitments(a)		Capacity Purchase Agreements (b)		Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2019	$	111	$	34	$	16
2020	504		145		73
2021	475		166		63
2022	333		174		54
2023	194		179		29
Thereafter	36		1,065		10
Total	$	1,653	$	1,763	$	245

(a) Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, buyer furnished equipment, and aircraft maintenance and parts management.

(b) Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.

Aircraft Commitments

Aircraft purchase commitments include non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had commitments to purchase 32 B737 MAX9 aircraft, with deliveries in the remainder of 2019 through 2023. Future minimum contractual payments for these aircraft have been updated to reflect the most current anticipated delivery timing for B737 MAX9 aircraft, which has been delayed as a result of the grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019. The Company also has commitments to purchase three E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2023 and has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. In addition, the Company has options to purchase 37 B737 MAX aircraft from 2021 through 2024 and 30 E175 aircraft from 2021 through 2023. The Company also has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with eight additional E175 aircraft with deliveries after 2021. The cancelable purchase commitments and option payments are not reflected in the table above.

Contingencies

The Company is a party to routine litigation matters incidental to its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected. Liabilities for litigation related contingencies are recorded when a loss is determined to be probable and estimable.

In 2015, three flight attendants filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent all Virgin America flight attendants for damages based on alleged violations of California and City of San Francisco wage and hour laws. The court certified a class of approximately 1,800 flight attendants in November 2016. The Company believes the claims in this case are without factual and legal merit.

In July 2018, the Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, finding Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, as a successor-in-interest to Virgin America, responsible for various damages and penalties sought by the class members. On February 4, 2019, the Court entered final judgment against Virgin America and Alaska Airlines in the amount of approximately $78 million. It did not award injunctive relief against Alaska Airlines.

The Company is seeking an appellate court ruling that the California laws on which the judgment is based are invalid as applied to national airlines pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and federal law and for other employment law and improper class certification reasons. The Company remains confident that a higher court will respect the federal preemption principles that were enacted to shield inter-state common carriers from a patchwork of state and local wage and hour regulations such as those at issue in this case and agree with the Company's other bases for appeal. For these reasons, no loss has been accrued.

The Company is involved in other litigation around the application of state and local employment laws, like many air carriers. Our defenses are similar to those identified above, including that the state and local laws are preempted by federal law and are unconstitutional because they impede interstate commerce. None of these additional disputes are material.

This forward-looking statement is based on management's current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.

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NOTE 8. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock Repurchase

In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2019, the Company has repurchased 6.7 million shares for $491 million under this program.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Related to marketable securities	$	10		$	(11	)
Related to employee benefit plans	(422		)	(440		)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(9		)	3
Total	$	(421	)	$	(448	)

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

NOTE 9. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Alaska Air Group has two operating airlines—Alaska (including Virgin America after the single operating certificate was received in January 2018) and Horizon. Each is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska has CPAs for regional capacity with Horizon, as well as with third-party carriers SkyWest and PenAir, under which Alaska receives all passenger revenues.

Under U.S. GAAP, operating segments are defined as components of a business for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) in making resource allocation decisions. Financial performance for the operating airlines and CPAs is managed and reviewed by the Company's CODM as part of three reportable operating segments:

• Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

• Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. under CPAs. This segment includes the actual revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations.

• Horizon - includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs.

The CODM makes resource allocation decisions for these reporting segments based on flight profitability data, aircraft type, route economics and other financial information.

The "Consolidating and Other" column reflects Air Group parent company activity, McGee Air Services, consolidating entries and other immaterial business units of the company. The “Air Group Adjusted” column represents a non-GAAP measure that is used by the Company's CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results.

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Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,850		$	361	$	—		$	—		$	2,211		$	—		$	2,211
CPA revenues	—			—		112			(112		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	107			11		—			—			118			—			118
Cargo and other	58			1		—			1			60			—			60
Total operating revenues	2,015			373		112			(111		)	2,389			—			2,389
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,226			275		94			(119		)	1,476			5			1,481
Economic fuel	411			75		—			—			486			—			486
Total operating expenses	1,637			350		94			(119		)	1,962			5			1,967
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	17			—		—			(6		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(18		)	—		(7		)	7			(18		)	—			(18		)
Interest capitalized	4			—		—			—			4			—			4
Other - net	(3		)	—		—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	—			—		(7		)	1			(6		)	—			(6		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	378		$	23	$	11		$	9		$	421		$	(5	)	$	416

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,727		$	316		$	—		$	—		$	2,043		$	—		$	2,043
CPA revenues	—			—			128			(128		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	104			10			—			—			114			—			114
Cargo and other	53			—			2			—			55			—			55
Total operating revenues	1,884			326			130			(128		)	2,212			—			2,212
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,126			267			118			(131		)	1,380			22			1,402
Economic fuel	438			70			—			—			508			5			513
Total operating expenses	1,564			337			118			(131		)	1,888			27			1,915
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			(4		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(20		)	—			(6		)	4			(22		)	—			(22		)
Interest capitalized	4			—			1			—			5			—			5
Other - net	(5		)	(2		)	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(6		)	(2		)	(5		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	314		$	(13	)	$	7		$	3		$	311		$	(27	)	$	284

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	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	5,039		$	999	$	—		$	—		$	6,038		$	—		$	6,038
CPA revenues	—			—		340			(340		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	312			34		—			—			346			—			346
Cargo and other	163			2		1			3			169			—			169
Total operating revenues	5,514			1,035		341			(337		)	6,553			—			6,553
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,545			817		286			(353		)	4,295			39			4,334
Economic fuel	1,191			218		—			—			1,409			(1		)	1,408
Total operating expenses	4,736			1,035		286			(353		)	5,704			38			5,742
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	50			—		—			(19		)	31			—			31
Interest expense	(58		)	—		(22		)	20			(60		)	—			(60		)
Interest capitalized	11			—		—			—			11			—			11
Other - net	(20		)	—		—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(17		)	—		(22		)	1			(38		)	—			(38		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	761		$	—	$	33		$	17		$	811		$	(38	)	$	773

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	4,879		$	845		$	—		$	—		$	5,724		$	—		$	5,724
CPA revenues	—			—			375			(375		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	301			28			—			—			329			—			329
Cargo and other	142			1			4			—			147			—			147
Total operating revenues	5,322			874			379			(375		)	6,200			—			6,200
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,392			755			345			(378		)	4,114			92			4,206
Economic fuel	1,237			190			—			—			1,427			(30		)	1,397
Total operating expenses	4,629			945			345			(378		)	5,541			62			5,603
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	39			—			—			(10		)	29			—			29
Interest expense	(64		)	—			(16		)	9			(71		)	—			(71		)
Interest capitalized	12			—			2			—			14			—			14
Other - net	(9		)	(11		)	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)	(11		)	(14		)	(1		)	(48		)	—			(48		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	671		$	(82	)	$	20		$	2		$	611		$	(62	)	$	549

(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.

(b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges.

(c) Includes merger-related costs, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and other special items.

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Total assets were as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Mainline	$	19,129		$	16,853
Horizon	1,231			1,229
Consolidating & Other	(7,377		)	(7,170		)
Consolidated	$	12,983		$	10,912

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand our company, segment operations and the present business environment. MD&A is provided as a supplement to – and should be read in conjunction with – our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. All statements in the following discussion that are not statements of historical information or descriptions of current accounting policy are forward-looking statements. Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of the risks referred to in this report’s introductory cautionary note and the risks mentioned in "Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

• Third Quarter Review—highlights from the third quarter of 2019 outlining some of the major events that happened during the period and how they affected our financial performance.

• Results of Operations—an in-depth analysis of our revenues by segment and our expenses from a consolidated perspective for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. To the extent material to the understanding of segment profitability, we more fully describe the segment expenses per financial statement line item. Financial and statistical data is also included here. This section includes forward-looking statements regarding our view of the remainder of 2019. 

• Liquidity and Capital Resources—an overview of our financial position, analysis of cash flows, and relevant contractual obligations and commitments.

THIRD QUARTER REVIEW

Our consolidated pretax income was $416 million during the third quarter of 2019, compared to $284 million in the third quarter of 2018. The increase in pretax profit was driven primarily by an increase in operating revenues of $177 million and a decrease in fuel expense of $27 million, offset by an increase in non-fuel operating expenses of $79 million.

See “Results of Operations” below for further discussion of changes in revenues and operating expenses and our reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Shareholder Return

During the third quarter of 2019, we paid cash dividends of $43 million and repurchased 465,354 shares for $28 million.

Labor Update

In June 2019, we reached a tentative agreement with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to integrate Airbus technicians into the collective bargaining agreement with Boeing technicians, as well as extend the term by two years. This tentative agreement was subsequently ratified by our technicians in July 2019. Also in June 2019, we reached a tentative agreement with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) for new five-year contracts for clerical, office, passenger service, ramp service and stores agents employees, which was subsequently ratified in September 2019. Both the IAM and AMFA agreements included signing bonuses and wage rate increases that were implemented in the third quarter. The annual impact of these contracts thereafter is expected to be approximately $50 million. During the third quarter, we recognized $24 million in one-time costs for both the AMFA and IAM agreements.

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Income Taxes

In September 2019, the Internal Revenue Service clarified certain tax laws relating to bonus depreciation. The result of this clarification was a $10 million one-time decrease to our income tax expense in the third quarter.

Outlook

With the integration largely behind us, we are focused on improving our returns with the long-term goal of achieving 13% to 15% pretax margins over the business cycle. Current year revenue initiatives, including our Saver Fare product, are providing meaningful revenue growth. We continue to benefit from the full synergies expected as a result of the merger, with the full run rate expected by 2021. Through cross-fleeting we have moved larger gauge, lower unit cost aircraft into markets with high demand, which we anticipate will continue to benefit our results into 2020. This flexibility with our fleet allows us to evaluate all existing and potential new routes, including aircraft type, so that we can maximize our margins and provide the best network utility for our guests.

As we move through 2019, we continue to work on a number of notable guest experience projects. By year-end, we expect that more than half of our Mainline fleet will be equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, and that more than half of our Airbus fleet will be retrofitted with updated cabin interiors. These important projects will provide our guests with a more cohesive and connected Alaska experience. In July, we opened our new flagship lounge in the North Satellite of Sea-Tac Airport, and are working closely with the Port of Seattle to open a state-of-the-art 20-gate North Satellite Concourse by Summer 2021. During the third quarter, we also began work on our new lounge at San Francisco International Airport, which is expected to open in early 2020. These projects, along with our ongoing rotation of on-board menu offerings, refreshed aircraft interiors, and expanded and updated airport lounges, demonstrates our commitment to providing our guests more options and significant value. Combined, we expect our revenue initiatives and synergies will contribute $330 million of revenue in 2019.

We expect to grow our combined network capacity by approximately 2.1% in 2019, and approximately 3% - 4% in 2020. Current schedules indicate competitive capacity will increase by approximately 2% in the fourth quarter of 2019, and increase approximately 4% in the first quarter of 2020. We believe that our product, operation, engaged employees, award-winning service, and competitive Mileage Plan™ program, combined with our strong balance sheet and focus on low costs, give us a competitive advantage in our markets.

Other events

On November 6, 2019, the Board of Directors of Horizon Air elected Joseph A. Sprague to serve as President of Horizon Air, effective immediately.  Mr. Sprague previously retired from Alaska Airlines after serving at the company for 17 years in a variety of key leadership positions, including senior vice president of external relations, vice president of marketing and vice president of Alaska Air Cargo.  Mr. Sprague will succeed Gary L. Beck who has been elected by the Board of Directors of Alaska Airlines to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Alaska, effective immediately.  Prior to his time at Horizon Air, Mr. Beck was vice president of Alaska’s flight operations division from 2008 to 2015.  Mr. Beck will report to Ben Minicucci, who will continue to serve as Alaska’s President.  Both Mr. Sprague and Mr. Beck will serve on the Company’s Executive Committee.   

