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Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) segment | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2021 aircraft
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Expiration period for refundable tickets | 1 year |  |  |
Number of operating segments | segment | 1 |  |  |
Revenue | $ 24,634 | $ 15,355 | $ 43,259 |
Period over which miles are expected to be redeemed | two years |  |  |
Senior secured notes | $ 6,800 |  |  |
Carrying value of computer software | 499 | 548 |  |
Impairment, long-lived asset | 97 | 94 | 81 |
Amortization expense | 49 | 55 | 60 |
Projected amortization expense in 2022 | 40 |  |  |
Projected amortization expense in 2023 | 37 |  |  |
Projected amortization expense in 2024 | 32 |  |  |
Projected amortization expense in 2025 | 28 |  |  |
Projected amortization expense in 2026 | 18 |  |  |
Advertising expense | $ 99 | 87 | 212 |
Boeing 777-200/200ER |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Number of aircraft temporarily removed | aircraft |  |  |  | 52
Minimum |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Frequent flier program expiration period | 1 year |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Frequent flier program expiration period | 8 years |  |  |
Computer software |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Depreciation expense | $ 182 | 172 | 135 |
Advance Ticket Sales |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Expiration period for advance ticket sales | 12 months |  |  |
Contract liabilities | $ 3,200 |  |  |
Revenue recognized | 1,800 | 3,000 | 3,400 |
Ancillary Fees Recorded within Passenger Revenues |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Revenue | 2,200 | 1,300 | 3,600 |
Other Operating Revenue |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Revenue | 2,088 | 1,902 | 2,455 |
Other Operating Revenue | Chase and Other Partner Agreements |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Revenue | $ 1,800 | $ 1,700 | $ 2,000 |

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