CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger	$ 755,639	$ 785,871
Ground handling and other	16,747	17,616
Total operating revenues	772,386	803,487
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and benefits	317,642	297,396
Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs	178,262	167,156
Aircraft rentals	80,335	82,589
Depreciation and amortization	62,316	61,001
Aircraft fuel	47,225	49,681
Ground handling services	37,018	34,577
Station rentals and landing fees	12,194	34,088
Other, net	65,168	61,438
Total operating expenses	800,160	787,926
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	(27,774)	15,561
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	548	1,727
Interest expense	(15,676)	(17,965)
Other, net	(273)	6,039
Total other expense, net	(15,401)	(10,199)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(43,175)	5,362
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	(20,288)	2,129
NET INCOME (LOSS)	(22,887)	3,233
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ (0.44)	$ 0.06
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ (0.44)	$ 0.06
Weighted average common shares:
Basic (in shares)	51,467	51,763
Diluted (in shares)	51,467	52,497
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.04
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Net Income (Loss)	(22,887)	3,233
Net unrealized appreciation on marketable securities, net of tax	23	63
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ (22,864)	$ 3,296