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ADJUSTED (NON-GAAP) RESULTS AND PER-SHARE AMOUNTS

We believe disclosure of earnings excluding the impact of merger-related costs, mark-to-market gains or losses or other individual special revenues or expenses is useful information to investors because:

• By excluding fuel expense and certain special items (including merger-related costs) from our unit metrics, we believe that we have better visibility into the results of operations and our non-fuel cost initiatives. Our industry is highly competitive and is characterized by high fixed costs, so even a small reduction in non-fuel operating costs can lead to a significant improvement in operating results. In addition, we believe that all domestic carriers are similarly impacted by changes in jet fuel costs over the long run, so it is important for management (and thus investors) to understand the impact of (and trends in) company-specific cost drivers, such as labor rates and productivity, airport costs, maintenance costs, etc., which are more controllable by management.

• Cost per ASM (CASM) excluding fuel and certain special items, such as merger-related costs, is one of the most important measures used by management and by the Air Group Board of Directors in assessing quarterly and annual cost performance.

• Adjusted income before income tax and CASM excluding fuel (and other items as specified in our plan documents) are important metrics for the employee annual cash incentive plan, which covers the majority of employees within the Air Group organization.

• CASM excluding fuel and certain special items is a measure commonly used by industry analysts and we believe it is an important metric by which they compare our airlines to others in the industry. The measure is also the subject of frequent questions from investors.

• Disclosure of the individual impact of certain noted items provides investors the ability to measure and monitor performance both with and without these special items. We believe that disclosing the impact of certain items, such as merger-related costs, and mark-to-market hedging adjustments, is important because it provides information on significant items that are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Industry analysts and investors consistently measure our performance without these items for better comparability between periods and among other airlines.

• Although we disclose our unit revenues, we do not (nor are we able to) evaluate unit revenues excluding the impact that changes in fuel costs have had on ticket prices. Fuel expense represents a large percentage of our total operating expenses. Fluctuations in fuel prices often drive changes in unit revenues in the mid-to-long term. Although we believe it is useful to evaluate non-fuel unit costs for the reasons noted above, we would caution readers of these financial statements not to place undue reliance on unit costs excluding fuel as a measure or predictor of future profitability because of the significant impact of fuel costs on our business.

Although we are presenting these non-GAAP amounts for the reasons above, investors and other readers should not necessarily conclude that these amounts are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual in nature.

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OPERATING STATISTICS SUMMARY (unaudited)

Below are operating statistics we use to measure operating performance. We often refer to unit revenues and adjusted unit costs, which are non-GAAP measures.

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019	2018	Change	2019	2018	Change
Consolidated Operating Statistics:(a)
Revenue passengers (000)	12,574	12,128	3.7%	35,018	34,685	1.0%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	15,026	14,386	4.4%	42,113	41,272	2.0%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	17,519	16,943	3.4%	50,006	49,256	1.5%
Load factor	85.8%	84.9%	0.9 pts	84.2%	83.8%	0.4 pts
Yield	14.71¢	14.20¢	3.6%	14.34¢	13.87¢	3.4%
RASM	13.64¢	13.05¢	4.5%	13.10¢	12.59¢	4.1%
CASM excluding fuel and special items(b)	8.43¢	8.15¢	3.4%	8.59¢	8.35¢	2.9%
Economic fuel cost per gallon(b)	$2.13	$2.33	(8.6)%	$2.18	$2.26	(3.5)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	227	218	4.1%	646	631	2.4%
ASMs per fuel gallon	77.2	77.7	(0.6)%	77.4	78.1	(0.9)%
Average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)	22,247	21,804	2.0%	22,000	21,575	2.0%
Mainline Operating Statistics:
Revenue passengers (000)	9,655	9,435	2.3%	26,725	27,107	(1.4)%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	13,538	13,096	3.4%	37,917	37,677	0.6%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	15,702	15,343	2.3%	44,816	44,730	0.2%
Load factor	86.2%	85.4%	0.8 pts	84.6%	84.2%	0.4 pts
Yield	13.66¢	13.18¢	3.6%	13.29¢	12.95¢	2.6%
RASM	12.83¢	12.28¢	4.5%	12.30¢	11.90¢	3.4%
CASM excluding fuel and special items(b)	7.81¢	7.34¢	6.4%	7.91¢	7.58¢	4.4%
Economic fuel cost per gallon(b)	$2.13	$2.32	(8.2)%	$2.17	$2.25	(3.6)%
Fuel gallons (000,000)	193	189	2.1%	549	549	—%
ASMs per fuel gallon	81.4	81.2	0.2%	81.6	81.5	0.1%
Average FTEs	16,789	16,499	1.8%	16,599	16,330	1.6%
Aircraft utilization	11.3	11.4	(0.9)%	10.9	11.4	(4.4)%
Average aircraft stage length	1,281	1,291	(0.8)%	1,298	1,293	0.4%
Operating fleet	238	231	7 a/c	238	231	7 a/c
Regional Operating Statistics:(c)
Revenue passengers (000)	2,919	2,693	8.4%	8,293	7,578	9.4%
RPMs (000,000) "traffic"	1,488	1,290	15.3%	4,196	3,595	16.7%
ASMs (000,000) "capacity"	1,817	1,600	13.6%	5,190	4,526	14.7%
Load factor	81.9%	80.6%	1.3 pts	80.8%	79.4%	1.4 pts
Yield	24.23¢	24.50¢	(1.1)%	23.81¢	23.49¢	1.4%
RASM	20.51¢	20.41¢	0.5%	19.93¢	19.32¢	3.2%
Operating fleet	94	89	5 a/c	94	89	5 a/c

(a) Except for FTEs, data includes information related to third-party regional capacity purchase flying arrangements.

(b) See reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most directly related GAAP measure in the accompanying pages.

(c) Data presented includes information related to flights operated by Horizon and third-party carriers.

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COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Our consolidated net income for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $322 million, or $2.60 per diluted share, compared to net income of $217 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Excluding the impact of merger-related costs and mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments, our adjusted net income for the third quarter of 2019 was $326 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net income of $237 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018. The following tables reconcile our adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share (EPS) to amounts as reported in accordance with GAAP:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019						2018
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars			Diluted EPS			Dollars			Diluted EPS
GAAP net income and diluted EPS	$	322		$	2.60		$	217		$	1.75
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	—			—			5			0.04
Special items - merger-related costs	5			0.04			22			0.18
Income tax effect of reconciling items above	(1		)	(0.01		)	(7		)	(0.06		)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income and diluted EPS	$	326		$	2.63		$	237		$	1.91

CASM reconciliation is summarized below:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in cents)	2019			2018			% Change
Consolidated:
CASM		11.23	¢		11.30	¢	(1	)%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.77			3.02			(8	)%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.03			0.13			(77	)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items		8.43	¢		8.15	¢	3	%
Mainline:
CASM		10.46	¢		10.37	¢	1	%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.62			2.89			(9	)%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.03			0.14			(79	)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items		7.81	¢		7.34	¢	6	%

OPERATING REVENUES

Total operating revenues increased $177 million, or 8%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The changes are summarized in the following table:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Passenger revenue	$	2,211	$	2,043	8	%
Mileage Plan other revenue	118		114		4	%
Cargo and other	60		55		9	%
Total operating revenues	$	2,389	$	2,212	8	%

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Passenger Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the third quarter of 2019 increased by $168 million, or 8%, on a 3.6% increase in yield and a 3.4% increase in traffic. The increase in yield is primarily a result of current year revenue initiatives, implemented as a broader plan to drive revenue growth, realized synergies from our acquisition of Virgin America, and a 16% increase in premium seat revenue, including First and Premium class product offerings. Increased traffic was driven by new routes and aircraft added to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses increased $52 million, or 3%, compared to the third quarter of 2018. We believe it is useful to summarize operating expenses as follows, which is consistent with the way expenses are reported internally and evaluated by management:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Fuel expense	$	486	$	513	(5	)%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	1,476		1,380		7	%
Special items - merger-related costs	5		22		(77	)%
Total operating expenses	$	1,967	$	1,915	3	%

Fuel Expense

Aircraft fuel expense includes raw fuel expense (as defined below) plus the effect of mark-to-market adjustments to our fuel hedge portfolio as the value of that portfolio increases and decreases. Our aircraft fuel expense can be volatile because it includes these gains or losses in the value of the underlying instrument as crude oil prices and refining margins increase or decrease. Raw fuel expense is defined as the price that we generally pay at the airport, or the “into-plane” price, including taxes and fees. Raw fuel prices are impacted by world oil prices and refining costs, which can vary by region in the U.S.  Raw fuel expense approximates cash paid to suppliers and does not reflect the effect of our fuel hedges.

Aircraft fuel expense decreased $27 million, or 5%, compared to the third quarter of 2018. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table: 

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019				2018
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts)	Dollars		Cost/Gal		Dollars			Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost	$	481	$	2.11	$	520		$	2.38
(Gains) losses on settled hedges	5		0.02		(12		)	(0.05		)
Consolidated economic fuel expense	486		2.13		$	508		$	2.33
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	—		—		5			0.02
GAAP fuel expense	$	486	$	2.13	$	513		$	2.35
Fuel gallons	227				218

Raw fuel expense per gallon for the three months ended September 30, 2019 decreased by approximately 11% due to lower West Coast jet fuel prices. West Coast jet fuel prices are impacted by both the price of crude oil and refining margins associated with the conversion of crude oil to jet fuel. The decrease in raw fuel price per gallon during the third quarter of 2019 was primarily driven by a 19% decrease in crude oil prices, partially offset by a 4% increase in refining margins, when compared to the prior year. Fuel gallons consumed increased by 9 million gallons, or 4%, primarily due to increased capacity.

We also evaluate economic fuel expense, which we define as raw fuel expense adjusted for the cash we receive from, or pay to, hedge counterparties for hedges that settle during the period, and for the premium expense that we paid for those contracts. A key difference between aircraft fuel expense and economic fuel expense is the timing of gain or loss recognition on our hedge portfolio. When we refer to economic fuel expense, we include gains and losses only when they are realized for those contracts that were settled during the period based on their original contract terms. We believe this is the best measure of the effect that fuel prices are currently having on our business as it most closely approximates the net cash outflow associated with purchasing

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fuel for our operations. Accordingly, many industry analysts evaluate our results using this measure, and it is the basis for most internal management reporting and incentive pay plans.

Losses recognized for hedges that settled during the third quarter were $5 million in 2019, compared to gains of $12 million in the same period in 2018. These amounts represent cash received from hedges at settlement, offset by cash paid for premium expense.

Non-fuel Expenses

The table below provides the reconciliation of the operating expense line items, excluding fuel and special items. Significant operating expense variances from 2018 are more fully described below.

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Wages and benefits	$	608	$	549	11	%
Variable incentive pay	46		27		70	%
Aircraft maintenance	106		107		(1	)%
Aircraft rent	82		82		—	%
Landing fees and other rentals	143		135		6	%
Contracted services	72		70		3	%
Selling expenses	77		79		(3	)%
Depreciation and amortization	106		99		7	%
Food and beverage service	57		53		8	%
Third-party regional carrier expense	42		38		11	%
Other	137		141		(3	)%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	1,476	$	1,380	7	%

Wages and Benefits

Wages and benefits increased during the third quarter of 2019 by $59 million, or 11%, compared to 2018. The primary components of Wages and benefits are shown in the following table:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Wages	$	460	$	412	12	%
Pension—Defined benefit plans service cost	10		12		(17	)%
Defined contribution plans	34		30		13	%
Medical and other benefits	71		65		9	%
Payroll taxes	33		30		10	%
Total wages and benefits	$	608	$	549	11	%

Wages increased $48 million, or 12%, on a 2% growth in FTEs. The increase is primarily due to the recognition of approximately $24 million during the quarter in one-time costs following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, as well as the impact of increased wage rates for our labor groups as compared to the prior year period.

Medical and other benefits expense increased $6 million, or 9%, primarily due to increased volume of high-dollar value medical claims as compared to the prior-year period, and an overall cost increase in medical services and products.

Variable Incentive Pay

Variable incentive pay expense increased $19 million, or 70%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily the result of adjustments taken in the third quarter of 2018 to revise the estimate of full year performance-based pay based on tracking in relation to 2018 goals.

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Landing fees and other rentals

Landing fees and other rental expense increased by $8 million, or 6%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily due to an increase in capacity of 3.4% as compared to the prior year period, as well as rate increases at many of our West Coast airports, including our hub airports.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased by $7 million, or 7%, during the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to the addition of 14 owned E175s and six owned B737-900ERs to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.

