DELTA AIR LINES, INC., 10-Q filed on 4/9/2025
Quarterly Report
v3.25.1
Cover
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
shares
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2025
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-5424
Entity Registrant Name DELTA AIR LINES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Tax Identification Number 58-0218548
Entity Address, Address Line One Post Office Box 20706
Entity Address, City or Town Atlanta
Entity Address, State or Province GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 30320-6001
City Area Code 404
Local Phone Number 715-2600
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
Trading Symbol DAL
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 652,955,169
Entity Central Index Key 0000027904
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1
Amendment Flag false
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,711 $ 3,069
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $18 and $18 3,652 3,224
Fuel, expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence of $128 and $120 1,486 1,428
Prepaid expenses and other 2,387 2,123
Total current assets 11,236 9,844
Noncurrent Assets:    
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $23,708 and $23,228 38,171 37,595
Operating lease right-of-use assets 6,542 6,644
Goodwill 9,753 9,753
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $922 and $919 5,972 5,975
Equity investments 2,819 2,846
Other noncurrent assets 2,849 2,715
Total noncurrent assets 66,106 65,528
Total assets 77,342 75,372
Current Liabilities:    
Current maturities of debt and finance leases 2,938 2,175
Current maturities of operating leases 752 763
Accounts payable 4,809 4,650
Accrued salaries and related benefits 3,333 4,762
Fuel card obligation 1,100 1,100
Other accrued liabilities 2,319 1,812
Total current liabilities 29,699 26,670
Noncurrent Liabilities:    
Debt and finance leases 12,886 14,019
Noncurrent operating leases 5,704 5,814
Pension, postretirement and related benefits 3,117 3,144
Deferred income taxes, net 2,229 2,176
Other noncurrent liabilities 3,707 3,744
Total noncurrent liabilities 32,196 33,409
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:    
Common stock at $0.0001 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 659,478,443 and 654,571,606 shares issued 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 11,698 11,740
Retained earnings 8,925 8,783
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,938) (4,979)
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,523,274 and 8,098,971 shares (238) (251)
Total stockholders' equity 15,447 15,293
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 77,342 75,372
Air traffic liability    
Current Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, current 10,023 7,094
Loyalty program deferred revenue    
Current Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, current 4,425 4,314
Noncurrent Liabilities:    
Loyalty program deferred revenue $ 4,553 $ 4,512
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Current Assets:    
Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 18 $ 18
Allowance for obsolescence 128 120
Noncurrent Assets:    
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 23,708 23,228
Accumulated amortization $ 922 $ 919
Stockholders' Equity:    
Common stock, par value (USD per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001
Common stock, authorized (shares) 1,500,000,000 1,500,000,000
Common stock, issued (shares) 659,478,443 654,571,606
Treasury stock, at cost (shares) 6,523,274 8,098,971
v3.25.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Operating Revenue:    
Total operating revenue $ 14,040 $ 13,748
Operating Expense:    
Salaries and related costs 4,083 3,791
Aircraft fuel and related taxes 2,410 2,598
Ancillary businesses and refinery 1,250 1,370
Contracted services 1,121 1,024
Landing fees and other rents 851 748
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 646 679
Regional carrier expense 613 550
Depreciation and amortization 607 615
Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 552 550
Passenger service 430 413
Aircraft rent 137 136
Profit sharing 124 125
Other 647 535
Total operating expense 13,471 13,134
Operating Income 569 614
Non-Operating Expense:    
Interest expense, net (179) (205)
Gain/(loss) on investments, net (40) (227)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 0 (4)
Miscellaneous, net (30) (56)
Total non-operating expense, net (249) (492)
Income Before Income Taxes 320 122
Income Tax Provision (80) (85)
Net Income $ 240 $ 37
Basic Earnings Per Share (USD per share) $ 0.37 $ 0.06
Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD per share) $ 0.37 $ 0.06
Comprehensive Income $ 281 $ 89
Passenger    
Operating Revenue:    
Total operating revenue 11,480 11,131
Cargo    
Operating Revenue:    
Total operating revenue 208 178
Other    
Operating Revenue:    
Total operating revenue $ 2,352 $ 2,439
v3.25.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities    
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 2,378 $ 2,408
Property and equipment additions:    
Flight equipment, including advance payments (987) (883)
Ground property and equipment, including technology (237) (310)
Redemption of short-term investments 0 546
Other, net 0 10
Net cash used in investing activities (1,224) (637)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:    
Payments on debt and finance lease obligations (531) (712)
Cash dividends (99) (64)
Other, net (4) (11)
Net cash used in financing activities (634) (787)
Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents 520 984
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,421 3,395
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents at end of period 3,941 4,379
Non-Cash Transactions:    
Right-of-use assets acquired or modified under operating leases 75 (34)
Flight and ground equipment acquired or modified under finance leases 0 6
Operating leases converted to finance leases 149 0
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 3,711 3,877
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other 89 126
Noncurrent Assets:    
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets 141 376
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents $ 3,941 $ 4,379
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2023   655,000,000        
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2023 $ 11,105 $ 0 $ 11,641 $ 5,650 $ (5,845) $ (341)
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2023           11,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Net income 37     37    
Dividends declared (65)     (65)    
Other comprehensive income 52       52  
Common stock issued for employee equity awards [1] 22   47     $ (25)
Common stock issued for employee equity awards (shares) [1]   2,000,000       1,000,000
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2024   657,000,000        
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2024 11,151 $ 0 11,688 5,622 (5,793) $ (366)
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2024           12,000,000
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2024   655,000,000        
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 15,293 $ 0 11,740 8,783 (4,979) $ (251)
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2024 8,098,971         8,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Net income $ 240     240    
Dividends declared (98)     (98)    
Other comprehensive income 41       41  
Common stock issued for employee equity awards [2] (38)   (51)     $ 13
Common stock issued for employee equity awards (shares) [2]           (1,000,000)
Stock options exercised 9   9      
Warrants exercised (in shares)   5,000,000        
Warrants exercised 0          
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2025   660,000,000        
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2025 $ 15,447 $ 0 $ 11,698 $ 8,925 $ (4,938) $ (238)
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2025 6,523,274         7,000,000
[1] Treasury shares were withheld for payment of taxes, at a weighted average price per share of $39.83 in the March 2024 quarter.
[2]
(1)Treasury shares were withheld for payment of taxes, at a weighted average price per share of $67.95 in the March 2025 quarter.
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]    
Cash dividends declared (USD per share) $ 0.15 $ 0.10
Treasury shares withheld for payment of taxes, weighted average price per share (USD per share) $ 67.95 $ 39.83
v3.25.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, and 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. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Management believes the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.

Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices and other factors, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts disclosed are stated before consideration of income taxes.
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE RECOGNITION REVENUE RECOGNITION
Passenger Revenue
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Ticket$10,068 $9,833 
Loyalty travel awards940 844 
Travel-related services472 454 
Passenger revenue$11,480 $11,131 

Ticket

We recognized approximately $4.1 billion and $3.9 billion in passenger revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, that had been recorded in our air traffic liability balance at the beginning of those periods.

Loyalty Travel Awards

Loyalty travel awards revenue is related to the redemption of mileage credits ("miles") for air travel. Our SkyMiles loyalty program allows customers to earn miles by flying on Delta, Delta Connection and other airlines that participate in the loyalty program. Customers can also earn miles through participating companies, such as credit card, retail, ridesharing, car rental and hotel companies, who purchase miles from us. Our most significant contract to sell miles relates to our co-brand credit card relationship with American Express. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, total cash sales from marketing agreements related to our loyalty program were $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, which are allocated to travel and other performance obligations.

Current Activity of the Loyalty Program. Miles are combined in one homogeneous pool and are not separately identifiable. Therefore, revenue is comprised of miles that were part of the loyalty program deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period as well as miles that were issued during the period. The timing of mile redemptions can vary widely; however, the majority of miles have historically been redeemed within two years of being earned.
The table below presents the activity of the current and noncurrent loyalty program deferred revenue and includes miles earned through travel and miles sold to participating companies, which are primarily through marketing agreements.