Special Items - Merger-related Costs

We recorded special items of $5 million in the third quarter of 2019 for merger-related costs associated with our acquisition of Virgin America, compared to $22 million in the same period of 2018. Costs incurred in the third quarter of 2019 are primarily a result of certain technology integration costs.

ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

Refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of each segment. Below is a summary of each segment's profitability.

Mainline

Mainline recorded pretax profit of $378 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to $314 million in the third quarter of 2018. The $64 million increase in pretax profit was primarily driven by a $123 million increase in Passenger revenues and a $27 million decrease in economic fuel cost, partially offset by a $100 million increase in non-fuel operating expenses.

The increase in Mainline passenger revenue for the third quarter of 2019 was primarily driven by the impact of our revenue initiatives and synergies, as well as continued improvement in our trans-con markets as compared to the prior year.

Lower raw fuel prices, partially offset by a slight increase in gallons consumed, drove the decrease in Mainline fuel expense. Non-fuel operating expenses increased due to higher wages and benefits as a result of new wage rates and signing bonuses following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, increased variable pay expense as described further above, and higher aircraft ownership costs as we continue to add to our Mainline fleet.

Regional

Regional operations generated a pretax profit of $23 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a pretax loss of $13 million in the third quarter of 2018. The shift to pretax profit was attributable to a $47 million increase in operating revenues, partially offset by a $5 million increase in fuel costs and an $8 million increase in non-fuel operating expenses.

Regional passenger revenue increased 14% compared to the third quarter of 2018, primarily driven by a 14% increase in capacity. The increase in capacity is due to an increase in departures from new E175 deliveries, and an increase in average aircraft stage length.

The increase in non-fuel operating expenses is primarily due to the 14% increase in capacity.

Horizon

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of $11 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a pretax profit of $7 million in the third quarter of 2018. Increased profit is primarily due to a reduction in operating costs on higher productivity, combined with increased flying over the prior year.

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COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

Our consolidated net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $588 million, or $4.74 per diluted share, compared to net income of $414 million, or $3.34 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Our adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $617 million, or $4.97 per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net income of $461 million, or $3.72 per diluted share, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following tables reconcile our adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS to amounts as reported in accordance with GAAP:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019						2018
(in millions, except per share amounts)	Dollars			Diluted EPS			Dollars			Diluted EPS
Reported GAAP net income and diluted EPS	$	588		$	4.74		$	414		$	3.34
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	(1		)	(0.01		)	(30		)	(0.24		)
Special items - merger-related costs	39			0.31			67			0.54
Special items - other(a)	—			—			25			0.20
Income tax effect of reconciling items above	(9		)	(0.07		)	(15		)	(0.12		)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income and diluted EPS	$	617		$	4.97		$	461		$	3.72

Our operating costs per ASM are summarized below:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in cents)	2019			2018			% Change
Consolidated:
CASM		11.48	¢		11.38	¢	1	%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.82			2.84			(1	)%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.07			0.14			(49	)%
Special items - other(a)	—			0.05			(100	)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items		8.59	¢		8.35	¢	3	%
Mainline:
CASM		10.65	¢		10.49	¢	2	%
Less the following components:
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	2.65			2.70			(2	)%
Special items - merger-related costs	0.09			0.15			(40	)%
Special items - other(a)	—			0.06			(100	)%
CASM excluding fuel and special items		7.91	¢		7.58	¢	4	%

(a) Special items - other is the employee tax reform bonus awarded in January 2018.

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OPERATING REVENUES

Total operating revenues increased $353 million, or 6%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The changes are summarized in the following table:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Passenger revenue	$	6,038	$	5,724	5	%
Mileage Plan other revenue	346		329		5	%
Cargo and other	169		147		15	%
Total operating revenues	$	6,553	$	6,200	6	%

Passenger Revenue

On a consolidated basis, Passenger revenue for the first nine months of 2019 increased by $314 million, or 5%, on a 2% increase in capacity, 3% higher ticket yields and a slight increase in load factor. The increase in capacity was driven by our continued network expansion and fleet growth. Increased yields are largely the result of current year revenue initiatives implemented as a broader plan to drive revenue growth and the realization of synergies from our acquisition of Virgin America.

Mileage Plan other revenue

On a consolidated basis, Mileage Plan other revenue increased $17 million, or 5%, in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018, due largely to increased commissions received from our affinity card partner from growth in overall cardholders.

Cargo and other

On a consolidated basis, Cargo and other revenue increased $22 million, or 15%, in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase is primarily attributable to increased freight and mail volumes on our freighters as a result of new contracts entered into in late 2018 and revenue from our subleased slots at LaGuardia and Reagan National airports.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses increased $139 million, or 2%, compared to the first nine months of 2018. We believe it is useful to summarize operating expenses as follows, which is consistent with the way expenses are reported internally and evaluated by management:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Fuel expense	$	1,408	$	1,397	1	%
Non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	4,295		4,114		4	%
Special items - merger-related costs	39		67		(42	)%
Special items - other	—		25		NM
Total operating expenses	$	5,742	$	5,603	2	%

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Fuel Expense

Aircraft fuel expense increased $11 million, or 1%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The elements of the change are illustrated in the following table: 

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019					2018
(in millions, except for per gallon amounts)	Dollars			Cost/Gal		Dollars			Cost/Gal
Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost	$	1,397		$	2.16	$	1,450		$	2.30
(Gains) losses on settled hedges	12			0.02		(23		)	(0.04		)
Consolidated economic fuel expense	1,409			2.18		$	1,427		$	2.26
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	(1		)	—		(30		)	(0.05		)
GAAP fuel expense	$	1,408		$	2.18	$	1,397		$	2.21
Fuel gallons	646					631

The raw fuel price per gallon decreased 6% due to lower West Coast jet fuel prices. West Coast jet fuel prices are impacted by both the price of crude oil, as well as refining margins associated with the conversion of crude oil to jet fuel. The decrease in raw fuel price per gallon during the first nine months of 2019 was driven by a 15% decrease in crude oil prices, partially offset by a 15% increase in refining margins.

Losses recognized for hedges that settled in the first nine months of 2019 were $12 million, compared to gains of $23 million in the same period in 2018. These amounts represent cash received from settled hedges, offset by cash paid for premium expense.

We currently expect our economic fuel price per gallon to be approximately 8% lower in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to our current estimate of lower crude prices, partially offset by increased refining margins.

Non-fuel Expense and Non- special items

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Wages and benefits	$	1,732	$	1,629	6	%
Variable incentive pay	125		104		20	%
Aircraft maintenance	341		320		7	%
Aircraft rent	247		233		6	%
Landing fees and other rentals	388		371		5	%
Contracted services	214		227		(6	)%
Selling expenses	236		245		(4	)%
Depreciation and amortization	317		290		9	%
Food and beverage service	159		158		1	%
Third-party regional carrier expense	125		114		10	%
Other	411		423		(3	)%
Total non-fuel operating expenses, excluding special items	$	4,295	$	4,114	4	%

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Wages and Benefits

Wages and benefits increased during the first nine months of 2019 by $103 million, or 6%. The primary components of wages and benefits are shown in the following table:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019		2018		% Change
Wages	$	1,305	$	1,230	6	%
Pension—Defined benefit plans service cost	31		36		(14	)%
Defined contribution plans	100		88		14	%
Medical and other benefits	203		186		9	%
Payroll taxes	93		89		4	%
Total wages and benefits	$	1,732	$	1,629	6	%

Wages increased $75 million, or 6%, on a 2% increase in FTEs. The increase is primarily due to the recognition of approximately $24 million during the third quarter in one-time costs following the ratification of the AMFA and IAM contracts, as well as the impact of increased wage rates for our labor groups as compared to the prior year period.

Costs associated with our defined contribution plans increased $12 million, or 14%, primarily due to a step increase in employer contributions for our pilot workgroup, as well an overall increase to the eligible wage base.

Medical and other benefits expense increased $17 million, or 9%, primarily due to increased volume of high-dollar value medical claims as compared to the prior-year period as well as FTE growth.

For the full year, we expect wages and benefits to increase at a rate greater than capacity growth, due to higher wage rates for certain labor groups and higher medical and defined-contribution costs.

Variable Incentive Pay

Variable incentive pay expense increased $21 million, or 20%, during the first nine months of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily the result of a higher wage base and expectation of a higher payout rate for our annual bonus in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance expense increased by $21 million, or 7%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily due to heavier volumes from the timing of maintenance events, specifically from our Airbus aircraft, as compared to the prior-year period.

For the full year, we expect aircraft maintenance expense to be approximately 2 - 3% higher than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.

Aircraft Rent

Aircraft rent expense increased by $14 million, or 6%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to the annualization of expense for our leased E175s under our CPA agreement with SkyWest, and leased A321neos delivered in 2018 and 2019.

For the full year, we expect aircraft rent expense to be approximately 5 - 6% higher than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.

Contracted Services

Contracted services decreased by $13 million, or 6%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This decrease is primarily a result of lower contractor and consulting spend due to the timing of certain project work and an overall reduction in pricing from many of our vendor partners.

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For the full year, we expect contracted services expense to be approximately 6 - 7% lower than in 2018, for the reasons mentioned above.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $27 million, or 9%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to the addition of 14 owned E175s and six owned B737-900ERs to our fleet since the third quarter of 2018.

For the full year, we expect depreciation and amortization to be approximately 8 - 9% higher than 2018 for the reasons mentioned above.

Third-party Regional Carrier Expense

Third-party regional carrier expense, which represents payments made to SkyWest and PenAir under our CPAs, increased $11 million, or 10%, during the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is primarily due to a 6.4% increase in capacity flown by SkyWest as compared to the prior year.

For the full year, we expect third-party regional carrier expense to be higher than 2018 due to increased flying by our regional partners.

Special Items—Merger-Related Costs

We recorded special items of $39 million in the first nine months of 2019 for merger-related costs associated with our acquisition of Virgin America, compared to $67 million in the first nine months of 2018. Costs incurred in the first nine months of 2019 are primarily a result of expenses associated with Airbus flight attendant and pilot vacation balances, which were subject to a one-time true-up in accordance with the integrated labor agreements, as well as certain technology integration costs. We expect to incur merger-related costs for the remainder of 2019, although at a lesser rate.

ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

Refer to Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of each segment. Below is a summary of each segment's profitability.

Mainline

Mainline adjusted pretax profit was $761 million in the first nine months of 2019, compared to $671 million in the same period in 2018. The $90 million increase in pretax profit was driven by a $192 million increase in Mainline operating revenue and a $46 million decrease in Mainline fuel expense. These improvements were primarily offset by a $153 million increase in Mainline non-fuel operating expenses.

As compared to the prior year, increased Mainline revenues are primarily attributable to a 3% increase in yields, driven by our revenue initiatives and pricing improvements in many of our markets. Non-fuel operating expenses increased primarily due to increased aircraft ownership, wages and maintenance costs as compared to the prior year. Lower raw fuel prices drove the decrease in Mainline fuel expense.

Regional

Our Regional operations broke even in the first nine months of 2019, compared to a pretax loss of $82 million in the first nine months of 2018. The improvement was attributable to a $161 million increase in operating revenues, partially offset by a $28 million increase in fuel costs and a $62 million increase in non-fuel operating expenses. The increase in non-fuel operating expenses is primarily due to the 15% increase in capacity.

Horizon

Horizon achieved a pretax profit of $33 million in the first nine months of 2019, compared to pretax profit of $20 million in the same period in 2018, primarily due to improved cost management through better productivity and improved operational performance.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are:

• Our existing cash and marketable securities balance of $1.6 billion, and our expected cash from operations;

• Our 123 unencumbered aircraft that could be financed, if necessary;

• Our combined bank line-of-credit facilities, with no outstanding borrowings, of $400 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we took free and clear delivery of four B737-900ER and four E175 aircraft. We made net debt payments totaling $396 million, including the prepayment of certain loans, offset by new borrowings, undertaken as part of our broader plan of reducing balance sheet leverage and lowering interest expense. We also continued to return capital to our shareholders by paying dividends totaling $129 million and repurchasing $53 million of our common stock.