Loyalty program activity
(in millions)20252024
Balance at January 1$8,826 $8,420 
Miles earned1,152 1,021 
Miles redeemed for air travel(940)(844)
Miles redeemed for non-air travel and other(60)(56)
Balance at March 31
$8,978 $8,541 

Travel-Related Services

Travel-related services are primarily composed of services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight and include baggage fees, administrative fees and on-board sales. We recognize revenue for these services when the related transportation service is provided.

Other Revenue
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Refinery$1,062 $1,185 
Loyalty program807 795 
Ancillary businesses189 180 
Miscellaneous294 279 
Other revenue$2,352 $2,439 

Revenue by Geographic Region

Operating revenue for the airline segment is recognized in a specific geographic region based on the origin, flight path and destination of each flight segment. A significant portion of the refinery segment's revenues typically consists of fuel sales to support the airline, which is eliminated in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The remaining operating revenue for the refinery segment is included in the domestic region. Our passenger and operating revenue by geographic region is summarized in the following tables:

Passenger revenue by geographic region
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Domestic$8,101 $7,983 
Atlantic1,372 1,305 
Latin America1,334 1,265 
Pacific673 578 
Total$11,480 $11,131 

Operating revenue by geographic region
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Domestic$10,055 $10,031 
Atlantic1,646 1,581 
Latin America1,523 1,442 
Pacific816 694 
Total$14,040 $13,748 
v3.25.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets/(Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
(in millions)March 31,
2025
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$2,343 $2,343 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents230 230 — — 
Long-term investments and related2,340 2,049 171 120 
Fuel hedge contracts(39)— (39)— 

(in millions)December 31,
2024
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$1,619 $1,619 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents351 351 — — 
Long-term investments and related2,372 2,085 160 127 
Fuel hedge contracts(17)— (17)— 

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents generally consist of money market funds. Restricted cash equivalents generally consist of money market funds, time deposits, commercial paper and negotiable certificates of deposit. Restricted cash equivalents primarily relate to proceeds from debt issued to finance, among other things, a portion of the construction costs for our new terminal facilities at New York's LaGuardia Airport as well as certain self-insurance obligations and airport commitments. Restricted cash equivalents are recorded in other noncurrent assets and prepaid expenses and other on our Consolidated Balance Sheet ("balance sheet"). The fair value of these cash equivalents is based on a market approach using prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.

Long-Term Investments and Related. Our long-term investments measured at fair value primarily consist of equity investments, which are valued based on market prices or other observable transactions and inputs, and are recorded in equity investments on our balance sheet. Our equity investments in private companies are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as their equity is not traded on a public exchange and our valuations incorporate certain unobservable inputs, including non-public equity issuances. Fair value measurement using unobservable inputs is inherently uncertain, and a change in significant inputs could result in different fair values. See Note 4, "Investments," for further information on our equity investments.

Fuel Hedge Contracts. Our derivative contracts to hedge the financial risk from changing fuel prices are related to inventory at our wholly-owned subsidiary, Monroe Energy, LLC ("Monroe"). We recognized losses of $20 million on our fuel hedge contracts in aircraft fuel and related taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income ("income statement") for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to losses of $96 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The losses recognized during the first three months of 2025 were composed of $22 million of mark-to-market losses and $2 million of settlement gains on contracts. Gains and losses on settled contracts are reflected within Monroe's operating results. See Note 9, "Segments," for further information on our refinery segment.
v3.25.1
INVESTMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS
Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)March 31, 2025December 31, 2024March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Air France-KLMFair Value%%$68 $62 
China EasternFair Value%%151 155 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %20 %367 354 
Hanjin KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %15 %547 507 
LATAMFair Value10 %10 %950 837 
Unifi AviationEquity Method49 %49 %143 146 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(2)
38 %38 %266 435 
Other investmentsVarious327 350 
Equity investments$2,819 $2,846 
(1)At March 31, 2025, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Our voting rights with respect to Wheels Up are capped at 29.9%.
v3.25.1
DEBT
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
Summary of outstanding debt by category
(in millions)Maturity Dates
Interest Rate(s) Per
Annum at
March 31, 2025
March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Unsecured Payroll Support Program Loans(1)
2030to20311.00%$3,496 $3,496 
Unsecured notes2026to20293.75%to7.38%1,575 1,575 
Financing arrangements secured by SkyMiles assets:
SkyMiles Notes(2)
2025to20284.50%and4.75%3,833 3,970 
SkyMiles Term Loan(2)(3)
2025to20278.04%719 784 
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds(2)
2026to20454.00%to6.00%3,522 3,591 
Financing arrangements secured by aircraft:
Certificates(2)
2025to20282.00%to8.00%984 992 
Notes(2)(3)
2025to20336.55%to6.61%85 87 
Financing arrangements secured by slots, gates and/or routes:
Senior Secured Notes20257.00%812 812 
Other financings20305.00%66 66 
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility(3)
2026to2028Undrawn— — 
Other revolving credit facilities(3)
2025to2026Undrawn— — 
Total secured and unsecured debt$15,092 $15,373 
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issue cost, net and other(16)(26)
Total debt$15,076 $15,347 
Less: current maturities(2,644)(1,801)
Total long-term debt$12,432 $13,546 
(1)Interest rates on the Payroll Support Program loans are 1.00% for the first five years and the applicable SOFR plus 2.00% in the final five years. The applicable interest rates will begin to adjust for each loan in April 2025, January 2026 and April 2026.
(2)Due in installments during the years shown above.
(3)Certain financings are comprised of variable rate debt. All variable rates are equal to SOFR (generally subject to a floor) or another index rate, plus a specified margin.