The table below presents the major indicators of financial condition and liquidity: 

(in millions)	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Change
Cash and marketable securities	$	1,619		$	1,236		31 %
Cash, marketable securities, and unused lines of credit as a percentage of trailing twelve months' revenue	23		%	20		%	3 pts
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	1,444		$	1,617		(11)%
Shareholders’ equity	$	4,252		$	3,751		13%

Debt-to-capitalization, adjusted for operating leases
(in millions)	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018			Change
Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	1,444		$	1,617		(11)%
Capitalized operating leases(a)	1,644			1,768			(a)
Adjusted debt	$	3,088		$	3,385		(9)%
Shareholders' equity	4,252			3,751			13%
Total invested capital	$	7,340		$	7,136		3%
Debt-to-capitalization, including operating leases	42		%	47		%	(5) pts

(a) Following the adoption of the new lease accounting standard on January 1, 2019, this represents the total capitalized Operating lease liability, whereas prior year periods were calculated utilizing the present value of aircraft lease payments. This change had no meaningful impact to the ratio.

We expect our debt-to-capitalization ratio to be approximately 41% by December.

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Net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent
(in millions)	September 30, 2019
Adjusted debt	$	3,088
Current portion of long-term debt	265
Total adjusted debt	3,353
Less: Cash and marketable securities	(1,619		)
Net adjusted debt	$	1,734
(in millions)	Last Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2019
GAAP Operating Income(a)	$	857
Adjusted for:
Special items	79
Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments	51
Depreciation and amortization	425
Aircraft rent	329
EBITDAR	$	1,741
Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR	1.0x

(a) Operating income can be reconciled using the trailing twelve month operating income as filed quarterly with the SEC.

The following discussion summarizes the primary drivers of the increase in our cash and marketable securities balance and our expectation of future cash requirements.

ANALYSIS OF OUR CASH FLOWS

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

For the first nine months of 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.4 billion, compared to $986 million during the same period in 2018. The $395 million increase in our operating cash flows is primarily attributable to a $174 million increase in net income, as well as a greater increase in our air traffic liability and higher depreciation and amortization expense in 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018. These increases were offset by a $65 million voluntary pension contribution made in the third quarter of 2019.

We typically generate positive cash flows from operations and expect to use that cash flow to purchase aircraft and capital equipment, make scheduled debt payments, and return capital to shareholders.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $708 million during the first nine months of 2019, compared to $333 million during the same period of 2018. Our capital expenditures were $527 million in the first nine months of 2019, a decrease of $27 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This is primarily driven by lower cash outlays for deliveries of and advance deposits on aircraft in 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Our net purchases of marketable securities were $218 million in the first nine months of 2019, compared to net sales of $185 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The shift to net purchases is primarily driven by stronger operating cash flows as compared to 2018. Internally, we analyze and manage our cash and marketable securities balance in the aggregate.

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The table below reflects our full-year expectation for capital expenditures based on our current intentions. It does not reflect our actual contractual obligations at this time, nor does it reflect the capital expenditures that would be incurred if we exercised options or cancelable purchase commitments that are available to us. We have options to acquire 37 B737 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2024, and options to acquire 30 E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2021 to 2023. Options will be exercised only if we believe return on invested capital targets can be met. The table below excludes any associated capitalized interest.

(in millions)	2019		2020
Expected capital expenditures	$	700	$	775

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $538 million during the first nine months of 2019 compared to $666 million during the same period in 2018. During the first nine months of 2019, we made debt payments of $752 million, including the prepayment of $532 million of debt, dividend payments totaling $129 million, and had $53 million in common stock repurchases. These payments were partially offset by the receipt of funds from new secured debt financing of $356 million in the first nine months of 2019.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

Aircraft Commitments

As of September 30, 2019, we have firm orders to purchase or lease 36 aircraft. We also have cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. We could incur a loss of pre-delivery payments and credits as a cancellation fee. We also have options to acquire 37 B737 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2024 and 30 E175 aircraft with deliveries from 2021 through 2023. In addition to the 32 E175 aircraft currently operated by SkyWest in our regional fleet, we have options in future periods to add regional capacity by having SkyWest operate up to eight more E175 aircraft.

The following table summarizes expected fleet activity by year as of September 30, 2019, and are subject to change:

	Actual Fleet	Expected Fleet Activity
Aircraft	September 30, 2019	2019 Additions	2019 Removals		December 31, 2019	2020 Changes		December 31, 2020
B737 Freighters	3	—	—		3	—		3
B737 Passenger Aircraft(a)	163	1	—		164	9		173
Airbus Passenger Aircraft	72	1	(2	)	71	(1	)	70
Total Mainline Fleet	238	2	(2	)	238	8		246
Q400 operated by Horizon(b)	32	2	(1	)	33	(1	)	32
E175 operated by Horizon	30	—	—		30	—		30
E175 operated by third party	32	—	—		32	—		32
Total Regional Fleet	94	2	(1	)	95	(1	)	94
Total	332	4	(3	)	333	7		340

(a) Two of the three B737 MAX9 aircraft that were originally scheduled for delivery in 2019 have been shifted to 2020 in light of the MAX grounding, based on our current estimate of the expected delivery dates.

(b) Two Q400 aircraft that were previously removed from our operating fleet will be returning to revenue service. We expect these additions to occur in late 2019.

For future firm orders and option exercises, we may finance the aircraft through cash flow from operations, long-term debt, or lease arrangements.

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Fuel Hedge Positions

All of our future oil positions are call options, which are designed to effectively cap the cost of the crude oil component of our jet fuel purchases. With call options, we are hedged against volatile crude oil price increases. During a period of decline in crude oil prices, we only forfeit cash previously paid for hedge premiums. Our crude oil positions are as follows:

	Approximate % of Expected Fuel Requirements		Weighted-Average Crude Oil Price per Barrel		Average Premium Cost per Barrel
Remainder 2019	50	%	$	74	$	2
First Quarter 2020	50	%	70		2
Second Quarter 2020	40	%	68		2
Third Quarter 2020	30	%	68		2
Fourth Quarter 2020	20	%	66		2
Full Year 2020	35	%	$	68	$	2
First Quarter 2021	10	%	63		2
Full Year 2021	2	%	$	63	$	2

Contractual Obligations

The following table provides a summary of our obligations as of September 30, 2019. For agreements with variable terms, amounts included reflect our minimum obligations.

(in millions)	Remainder of 2019		2020		2021		2022		2023		Beyond 2023		Total
Current and long-term debt obligations	$	63	$	268	$	313	$	274	$	234	$	565	$	1,717
Aircraft lease commitments	83		313		275		250		195		738		1,854
Facility lease commitments	3		10		9		6		6		89		123
Aircraft maintenance deposits	16		73		63		54		29		10		245
Aircraft purchase commitments	111		504		475		333		194		36		1,653
Interest obligations (a)	14		48		39		29		23		38		191
Other obligations (b)	34		152		173		181		186		1,079		1,805
Total	$	324	$	1,368	$	1,347	$	1,127	$	867	$	2,555	$	7,588

(a) For variable-rate debt, future obligations are shown above using forecasted interest rates as of September 30, 2019.

(b) Primarily comprised of non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.

Credit Card Agreements

We have agreements with a number of credit card companies to process the sale of tickets and other services. Under these agreements, there are material adverse change clauses that, if triggered, could result in the credit card companies holding back a reserve from our credit card receivables. Under one such agreement, we could be required to maintain a reserve if our credit rating is downgraded to or below a rating specified by the agreement or our cash and marketable securities balance fell below $500 million. Under another such agreement, we could be required to maintain a reserve if our cash and marketable securities balance fell below $500 million. We are not currently required to maintain any reserve under these agreements, but if we were, our financial position and liquidity could be materially harmed.

Deferred Income Taxes

For federal income tax purposes, the majority of our assets are fully depreciated over a seven-year life using an accelerated depreciation method or bonus depreciation, if available. For financial reporting purposes, the majority of our assets are depreciated over 15 to 25 years to an estimated salvage value using the straight-line basis. This difference has created a significant deferred tax liability. At some point in the future the depreciation basis will reverse, potentially resulting in an increase in income taxes paid.

While it is possible that we could have material cash obligations for this deferred liability at some point in the future, we cannot estimate the timing of long-term cash flows with reasonable accuracy. Taxable income and cash taxes payable in the short-term

39

are impacted by many items, including the amount of book income generated (which can be volatile depending on revenue and fuel prices), usage of net operating losses, whether "bonus depreciation" provisions are available, any future tax reform efforts at the federal level, as well as other legislative changes that are beyond our control. We believe that we will have the liquidity available to make our future tax payments.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates during the three months ended September 30, 2019. For information on our critical accounting estimates, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE TERMS

Aircraft Utilization - block hours per day; this represents the average number of hours per day our aircraft are in transit

Aircraft Stage Length - represents the average miles flown per aircraft departure

ASMs - available seat miles, or “capacity”; represents total seats available across the fleet multiplied by the number of miles flown

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CASM - operating costs per ASM, or "unit cost"; represents all operating expenses including fuel and special items

CASMex - operating costs excluding fuel and special items per ASM; this metric is used to help track progress toward reduction of non-fuel operating costs since fuel is largely out of our control

Debt-to-capitalization ratio - represents adjusted debt (long-term debt plus capitalized operating leases) divided by total equity plus adjusted debt

Diluted Earnings per Share - represents earnings per share (EPS) using fully diluted shares outstanding

Diluted Shares - represents the total number of shares that would be outstanding if all possible sources of conversion, such as stock options, were exercised

Economic Fuel - best estimate of the cash cost of fuel, net of the impact of settled fuel-hedging contracts in the period

Free Cash Flow - total operating cash flow generated less cash paid for capital expenditures

Load Factor - RPMs as a percentage of ASMs; represents the number of available seats that were filled with paying passengers

Mainline - represents flying Boeing 737, Airbus 320 family and Airbus 321neo jets and all associated revenues and costs

Net adjusted debt - long-term debt, including current portion, plus capitalized operating leases, less cash and marketable securities

Net adjusted debt to EBITDAR - represents net adjusted debt divided by EBITDAR (trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, special items and rent)

Productivity - number of revenue passengers per full-time equivalent employee

RASM - operating revenue per ASMs, or "unit revenue"; operating revenue includes all passenger revenue, freight & mail, Mileage Plan™ and other ancillary revenue; represents the average total revenue for flying one seat one mile

Regional - represents capacity purchased by Alaska from Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir. In this segment, Regional records actual on-board passenger revenue, less costs such as fuel, distribution costs, and payments made to Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir under the respective capacity purchase arrangement (CPAs). Additionally, Regional includes an allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance, other administrative costs incurred by Alaska and on behalf of Horizon.

RPMs - revenue passenger miles, or "traffic"; represents the number of seats that were filled with paying passengers; one passenger traveling one mile is one RPM

Yield - passenger revenue per RPM; represents the average revenue for flying one passenger one mile

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2019, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer (collectively, our “certifying officers”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in our periodic reports filed with or submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, and includes, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our certifying officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our certifying officers concluded, based on their evaluation, that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2019.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Our internal control over financial reporting is based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO Framework).

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PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to routine litigation matters incidental to our business. Management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters is not likely to materially affect our financial position or results of operations. This forward-looking statement is based on management’s current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.

In 2015, three flight attendants filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent all Virgin America flight attendants for damages based on alleged violations of California and City of San Francisco wage and hour laws. The court certified a class of approximately 1,800 flight attendants in November 2016. The Company believes the claims in this case are without factual and legal merit.

In July 2018, the Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, finding Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, as a successor-in-interest to Virgin America, responsible for various damages and penalties sought by the class members. On February 4, 2019, the Court entered final judgment against Virgin America and Alaska Airlines in the amount of approximately $78 million. It did not award injunctive relief against Alaska Airlines.

The Company is seeking an appellate court ruling that the California laws on which the judgment is based are invalid as applied to national airlines pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and federal law and for other employment law and improper class certification reasons. The Company remains confident that a higher court will respect the federal preemption principles that were enacted to shield inter-state common carriers from a patchwork of state and local wage and hour regulations such as those at issue in this case and agree with the Company's other bases for appeal. For these reasons, no loss has been accrued.

The Company is involved in other litigation around the application of state and local employment laws, like many air carriers. Our defenses are similar to those identified above, including that the state and local laws are preempted by federal law and are unconstitutional because they impede interstate commerce. None of these additional disputes are material.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors affecting our business, financial condition or future results from those set forth in Item 1A."Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

This table provides certain information with respect to our purchases of shares of our common stock during the third quarter of 2019.