Availability Under Revolving Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2025, we had approximately $3.1 billion undrawn and available under our revolving credit facilities.
Fair Value of Debt

Market risk associated with our fixed- and variable-rate debt relates to the potential reduction in fair value and negative impact to future earnings, respectively, from an increase in interest rates. The fair value of debt shown below is principally based on reported market values, recently completed market transactions and estimates based on interest rates, maturities, credit risk and underlying collateral. Debt is primarily classified as Level 1 or 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value of outstanding debt
(in millions)March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Net carrying amount$15,076 $15,347 
Fair value$15,100 $15,300 

Covenants

Our debt agreements contain various affirmative, negative and financial covenants. We were in compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements at March 31, 2025.
v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, healthcare plans and disability and survivorship plans for eligible employees and retirees and their eligible family members.

Employee benefit plans net periodic cost
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
(in millions)2025202420252024
Three Months Ended March 31,
Service cost(1)
$$$33 $23 
Interest cost208 201 45 45 
Expected return on plan assets(267)(263)— (1)
Amortization of prior service credit— — (1)(1)
Recognized net actuarial loss50 62 
Net periodic cost$(5)$$82 $71 
(1)Service cost relates to the market based cash balance plan. There is no service cost associated with traditional frozen defined benefit plans.

Service cost is recorded in salaries and related costs in our income statement, while all other components are recorded within miscellaneous, net under non-operating expense.

We also sponsor defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees in certain foreign countries which have immaterial obligations. These plans are not included in the net periodic cost table above.
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Aircraft Purchase Commitments

Our future aircraft purchase commitments totaled approximately $17.6 billion at March 31, 2025.

Aircraft purchase commitments(1)
(in millions)Total
Nine months ending December 31, 2025$2,590 
20263,750 
20275,750 
20283,880 
20291,260 
Thereafter370 
Total$17,600 
(1)The timing of these commitments is based on our contractual agreements with the aircraft manufacturers and remains uncertain due to supply chain, manufacturing and regulatory constraints. During the March 2025 quarter, Delta was notified that certain aircraft deliveries would be delayed from 2026 to 2027. These new delivery dates are reflected in the table above.

Our future aircraft purchase commitments included the following aircraft at March 31, 2025:

Aircraft purchase commitments by fleet type
Aircraft TypePurchase Commitments
A220-30069 
A321-200neo82 
A330-900neo
A350-900
A350-100020 
B-737-10100 
Total285 