	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Maximum remaining dollar value of shares that can be purchased under the plan (in millions)
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019	68,509	$	64.05
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019	279,370	58.99
September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019	117,475	64.26
Total	465,354	$	61.06	$	509

The shares were purchased pursuant to a $1 billion repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in August 2015.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1. Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.

/s/ CHRISTOPHER M. BERRY

Christopher M. Berry

Vice President Finance and Controller

November 7, 2019

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Form	Date of First Filing	Exhibit Number
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant	10-Q	August 3, 2017	3.1
31.1†	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	10-Q
31.2†	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	10-Q
32.1†	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	10-Q
32.2†	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	10-Q
101.INS†	XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH†	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL†	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF†	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB†	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE†	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
†	Filed herewith
*	Indicates management contract or compensatory plan arrangement

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EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Bradley D. Tilden, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-Q of Alaska Air Group, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2019;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

November 7, 2019

By	/s/ BRADLEY D. TILDEN
	Bradley D. Tilden
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Brandon S. Pedersen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-Q of Alaska Air Group, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2019;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

November 7, 2019

By	/s/ BRANDON S. PEDERSEN
	Brandon S. Pedersen
	Executive Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bradley D. Tilden, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 7, 2019

By	/s/ BRADLEY D. TILDEN
	Bradley D. Tilden
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Brandon S. Pedersen, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 7, 2019

By	/s/ BRANDON S. PEDERSEN
	Brandon S. Pedersen
	Executive Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 237	$ 105
Marketable securities	1,382	1,131
Total cash and marketable securities	1,619	1,236
Receivables - net	377	366
Inventories and supplies - net	63	60
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	143	125
Total Current Assets	2,202	1,787
Property and Equipment
Aircraft and other flight equipment	8,492	8,221
Other property and equipment	1,272	1,363
Deposits for future flight equipment	463	439
Property and Equipment Total	10,227	10,023
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,393	3,242
Total Property and Equipment - Net	6,834	6,781
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	1,647	0
Goodwill	1,943	1,943
Intangible assets - net	123	127
Other noncurrent assets	234	274
Other Assets	3,947	2,344
Total Assets	12,983	10,912
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	120	132
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	391	415
Air traffic liability	1,032	788
Other accrued liabilities	476	416
Deferred revenue, current	794	705
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	268	0
Current portion of long-term debt	265	486
Total Current Liabilities	3,346	2,942
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	1,444	1,617
Noncurrent Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	1,376	0
Deferred income taxes	708	512
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	1,177	1,169
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	467	503
Other liabilities	213	418
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	3,941	2,602
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2019 - 131,770,976 shares; 2018 - 130,813,476 shares, Outstanding: 2019 - 123,277,911 shares; 2018 - 123,194,430 shares	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	297	232
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2019 - 8,493,065 shares; 2018 - 7,619,046 shares	(621)	(568)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(421)	(448)
Retained earnings	4,996	4,534
Total Shareholders' Equity	4,252	3,751
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$ 12,983	$ 10,912

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						49 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 28	$ 12	$ 13	$ 12	$ 13	$ 13
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount								$ 1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)							6,700,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value							$ 491

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.061
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 3,460,000	$ 1,000	$ 164,000	$ (518,000)	$ (380,000)	$ 4,193,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	4,000					4,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,000				2,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.186)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(13,000)		0	(13,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	12,000		12,000
Dividends, Cash	(40,000)					(40,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.312
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.163
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	17,000		17,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(3,000)		(3,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2018	3,439,000	$ 1,000	190,000	(531,000)	(440,000)	4,219,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2017	3,460,000	1,000	164,000	(518,000)	(380,000)	4,193,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	414,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	14,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2018	3,791,000	$ 1,000	224,000	(556,000)	(428,000)	4,550,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.350
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2018	3,439,000	$ 1,000	190,000	(531,000)	(440,000)	4,219,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	193,000					193,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	5,000				5,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.204)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(13,000)			(13,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	9,000		9,000
Dividends, Cash	(39,000)					(39,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.058
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(1,000)		(1,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2018	3,593,000	$ 1,000	198,000	(544,000)	(435,000)	4,373,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.204
Net Income	217,000					217,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7,000				7,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.193)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(12,000)		0	(12,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	8,000		8,000
Dividends, Cash	$ (40,000)					(40,000)
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.32
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.320
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.030
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 18,000		18,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0		0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 3,791,000	$ 1,000	224,000	(556,000)	(428,000)	4,550,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.361
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	123,194,430	123.194
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 3,751,000	$ 1,000	232,000	(568,000)	(448,000)	4,534,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	4,000					4,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	15,000				15,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.215)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(13,000)		0	(13,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	12,000		12,000
Dividends, Cash	(43,000)					(43,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.391
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.134
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	20,000		20,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(3,000)		(3,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2019	3,746,000	$ 1,000	261,000	(581,000)	(433,000)	4,498,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Dec. 31, 2018	3,751,000	1,000	232,000	(568,000)	(448,000)	4,534,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	588,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	27,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2019	4,252,000	$ 1,000	297,000	(621,000)	(421,000)	4,996,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	3,000					3,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.504
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Mar. 31, 2019	3,746,000	$ 1,000	261,000	(581,000)	(433,000)	4,498,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	262,000					262,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	11,000				11,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.194)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(12,000)		0	(12,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	9,000		9,000
Dividends, Cash	(43,000)					(43,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.028
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Jun. 30, 2019	3,973,000	$ 1,000	270,000	(593,000)	(422,000)	4,717,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)		123.338
Net Income	322,000					322,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,000				1,000
Stock repurchased during period (shares)		(0.465)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(28,000)		0	(28,000)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	7,000		7,000
Dividends, Cash	$ (43,000)					(43,000)
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.35
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans		0.394
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		0.011
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 20,000		20,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	0		0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 4,252,000	$ 1,000	$ 297,000	$ (621,000)	$ (421,000)	$ 4,996,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	123,277,911	123.278

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LEASES SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Payments	$ 259
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	$ 47

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Activity for Marketable Securities

Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):

September 30, 2019	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	244	$	244
Due after one year through five years	1,105		1,118
Due after five years through 10 years	15		15
Total	$	1,364	$	1,377

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping

Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt at cost	$	567	$	639
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	2		3
Total fixed-rate debt	$	569	$	642
Estimated fair value	$	584	$	641

Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Total
Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities	$	379	$	—		$	379		$	293	$	—		$	293
Equity mutual funds	5		—			5			—		—			—
Foreign government bonds	—		25			25			—		26			26
Asset-backed securities	—		201			201			—		190			190
Mortgage-backed securities	—		142			142			—		92			92
Corporate notes and bonds	—		609			609			—		520			520
Municipal securities	—		21			21			—		10			10
Total Marketable securities	384		998			1,382			293		838			1,131
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options	—		7			7			—		4			4
Interest rate swap agreements	—		2			2			—		10			10
Total Assets	$	384	$	1,007		$	1,391		$	293	$	852		$	1,145
Liabilities
Derivative instruments
Interest rate swap agreements	—		(14		)	(14		)	—		(7		)	(7		)
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	(14	)	$	(14	)	$	—	$	(7	)	$	(7	)

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COMMITMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions

Future minimum payments for commitments, excluding operating leases, as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft Commitments(a)		Capacity Purchase Agreements (b)		Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2019	$	111	$	34	$	16
2020	504		145		73
2021	475		166		63
2022	333		174		54
2023	194		179		29
Thereafter	36		1,065		10
Total	$	1,653	$	1,763	$	245

(a) Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, buyer furnished equipment, and aircraft maintenance and parts management.

(b) Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,211	$ 2,043	$ 6,038	$ 5,724
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,868	1,744	5,099	4,864
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger ancillary revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	157	146	428	401
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Mileage Plan passenger revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	186	153	511	459
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,211	2,043	6,038	5,724
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	304	267	857	788
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	186	153	511	459
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	118	114	346	329
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	60	55	169	147
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	36	36	104	96
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 24	$ 19	$ 65	$ 51

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LONG-TERM DEBT

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029	$	569		$	642
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029	1,150			1,473
Less debt issuance costs	(10		)	(12		)
Total debt	1,709			2,103
Less current portion	265			486
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,444		$	1,617
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.4		%	4.1		%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	3.2		%	3.9		%

Approximately $745 million of the Company's total variable-rate notes payable are effectively fixed via interest rate swaps at September 30, 2019.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company made debt payments of $752 million, including the prepayment of $532 million of debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company obtained additional secured debt financing of $356 million from multiple lenders. The new debt is secured by a total of 12 aircraft.

At September 30, 2019 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

	Total
Remainder of 2019	$	63
2020	268
2021	313
2022	274
2023	234
Thereafter	565
Total	$	1,717

Bank Lines of Credit

The Company has three credit facilities with availability totaling $516 million as of September 30, 2019. All three facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One credit facility for $250 million expires in June 2021 and is secured by aircraft. The second credit facility for $116 million expires in July 2020, with a mechanism for annual renewal, and is secured by aircraft. A third credit facility for $150 million expires in March 2022 and is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The Company has secured letters of credit against the $116 million facility, but has no plans to borrow using either of the two other facilities. All three credit facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2019.

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock Repurchase

In August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2019, the Company has repurchased 6.7 million shares for $491 million under this program.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Related to marketable securities	$	10		$	(11	)
Related to employee benefit plans	(422		)	(440		)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(9		)	3
Total	$	(421	)	$	(448	)

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

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LEASES LEASES - LEASE COST (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Rate	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Rate
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 174	$ 494
Sublease Income	(3)	(9)
Lease, Cost	$ 171	$ 485
Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent | Rate	4.10%	4.10%
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 62	$ 186
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	6 years 8 months 12 days	6 years 8 months 12 days
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent | Rate	4.30%	4.30%
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 20	$ 61
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	9 years 6 months	9 years 6 months
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent | Rate	4.10%	4.10%
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 87	$ 233
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	10 years 2 months 12 days	10 years 2 months 12 days
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent | Rate	4.30%	4.30%
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 5	$ 14
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	36 years 4 months 24 days	36 years 4 months 24 days

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LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT - FUTURE PAYMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2019	$ 63
2020	268
2021	313
2022	274
2023	234
Thereafter	565
Total	$ 1,717

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 1,382	$ 1,131
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,391	1,145
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(14)	(7)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	384	293
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	384	293
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	998	838
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,007	852
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(14)	(7)
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	7	4
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	7	4
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	2	10
Derivative instruments, liabilities	14	7
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, assets	2	10
Derivative instruments, liabilities	14	7
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	379	293
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	379	293
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	5	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	5	0
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	25	26
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	25	26
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	201	190
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	201	190
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	142	92
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	142	92
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	609	520
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	609	520
Municipal securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	21	10
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 21	$ 10

XML

LEASES (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]

LEASES

In 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for certain operating leases. Under the new standard, a lessee must recognize a liability on the balance sheet representing the lease payments owed, and a lease asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)," which amended Topic 842 to provide a transition method that would not require adjusting comparative period financial information.

The Company transitioned to the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019 utilizing the alternative transition method. Upon transition, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of $3 million. The new standard eliminated build-to-suit lease accounting guidance and resulted in the derecognition of build-to-suit assets and liabilities of approximately $150 million each.

The Company elected certain practical expedients under the standard, including the practical expedient allowing a policy election to exclude from recognition short-term lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. Such expense was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Additionally, the Company elected the available package of practical expedients allowing for no reassessment of lease classification for existing leases, no reassessment of expired contracts, and no reassessments of initial direct costs for existing leases.

The Company has five asset classes for operating leases: aircraft, capacity purchase arrangements with aircraft (CPA aircraft), airport and terminal facilities, corporate real estate and other equipment. All capitalized lease assets have been recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 as Operating lease assets, with the corresponding liabilities recorded as Operating lease liabilities. Consistent with past accounting, operating rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

At September 30, 2019, the Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions):

	Operating lease assets
Aircraft	$	974
CPA aircraft	609
Airport and terminal facilities	18
Corporate real estate and other	46
Total Operating lease assets	$	1,647

Aircraft

At September 30, 2019, the Company had operating leases for 10 Boeing 737 (B737), 62 Airbus, and eight Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Additionally, the Company operates 32 Embraer 175 (E175) aircraft through its capacity purchase arrangement with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest). Remaining lease terms for these aircraft extend up to 12 years, with options to extend, subject to negotiation at the end of the term. As extension is not certain, and rates are highly likely to be renegotiated, the extended term is only capitalized when it is reasonably determinable. While aircraft rent is primarily fixed, certain leases contain rental adjustments throughout the lease term which would be recognized as variable expense as incurred. Variable lease expense for aircraft was $1 million and $4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Capacity purchase agreements with aircraft (CPA aircraft)

At September 30, 2019, Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity under a CPA with Alaska. Alaska also has CPAs with SkyWest to fly certain routes in the Lower 48 and Canada, and with Peninsula Aviation Services, Inc., (PenAir) to fly certain routes in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services. As Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary, intercompany leases between Alaska and Horizon have not been recognized under the standard. The agreement with PenAir does not contain a leasing arrangement, resulting in no asset or liability recognized.

Remaining lease terms for CPA aircraft range from 8 years to 11 years. Financial arrangements of the CPAs include a fixed component, representing the costs to operate each aircraft and is capitalized under the new lease accounting standard. CPAs also include variable rent based on actual levels of flying, which is expensed as incurred. Variable lease expense for CPA aircraft for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was not material.

Airport and terminal facilities

The Company leases ticket counters, gates, cargo and baggage space, ground equipment, office space and other support areas at numerous airports. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components. The majority of airport and terminal facility leases are not capitalized because they do not meet the definition of controlled assets under the standard, or because the lease payments are entirely variable. For airports where leased assets are identified, and where the contract includes fixed lease payments, operating lease assets and lease liabilities have been recorded. The Company is also commonly responsible for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services under these agreements. These costs are recognized as variable expense in the period incurred. Airport and terminal facilities variable lease expense was $86 million and $231 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

In 2018, the Company leased 12 airport slots at LaGuardia Airport and eight airport slots at Reagan National Airport to a third party. For these leases, the Company recorded $3 million and $9 million of lease income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Corporate real estate and other leases

Leased corporate real estate is primarily for office space in hub cities, data centers, land leases, and reservation centers. For this asset class, the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components under the standard. Other leased assets are comprised of other ancillary contracts and items including leased flight simulators and spare engines. Variable lease expense related to corporate real estate and other leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $8 million.

Components of Lease Expense

The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows (in millions):

	Classification	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Expense
Aircraft	Aircraft rent	$	62		$	186
CPA aircraft	Aircraft rent	20			61
Airport and terminal facilities	Landing fees and other rentals	87			233
Corporate real estate and other	Landing fees and other rentals	5			14
Total lease expense		$	174		$	494
Revenue
Lease income	Cargo and other revenues	(3		)	(9		)
Net lease impact		$	171		$	485

Total rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $165 million and $455 million, respectively.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for capitalized operating leases	$	259
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	47

Lease Term and Discount Rate

As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company generally utilizes the incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on information available at the commencement date of the lease to determine the present value of lease payments. The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at September 30, 2019:

	Weighted Average IBR		Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Aircraft	4.1	%	6.7
CPA aircraft	4.3	%	9.5
Airports and terminal facilities	4.1	%	10.2
Corporate real estate and other	4.3	%	36.4

Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft			CPA Aircraft			Airport and Terminal Facilities			Corporate Real Estate & Other
Remainder of 2019	$	63		$	20		1			$	2
2020	234			79			3			7
2021	196			79			3			6
2022	171			79			2			4
2023	116			79			2			4
Thereafter	330			408			12			77
Total lease payments	$	1,110		$	744		$	23		$	100
Less: Imputed interest	(140		)	(135		)	(4		)	(54		)
Total operating lease liabilities	$	970		$	609		$	19		$	46

All future lease contracts have remaining non-cancelable lease terms ranging from 2019 to 2031.

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OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

Alaska Air Group has two operating airlines—Alaska (including Virgin America after the single operating certificate was received in January 2018) and Horizon. Each is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Alaska has CPAs for regional capacity with Horizon, as well as with third-party carriers SkyWest and PenAir, under which Alaska receives all passenger revenues.

Under U.S. GAAP, operating segments are defined as components of a business for which there is discrete financial information that is regularly assessed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) in making resource allocation decisions. Financial performance for the operating airlines and CPAs is managed and reviewed by the Company's CODM as part of three reportable operating segments:

• Mainline - includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing or Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S., and in parts of Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

• Regional - includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation for passengers across a shorter distance network within the U.S. under CPAs. This segment includes the actual revenues and expenses associated with regional flying, as well as an allocation of corporate overhead incurred by Air Group on behalf of the regional operations.

• Horizon - includes the capacity sold to Alaska under CPA. Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs and maintenance costs.

The CODM makes resource allocation decisions for these reporting segments based on flight profitability data, aircraft type, route economics and other financial information.

The "Consolidating and Other" column reflects Air Group parent company activity, McGee Air Services, consolidating entries and other immaterial business units of the company. The “Air Group Adjusted” column represents a non-GAAP measure that is used by the Company's CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results.

Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,850		$	361	$	—		$	—		$	2,211		$	—		$	2,211
CPA revenues	—			—		112			(112		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	107			11		—			—			118			—			118
Cargo and other	58			1		—			1			60			—			60
Total operating revenues	2,015			373		112			(111		)	2,389			—			2,389
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,226			275		94			(119		)	1,476			5			1,481
Economic fuel	411			75		—			—			486			—			486
Total operating expenses	1,637			350		94			(119		)	1,962			5			1,967
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	17			—		—			(6		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(18		)	—		(7		)	7			(18		)	—			(18		)
Interest capitalized	4			—		—			—			4			—			4
Other - net	(3		)	—		—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	—			—		(7		)	1			(6		)	—			(6		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	378		$	23	$	11		$	9		$	421		$	(5	)	$	416

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,727		$	316		$	—		$	—		$	2,043		$	—		$	2,043
CPA revenues	—			—			128			(128		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	104			10			—			—			114			—			114
Cargo and other	53			—			2			—			55			—			55
Total operating revenues	1,884			326			130			(128		)	2,212			—			2,212
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,126			267			118			(131		)	1,380			22			1,402
Economic fuel	438			70			—			—			508			5			513
Total operating expenses	1,564			337			118			(131		)	1,888			27			1,915
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			(4		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(20		)	—			(6		)	4			(22		)	—			(22		)
Interest capitalized	4			—			1			—			5			—			5
Other - net	(5		)	(2		)	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(6		)	(2		)	(5		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	314		$	(13	)	$	7		$	3		$	311		$	(27	)	$	284

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	5,039		$	999	$	—		$	—		$	6,038		$	—		$	6,038
CPA revenues	—			—		340			(340		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	312			34		—			—			346			—			346
Cargo and other	163			2		1			3			169			—			169
Total operating revenues	5,514			1,035		341			(337		)	6,553			—			6,553
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,545			817		286			(353		)	4,295			39			4,334
Economic fuel	1,191			218		—			—			1,409			(1		)	1,408
Total operating expenses	4,736			1,035		286			(353		)	5,704			38			5,742
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	50			—		—			(19		)	31			—			31
Interest expense	(58		)	—		(22		)	20			(60		)	—			(60		)
Interest capitalized	11			—		—			—			11			—			11
Other - net	(20		)	—		—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(17		)	—		(22		)	1			(38		)	—			(38		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	761		$	—	$	33		$	17		$	811		$	(38	)	$	773

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	4,879		$	845		$	—		$	—		$	5,724		$	—		$	5,724
CPA revenues	—			—			375			(375		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	301			28			—			—			329			—			329
Cargo and other	142			1			4			—			147			—			147
Total operating revenues	5,322			874			379			(375		)	6,200			—			6,200
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,392			755			345			(378		)	4,114			92			4,206
Economic fuel	1,237			190			—			—			1,427			(30		)	1,397
Total operating expenses	4,629			945			345			(378		)	5,541			62			5,603
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	39			—			—			(10		)	29			—			29
Interest expense	(64		)	—			(16		)	9			(71		)	—			(71		)
Interest capitalized	12			—			2			—			14			—			14
Other - net	(9		)	(11		)	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)	(11		)	(14		)	(1		)	(48		)	—			(48		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	671		$	(82	)	$	20		$	2		$	611		$	(62	)	$	549

(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.

(b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges.

(c) Includes merger-related costs, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and other special items.

Total assets were as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Mainline	$	19,129		$	16,853
Horizon	1,231			1,229
Consolidating & Other	(7,377		)	(7,170		)
Consolidated	$	12,983		$	10,912

XML

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (10)		$ (12)
Total	1,709		2,103
Less current portion	265		486
Long-term debt, less current portion	$ 1,444		$ 1,617
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.40%		4.10%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	3.20%		3.90%
Long-term debt payments	$ 752	$ 544
Repayments of Debt	532
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	569		$ 642
Variable rate notes payable due through 2029 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	1,150		$ 1,473
Variable Rate debt with interest rate swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 745

XML

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Contract Liabilities Activity (Details) - Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$ 1,831	$ 1,874	$ 1,725
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued		692	631
Total Deferred Revenue balance at September 30		1,971
Passenger revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized		(511)	(459)
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Revenue recognized		$ (84)	$ (66)

XML

LEASES LEASES - NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) aircraft	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) aircraft	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense			$ 165		$ 455
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						$ 3
Sublease Income		$ 3		$ 9
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B-737 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft		10		10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Airbus [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft		62		62
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Q400 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft		8		8
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | E175 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft		32		32
Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost		$ 1		$ 4
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost		$ 86		231
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost				$ 8
Retained Earnings [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption						$ 3
Minimum [Member] | CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract		8 years		8 years
Maximum [Member] | Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract		12 years		12 years
Maximum [Member] | CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract		11 years		11 years
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 150

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	131,770,976	130,813,476
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	123,277,911	123,194,430
Treasury Stock, Shares (shares)	8,493,065	7,619,046

XML

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVIDEND (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.32
Payments of Dividends			$ 129	$ 118

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 588	$ 414
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	317	290
Stock-based compensation and other	20	34
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Changes in deferred tax provision	187	122
Increase in air traffic liability	244	144
Increase in deferred revenue	97	106
Pension contribution	(65)	0
Other—net	(7)	(124)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,381	986
Property and equipment additions:
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	(286)	(349)
Other flight equipment	(125)	(76)
Other property and equipment	(116)	(129)
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest	(527)	(554)
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,446)	(672)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	1,228	857
Other investing activities	37	36
Net cash used in investing activities	(708)	(333)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	356	0
Long-term debt payments	(752)	(544)
Common stock repurchases	(53)	(37)
Dividends paid	(129)	(118)
Other financing activities	40	33
Net cash used in financing activities	(538)	(666)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	135	(13)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year	114	197
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	249
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	48	60
Income taxes, net of refunds received	2	$ 0
Cash and cash equivalents	237
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 12

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LEASES MATURITIES OF LEASE LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 63
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	234
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	196
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	171
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	116
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	330
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	1,110
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(140)
Operating Lease, Liability	970
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	20
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	79
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	79
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	79
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	79
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	408
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	744
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(135)
Operating Lease, Liability	609
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	1
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	3
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	2
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	2
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	12
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	23
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(4)
Operating Lease, Liability	19
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year	2
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	7
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	6
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	4
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	4
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	77
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	100
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(54)
Operating Lease, Liability	$ 46

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OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Total assets	$ 12,983	$ 10,912
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Total assets	19,129	16,853
Horizon [Member]
Total assets	1,231	1,229
Parent [Member]
Total assets	$ (7,377)	$ (7,170)

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Air traffic liability	$ 1,032		$ 1,032		$ 788
Receivable	377		377		366
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Receivable	103		103		$ 119
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized			(84)	$ (66)
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]
Contract liability revenue recognized	$ 19	$ 27	$ 582	$ 540

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2029	$	569		$	642
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2029	1,150			1,473
Less debt issuance costs	(10		)	(12		)
Total debt	1,709			2,103
Less current portion	265			486
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	1,444		$	1,617
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	3.4		%	4.1		%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	3.2		%	3.9		%

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

At September 30, 2019 long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

	Total
Remainder of 2019	$	63
2020	268
2021	313
2022	274
2023	234
Thereafter	565
Total	$	1,717

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Related to marketable securities	$	10		$	(11	)
Related to employee benefit plans	(422		)	(440		)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(9		)	3
Total	$	(421	)	$	(448	)

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LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) credit_facility	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt	$ 356,000,000	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities | credit_facility	3
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 516,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	500,000,000
Credit Facility 1 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Credit Facility 2 [Member] | Secured by aircraft [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 116,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jul. 31, 2019
Credit Facility 3 [Member] | Secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Mar. 31, 2022

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - MATURITIES FOR MARKETABLE SECURITIES (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Cost Basis
Due in one year or less	$ 244
Due after one year through five years	1,105
Due after five years through 10 years	15
Total	1,364
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	244
Due after one year through five years	1,118
Due after five years through 10 years	15
Total	$ 1,377

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In determining fair value, there is a three-level hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Level 1 refers to fair values based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs and Level 3 refers to fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis

As of September 30, 2019, total cost basis for all marketable securities was $1.4 billion. There were no significant differences between the cost basis and fair value of any individual class of marketable securities.

Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):

	September 30, 2019								December 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Total
Assets
Marketable securities
U.S. government and agency securities	$	379	$	—		$	379		$	293	$	—		$	293
Equity mutual funds	5		—			5			—		—			—
Foreign government bonds	—		25			25			—		26			26
Asset-backed securities	—		201			201			—		190			190
Mortgage-backed securities	—		142			142			—		92			92
Corporate notes and bonds	—		609			609			—		520			520
Municipal securities	—		21			21			—		10			10
Total Marketable securities	384		998			1,382			293		838			1,131
Derivative instruments
Fuel hedge—call options	—		7			7			—		4			4
Interest rate swap agreements	—		2			2			—		10			10
Total Assets	$	384	$	1,007		$	1,391		$	293	$	852		$	1,145
Liabilities
Derivative instruments
Interest rate swap agreements	—		(14		)	(14		)	—		(7		)	(7		)
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	(14	)	$	(14	)	$	—	$	(7	)	$	(7	)

The Company uses both the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities and equity mutual funds are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. Foreign government bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities are Level 2 as the fair value is based on standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs such as quoted interest rates, yield curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable market information.

The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. The fair value for fuel hedge call options is determined utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. In addition, the fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties. Interest rate swap agreements are Level 2 as the fair value of these contracts is determined based on the difference between the fixed interest rate in the agreements and the observable LIBOR-based interest forward rates at period end multiplied by the total notional value.

Activity and Maturities for Marketable Securities

Unrealized losses from marketable securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any unrealized losses represent other-than-temporary impairments based on its evaluation of available information as of September 30, 2019.

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):

September 30, 2019	Cost Basis		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	244	$	244
Due after one year through five years	1,105		1,118
Due after five years through 10 years	15		15
Total	$	1,364	$	1,377

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

The Company's restricted cash balances are primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Debt: Debt assumed in the acquisition of Virgin America was subject to a non-recurring fair valuation adjustment as part of purchase price accounting. The adjustment is amortized over the life of the associated debt. All other fixed-rate debt is carried at cost. To estimate the fair value of all fixed-rate debt as of September 30, 2019, the Company uses the income approach by discounting cash flows using borrowing rates for comparable debt over the remaining life of the outstanding debt. The estimated fair value of the fixed-rate debt is Level 3 as certain inputs used are unobservable.

Fixed-rate debt on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt is as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt at cost	$	567	$	639
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	2		3
Total fixed-rate debt	$	569	$	642
Estimated fair value	$	584	$	641

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are subject to fair valuation when there is evidence of impairment. No material impairment charges were taken in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

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COMMITMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum payments for commitments, excluding operating leases, as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft Commitments(a)		Capacity Purchase Agreements (b)		Aircraft Maintenance Deposits
Remainder of 2019	$	111	$	34	$	16
2020	504		145		73
2021	475		166		63
2022	333		174		54
2023	194		179		29
Thereafter	36		1,065		10
Total	$	1,653	$	1,763	$	245

(a) Includes non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines, buyer furnished equipment, and aircraft maintenance and parts management.

(b) Includes all non-aircraft lease costs associated with capacity purchase agreements.

Aircraft Commitments

Aircraft purchase commitments include non-cancelable contractual commitments for aircraft and engines. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had commitments to purchase 32 B737 MAX9 aircraft, with deliveries in the remainder of 2019 through 2023. Future minimum contractual payments for these aircraft have been updated to reflect the most current anticipated delivery timing for B737 MAX9 aircraft, which has been delayed as a result of the grounding order mandated by the FAA on March 13, 2019. The Company also has commitments to purchase three E175 aircraft with deliveries in 2023 and has cancelable purchase commitments for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with deliveries from 2023 through 2025. In addition, the Company has options to purchase 37 B737 MAX aircraft from 2021 through 2024 and 30 E175 aircraft from 2021 through 2023. The Company also has the option to increase capacity flown by SkyWest with eight additional E175 aircraft with deliveries after 2021. The cancelable purchase commitments and option payments are not reflected in the table above.

Contingencies

The Company is a party to routine litigation matters incidental to its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected. Liabilities for litigation related contingencies are recorded when a loss is determined to be probable and estimable.

In 2015, three flight attendants filed a class action lawsuit seeking to represent all Virgin America flight attendants for damages based on alleged violations of California and City of San Francisco wage and hour laws. The court certified a class of approximately 1,800 flight attendants in November 2016. The Company believes the claims in this case are without factual and legal merit.

In July 2018, the Court granted in part Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, finding Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, as a successor-in-interest to Virgin America, responsible for various damages and penalties sought by the class members. On February 4, 2019, the Court entered final judgment against Virgin America and Alaska Airlines in the amount of approximately $78 million. It did not award injunctive relief against Alaska Airlines.

The Company is seeking an appellate court ruling that the California laws on which the judgment is based are invalid as applied to national airlines pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and federal law and for other employment law and improper class certification reasons. The Company remains confident that a higher court will respect the federal preemption principles that were enacted to shield inter-state common carriers from a patchwork of state and local wage and hour regulations such as those at issue in this case and agree with the Company's other bases for appeal. For these reasons, no loss has been accrued.

The Company is involved in other litigation around the application of state and local employment laws, like many air carriers. Our defenses are similar to those identified above, including that the state and local laws are preempted by federal law and are unconstitutional because they impede interstate commerce. None of these additional disputes are material.

This forward-looking statement is based on management's current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of judges and juries.

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Disaggregation of Revenue

Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger revenue	$	186	$	153	$	511	$	459
Mileage Plan other revenue	118		114		346		329
Total Mileage Plan revenue	$	304	$	267	$	857	$	788

Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Cargo revenue	$	36	$	36	$	104	$	96
Other revenue	24		19		65		51
Total Cargo and other revenue	$	60	$	55	$	169	$	147

Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees	$	1,868	$	1,744	$	5,099	$	4,864
Passenger ancillary revenue	157		146		428		401
Mileage Plan passenger revenue	186		153		511		459
Total Passenger revenue	$	2,211	$	2,043	$	6,038	$	5,724

Contract with Customer Liabilities

The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$	1,874		$	1,725
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue	(511		)	(459		)
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue	(84		)	(66		)
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	692			631
Total Deferred Revenue balance at September 30	$	1,971		$	1,831

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities	$ 10	$ (11)
Related to employee benefit plans	(422)	(440)
Related to interest rate derivatives	(9)	3
Total	$ (421)	$ (448)

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COVER - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Quarterly Report	true
Entity File Number	1-8957
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	91-1292054
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.01 par value
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Trading Symbol	ALK
Entity Address, Address Line One	19300 International Boulevard,
Entity Address, City or Town	Seattle,
Entity Address, State or Province	WA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	98188
City Area Code	(206)
Local Phone Number	392-5040
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		123,173,426
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Central Index Key	0000766421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

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EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer			$ 65
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 11	$ 12	32	$ 36
Interest cost	23	20	67	59
Expected return on assets	(24)	(27)	(71)	(80)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	9	9	27	25
Wages and Benefits [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	11	12	32	36
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] | Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net pension expense	$ 7	$ 1	$ 22	$ 3

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 322	$ 217	$ 588	$ 414
Related to marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	4	(2)	31	(19)
Reclassification of (gain) loss into Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	(5)	2	(3)	5
Income tax effect	0	1	(7)	4
Total	(1)	1	21	(10)
Related to employee benefit plans:
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits and Other - net nonoperating income (expense)	8	7	24	21
Income tax effect	(2)	(2)	(6)	(5)
Total	6	5	18	16
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	(5)	0	(17)	8
Reclassification of loss into Aircraft rent	1	2	2	3
Income tax effect	0	(1)	3	(3)
Total	(4)	1	(12)	8
Other Comprehensive Income	1	7	27	14
Comprehensive Income	$ 323	$ 224	$ 615	$ 428

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GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska (including Virgin America in 2018) and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2019 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

Certain reclassifications and rounding adjustments have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.

In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs

Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): 

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service cost	$	11		$	12		$	32		$	36
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits	11			12			32			36
Interest cost	23			20			67			59
Expected return on assets	(24		)	(27		)	(71		)	(80		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
Recognized actuarial loss	9			9			27			25
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$	7		$	1		$	22		$	3

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GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NARRATIVE (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 3

XML

Label	Element	Value
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	$ 0
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	(62,000,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect	alk_TaxCutsandJobsActReclassificationfromAOCItoRetainedEarningsTaxEffect	$ 62,000,000

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 237	$ 105	$ 174
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12		10
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	$ 249	$ 114	$ 184	$ 197

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OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | segment			3
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	$ 2,389	$ 2,212	$ 6,553	$ 6,200
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,481	1,402	4,334	4,206
Economic fuel	486	513	1,408	1,397
Total Operating Expenses	1,967	1,915	5,742	5,603
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11	11	31	29
Interest expense	(18)	(22)	(60)	(71)
Interest Costs Capitalized	4	5	11	14
Other	(3)	(7)	(20)	(20)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(6)	(13)	(38)	(48)
Income (loss) before income tax	416	284	773	549
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	2,389	2,212	6,553	6,200
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,476	1,380	4,295	4,114
Economic fuel	486	508	1,409	1,427
Total Operating Expenses	1,962	1,888	5,704	5,541
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11	11	31	29
Interest expense	(18)	(22)	(60)	(71)
Interest Costs Capitalized	4	5	11	14
Other	(3)	(7)	(20)	(20)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(6)	(13)	(38)	(48)
Income (loss) before income tax	421	311	811	611
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	2,015	1,884	5,514	5,322
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	1,226	1,126	3,545	3,392
Economic fuel	411	438	1,191	1,237
Total Operating Expenses	1,637	1,564	4,736	4,629
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	17	15	50	39
Interest expense	(18)	(20)	(58)	(64)
Interest Costs Capitalized	4	4	11	12
Other	(3)	(5)	(20)	(9)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	(6)	(17)	(22)
Income (loss) before income tax	378	314	761	671
Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	373	326	1,035	874
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	275	267	817	755
Economic fuel	75	70	218	190
Total Operating Expenses	350	337	1,035	945
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0	0	0
Other	0	(2)	0	(11)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	(2)	0	(11)
Income (loss) before income tax	23	(13)	0	(82)
Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	112	130	341	379
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	94	118	286	345
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	94	118	286	345
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(7)	(6)	(22)	(16)
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	1	0	2
Other	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(7)	(5)	(22)	(14)
Income (loss) before income tax	11	7	33	20
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	(111)	(128)	(337)	(375)
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	(119)	(131)	(353)	(378)
Economic fuel	0	0	0	0
Total Operating Expenses	(119)	(131)	(353)	(378)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	(6)	(4)	(19)	(10)
Interest expense	7	4	20	9
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	1	0	1	(1)
Income (loss) before income tax	9	3	17	2
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel	5	22	39	92
Economic fuel	0	5	(1)	(30)
Total Operating Expenses	5	27	38	62
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax	(5)	(27)	(38)	(62)
Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	2,211	2,043	6,038	5,724
Passenger [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	2,211	2,043	6,038	5,724
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1,850	1,727	5,039	4,879
Passenger [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	361	316	999	845
Passenger [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Passenger [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	112	128	340	375
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	(112)	(128)	(340)	(375)
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	118	114	346	329
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	118	114	346	329
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	107	104	312	301
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	11	10	34	28
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Mileage plan other revenue [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	0	0	0
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	60	55	169	147
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	60	55	169	147
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	58	53	163	142
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1	0	2	1
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	0	2	1	4
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	1	0	3	0
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from contract with customer, including assessed taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

XML

COMMITMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) aircraft
B-737 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	32
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	37
A320neo [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Option to Cancel | aircraft	30
E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft) | aircraft	3
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft) | aircraft	30
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | B-737 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft	10
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Airbus [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft	62
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | Q400 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft	8
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] | E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | aircraft	32
Capacity Purchase Agreement with SkyWest [Member] | E175 [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Optional Additional Units | aircraft	8
Aircraft Maintenance Deposits [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	$ 16
2019	73
2020	63
2021	54
2022	29
Thereafter	10
Total	245
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	111
2019	504
2020	475
2021	333
2022	194
Thereafter	36
Total	1,653
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	34
2019	145
2020	166
2021	174
2022	179
Thereafter	1,065
Total	1,763
Virgin America Flight Attendants [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 78

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Operating Revenues
Total Operating Revenues	$ 2,389	$ 2,212	$ 6,553	$ 6,200
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits	608	549	1,732	1,629
Variable incentive pay	46	27	125	104
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	486	513	1,408	1,397
Aircraft maintenance	106	107	341	320
Aircraft rent	82	82	247	233
Landing fees and other rentals	143	135	388	371
Contracted services	72	70	214	227
Selling expenses	77	79	236	245
Depreciation and amortization	106	99	317	290
Food and beverage service	57	53	159	158
Third-party regional carrier expense	42	38	125	114
Other	137	141	411	423
Special items - merger-related costs	5	22	39	67
Special items—other	0	0	0	25
Total Operating Expenses	1,967	1,915	5,742	5,603
Operating Income	422	297	811	597
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Interest income	11	11	31	29
Interest expense	(18)	(22)	(60)	(71)
Interest capitalized	4	5	11	14
Other—net	(3)	(7)	(20)	(20)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	(6)	(13)	(38)	(48)
Income Before Income Tax	416	284	773	549
Income tax expense	94	67	185	135
Net Income	$ 322	$ 217	$ 588	$ 414
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 2.61	$ 1.76	$ 4.76	$ 3.36
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)	$ 2.60	$ 1.75	$ 4.74	$ 3.34
Shares used for computation:
Basic shares (shares)	123,280	123,224	123,330	123,216
Diluted shares (shares)	124,067	123,864	124,051	123,804
Passenger Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,211	$ 2,043	$ 6,038	$ 5,724
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	2,211	2,043	6,038	5,724
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	304	267	857	788
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Passenger [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	186	153	511	459
Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] | Mileage plan other revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	118	114	346	329
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	60	55	169	147
Cargo and Other Revenue [Member] | Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 60	$ 55	$ 169	$ 147

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LEASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]

The weighted average IBR and weighted average remaining lease term (in years) for all asset classes were as follows at September 30, 2019:

	Weighted Average IBR		Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Aircraft	4.1	%	6.7
CPA aircraft	4.3	%	9.5
Airports and terminal facilities	4.1	%	10.2
Corporate real estate and other	4.3	%	36.4

The impact of leases, including variable lease cost, on earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was as follows (in millions):

	Classification	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Expense
Aircraft	Aircraft rent	$	62		$	186
CPA aircraft	Aircraft rent	20			61
Airport and terminal facilities	Landing fees and other rentals	87			233
Corporate real estate and other	Landing fees and other rentals	5			14
Total lease expense		$	174		$	494
Revenue
Lease income	Cargo and other revenues	(3		)	(9		)
Net lease impact		$	171		$	485

Schedule of Lease, Supplemental Cash Flows [Table Text Block]

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for capitalized operating leases	$	259
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	47

Schedule of Lease Assets [Table Text Block]

At September 30, 2019, the Operating lease assets balance by asset class was as follows (in millions):

	Operating lease assets
Aircraft	$	974
CPA aircraft	609
Airport and terminal facilities	18
Corporate real estate and other	46
Total Operating lease assets	$	1,647

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2019 (in millions):

	Aircraft			CPA Aircraft			Airport and Terminal Facilities			Corporate Real Estate & Other
Remainder of 2019	$	63		$	20		1			$	2
2020	234			79			3			7
2021	196			79			3			6
2022	171			79			2			4
2023	116			79			2			4
Thereafter	330			408			12			77
Total lease payments	$	1,110		$	744		$	23		$	100
Less: Imputed interest	(140		)	(135		)	(4		)	(54		)
Total operating lease liabilities	$	970		$	609		$	19		$	46

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OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,850		$	361	$	—		$	—		$	2,211		$	—		$	2,211
CPA revenues	—			—		112			(112		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	107			11		—			—			118			—			118
Cargo and other	58			1		—			1			60			—			60
Total operating revenues	2,015			373		112			(111		)	2,389			—			2,389
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,226			275		94			(119		)	1,476			5			1,481
Economic fuel	411			75		—			—			486			—			486
Total operating expenses	1,637			350		94			(119		)	1,962			5			1,967
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	17			—		—			(6		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(18		)	—		(7		)	7			(18		)	—			(18		)
Interest capitalized	4			—		—			—			4			—			4
Other - net	(3		)	—		—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	—			—		(7		)	1			(6		)	—			(6		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	378		$	23	$	11		$	9		$	421		$	(5	)	$	416

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	1,727		$	316		$	—		$	—		$	2,043		$	—		$	2,043
CPA revenues	—			—			128			(128		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	104			10			—			—			114			—			114
Cargo and other	53			—			2			—			55			—			55
Total operating revenues	1,884			326			130			(128		)	2,212			—			2,212
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,126			267			118			(131		)	1,380			22			1,402
Economic fuel	438			70			—			—			508			5			513
Total operating expenses	1,564			337			118			(131		)	1,888			27			1,915
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			(4		)	11			—			11
Interest expense	(20		)	—			(6		)	4			(22		)	—			(22		)
Interest capitalized	4			—			1			—			5			—			5
Other - net	(5		)	(2		)	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(6		)	(2		)	(5		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	314		$	(13	)	$	7		$	3		$	311		$	(27	)	$	284

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Mainline			Regional		Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	5,039		$	999	$	—		$	—		$	6,038		$	—		$	6,038
CPA revenues	—			—		340			(340		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	312			34		—			—			346			—			346
Cargo and other	163			2		1			3			169			—			169
Total operating revenues	5,514			1,035		341			(337		)	6,553			—			6,553
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,545			817		286			(353		)	4,295			39			4,334
Economic fuel	1,191			218		—			—			1,409			(1		)	1,408
Total operating expenses	4,736			1,035		286			(353		)	5,704			38			5,742
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	50			—		—			(19		)	31			—			31
Interest expense	(58		)	—		(22		)	20			(60		)	—			(60		)
Interest capitalized	11			—		—			—			11			—			11
Other - net	(20		)	—		—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(17		)	—		(22		)	1			(38		)	—			(38		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	761		$	—	$	33		$	17		$	811		$	(38	)	$	773

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating & Other(a)			Air Group Adjusted(b)			Special Items(c)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger revenues	$	4,879		$	845		$	—		$	—		$	5,724		$	—		$	5,724
CPA revenues	—			—			375			(375		)	—			—			—
Mileage Plan other revenue	301			28			—			—			329			—			329
Cargo and other	142			1			4			—			147			—			147
Total operating revenues	5,322			874			379			(375		)	6,200			—			6,200
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	3,392			755			345			(378		)	4,114			92			4,206
Economic fuel	1,237			190			—			—			1,427			(30		)	1,397
Total operating expenses	4,629			945			345			(378		)	5,541			62			5,603
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	39			—			—			(10		)	29			—			29
Interest expense	(64		)	—			(16		)	9			(71		)	—			(71		)
Interest capitalized	12			—			2			—			14			—			14
Other - net	(9		)	(11		)	—			—			(20		)	—			(20		)
Total nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)	(11		)	(14		)	(1		)	(48		)	—			(48		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	671		$	(82	)	$	20		$	2		$	611		$	(62	)	$	549

(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units.

(b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and excludes certain income and charges.

(c) Includes merger-related costs, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting adjustments, and other special items.

Total assets were as follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Mainline	$	19,129		$	16,853
Horizon	1,231			1,229
Consolidating & Other	(7,377		)	(7,170		)
Consolidated	$	12,983		$	10,912

XML

LEASES LEASES - OPERATING LEASE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 1,647	$ 0
Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	974
CPA Aircraft [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	609
Airport Facilities [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	18
Corporate real estate [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 46

XML

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-recurring purchase price accounting fair value adjustment	$ 2	$ 3
Carrying amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed rate debt at cost	567	639
Long-term debt	569	642
Fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 584	$ 641

XML

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Group, or the Company, and its primary subsidiaries, Alaska (including Virgin America in 2018) and Horizon. The condensed consolidated financial statements also include McGee Air Services, a ground services subsidiary of Alaska. The Company conducts substantially all of its operations through these subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2019 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature.

Certain reclassifications and rounding adjustments have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.

In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions, changes in the competitive environment and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

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REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Ticket revenue is recorded as Passenger revenue, and represents the primary source of the Company's revenue. Also included in Passenger revenue are passenger ancillary revenues, such as bag fees, on-board food and beverage, ticket change fees, and certain revenue from the frequent flyer program. Mileage Plan other revenue includes brand and marketing revenue from the Company's co-branded credit card and other partners and certain interline frequent flyer revenue, net of commissions. Cargo and other revenue includes freight and mail revenue, and to a lesser extent, other ancillary revenue products such as lounge membership and certain commissions.

The Company disaggregates revenue by segment in Note 9. The details within the Company’s statements of operations, segment disclosures, and in this footnote depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and how cash flows are affected by economic and other factors.

Passenger Ticket and Ancillary Services Revenue

Passenger revenue recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger ticket revenue, including ticket breakage and net of taxes and fees	$	1,868	$	1,744	$	5,099	$	4,864
Passenger ancillary revenue	157		146		428		401
Mileage Plan passenger revenue	186		153		511		459
Total Passenger revenue	$	2,211	$	2,043	$	6,038	$	5,724

Mileage Plan™ Loyalty Program

Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Passenger revenue	$	186	$	153	$	511	$	459
Mileage Plan other revenue	118		114		346		329
Total Mileage Plan revenue	$	304	$	267	$	857	$	788

Cargo and Other

Cargo and other revenue included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Cargo revenue	$	36	$	36	$	104	$	96
Other revenue	24		19		65		51
Total Cargo and other revenue	$	60	$	55	$	169	$	147

Air Traffic Liability and Deferred Revenue

Passenger ticket and ancillary services liabilities

The Company recognized Passenger revenue of $19 million and $27 million from the prior year-end air traffic liability balance for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and $582 million and $540 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Mileage Plan^TM assets and liabilities

The Company records a receivable for amounts due from the bank partner and from other partners as mileage credits are sold until the payments are collected. The Company had $103 million of such receivables as of September 30, 2019 and $119 million as of December 31, 2018.

The table below presents a roll forward of the total frequent flyer liability (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
Total Deferred Revenue balance at January 1	$	1,874		$	1,725
Travel miles and companion certificate redemption - Passenger revenue	(511		)	(459		)
Miles redeemed on partner airlines - Other revenue	(84		)	(66		)
Increase in liability for mileage credits issued	692			631
Total Deferred Revenue balance at September 30	$	1,971		$	1,831

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EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Net periodic benefit costs for qualified defined-benefit plans include the following (in millions): 

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Service cost	$	11		$	12		$	32		$	36
Pension expense included in Wages and benefits	11			12			32			36
Interest cost	23			20			67			59
Expected return on assets	(24		)	(27		)	(71		)	(80		)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
Recognized actuarial loss	9			9			27			25
Pension expense included in Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$	7		$	1		$	22		$	3

The Company made a voluntary contribution of $65 million to three defined-benefit pension plans during the three months ended September 30, 2019.