Legal Contingencies

We are involved in various legal proceedings related to employment practices, environmental issues, commercial disputes, antitrust and other regulatory matters concerning our business. We record liabilities for losses from legal proceedings when we determine that it is probable that the outcome in a legal proceeding will be unfavorable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Although the outcome of the legal proceedings in which we are involved cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the resolution of current matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
v3.25.1
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss
(in millions)Pension and Other Benefit LiabilitiesOtherTax EffectTotal
Balance at January 1, 2025
$(5,557)$42 $536 $(4,979)
Changes in value— — 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
52 — (12)40 
Balance at March 31, 2025
$(5,505)$43 $524 $(4,938)
Balance at January 1, 2024
$(6,681)$40 $796 $(5,845)
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
66 — (14)52 
Balance at March 31, 2024
$(6,615)$40 $782 $(5,793)
(1)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension and other benefit liabilities are recorded in miscellaneous, net in non-operating expense in our income statement.
v3.25.1
SEGMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENTS SEGMENTS
Refinery Operations

Our refinery segment operates for the benefit of the airline segment by providing jet fuel to the airline segment from its own production and from jet fuel obtained through agreements with third parties. The refinery's production consists of jet fuel, as well as non-jet fuel products. We use several counterparties to exchange non-jet fuel products produced by the refinery for jet fuel consumed in our airline operations.

Segment Reporting

Segment results are prepared based on our internal accounting methods described below, with reconciliations to consolidated amounts in accordance with GAAP. Our segments are not designed to measure operating income or loss directly related to the products and services included in each segment on a stand-alone basis.

Financial information by segment
(in millions)AirlineRefineryIntersegment Sales/OtherConsolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Operating revenue$12,978 $1,698 $(636)
(1)
$14,040 
Airline salaries and related costs4,083 
Aircraft fuel and related costs2,410 
Refinery cost of goods sold(2)
1,562 
Depreciation and amortization607 28 
Other segment items(3)
5,308 109 
Operating income/(loss)(4)
570 (1)569 
Interest expense, net179 (1)179 
Other non-operating expense70 70 
Income/(loss) before income taxes321 (2)320 
Total assets, end of period75,043 2,359 (60)77,342 
Capital expenditures1,187 37 1,224 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Operating revenue$12,563 $2,049 $(864)
(1)
$13,748 
Airline salaries and related costs3,791 
Aircraft fuel and related costs2,598 
Refinery cost of goods sold(2)
1,873 
Depreciation and amortization615 27 
Other segment items(3)
4,994 100 
Operating income(4)
565 49 614 
Interest expense, net205 (5)205 
Other non-operating expense287 287 
Income before income taxes73 44 122 
Total assets, end of period72,875 2,123 (29)74,969 
Capital expenditures1,178 15 1,193 
(1)See table below for detail of the intersegment operating revenue amounts.
(2)Refinery cost of goods sold are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes and ancillary businesses and refinery in our income statement.
(3)The nature of other segment items for the airline segment are shown on our income statement and for the refinery segment include salaries and related costs, maintenance, utilities and other expenses.
(4)Refinery segment operating results are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes in our income statement.
Intersegment Sales/Other
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Sales to airline segment (1)
$(260)$(386)
Exchanged products (2)
(341)(439)
Sales of refined products
(35)(39)
Total operating revenue intersegment sales/other$(636)$(864)
(1)Represents transfers, valued on a market price basis, from the refinery to the airline segment for use in airline operations. We determine market price for jet fuel from the refinery by reference to the market index for the primary delivery location, which is New York Harbor.
(2)Represents value of products delivered under our exchange agreements, as discussed above, determined on a market price basis.
v3.25.1
EARNINGS PER SHARE
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE
We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding restricted shares. We calculate diluted earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of outstanding share-based instruments, including stock options, restricted stock awards and warrants. Antidilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation are not material. The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Basic and diluted earnings per share
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except per share data)20252024
Net income$240 $37 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding644 640 
Dilutive effect of share-based instruments
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding652 645 
Basic earnings per share$0.37 $0.06 
Diluted earnings per share$0.37 $0.06 
v3.25.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Pay vs Performance Disclosure    
Net income $ 240 $ 37
v3.25.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.25.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, and 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. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Management believes the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented.

Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices and other factors, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts disclosed are stated before consideration of income taxes.
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents generally consist of money market funds. Restricted cash equivalents generally consist of money market funds, time deposits, commercial paper and negotiable certificates of deposit. Restricted cash equivalents primarily relate to proceeds from debt issued to finance, among other things, a portion of the construction costs for our new terminal facilities at New York's LaGuardia Airport as well as certain self-insurance obligations and airport commitments. Restricted cash equivalents are recorded in other noncurrent assets and prepaid expenses and other on our Consolidated Balance Sheet ("balance sheet"). The fair value of these cash equivalents is based on a market approach using prices generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
Long-Term Investments and Related. Our long-term investments measured at fair value primarily consist of equity investments, which are valued based on market prices or other observable transactions and inputs, and are recorded in equity investments on our balance sheet. Our equity investments in private companies are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as their equity is not traded on a public exchange and our valuations incorporate certain unobservable inputs, including non-public equity issuances. Fair value measurement using unobservable inputs is inherently uncertain, and a change in significant inputs could result in different fair values. See Note 4, "Investments," for further information on our equity investments.
Fuel Hedge Contracts Fuel Hedge Contracts. Our derivative contracts to hedge the financial risk from changing fuel prices are related to inventory at our wholly-owned subsidiary, Monroe Energy, LLC ("Monroe").
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue
Passenger Revenue
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Ticket$10,068 $9,833 
Loyalty travel awards940 844 
Travel-related services472 454 
Passenger revenue$11,480 $11,131 
Other Revenue
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Refinery$1,062 $1,185 
Loyalty program807 795 
Ancillary businesses189 180 
Miscellaneous294 279 
Other revenue$2,352 $2,439 
Schedule of Activity in Loyalty Program Deferred Revenue
The table below presents the activity of the current and noncurrent loyalty program deferred revenue and includes miles earned through travel and miles sold to participating companies, which are primarily through marketing agreements.

Loyalty program activity
(in millions)20252024
Balance at January 1$8,826 $8,420 
Miles earned1,152 1,021 
Miles redeemed for air travel(940)(844)
Miles redeemed for non-air travel and other(60)(56)
Balance at March 31
$8,978 $8,541 
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region Our passenger and operating revenue by geographic region is summarized in the following tables:
Passenger revenue by geographic region
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Domestic$8,101 $7,983 
Atlantic1,372 1,305 
Latin America1,334 1,265 
Pacific673 578 
Total$11,480 $11,131 

Operating revenue by geographic region
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Domestic$10,055 $10,031 
Atlantic1,646 1,581 
Latin America1,523 1,442 
Pacific816 694 
Total$14,040 $13,748 
v3.25.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Assets/(Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets/(Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
(in millions)March 31,
2025
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$2,343 $2,343 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents230 230 — — 
Long-term investments and related2,340 2,049 171 120 
Fuel hedge contracts(39)— (39)— 

(in millions)December 31,
2024
Level 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$1,619 $1,619 $— $— 
Restricted cash equivalents351 351 — — 
Long-term investments and related2,372 2,085 160 127 
Fuel hedge contracts(17)— (17)— 
v3.25.1
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Equity Investments Ownership and Carrying Value - Fair Value
Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)March 31, 2025December 31, 2024March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Air France-KLMFair Value%%$68 $62 
China EasternFair Value%%151 155 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %20 %367 354 
Hanjin KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %15 %547 507 
LATAMFair Value10 %10 %950 837 
Unifi AviationEquity Method49 %49 %143 146 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(2)
38 %38 %266 435 
Other investmentsVarious327 350 
Equity investments$2,819 $2,846 
(1)At March 31, 2025, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Our voting rights with respect to Wheels Up are capped at 29.9%.
Schedule of Equity Investments Ownership and Carrying Value - Equity Method
Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)March 31, 2025December 31, 2024March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Air France-KLMFair Value%%$68 $62 
China EasternFair Value%%151 155 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %20 %367 354 
Hanjin KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %15 %547 507 
LATAMFair Value10 %10 %950 837 
Unifi AviationEquity Method49 %49 %143 146 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(2)
38 %38 %266 435 
Other investmentsVarious327 350 
Equity investments$2,819 $2,846 
(1)At March 31, 2025, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Our voting rights with respect to Wheels Up are capped at 29.9%.
v3.25.1
DEBT (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt
Summary of outstanding debt by category
(in millions)Maturity Dates
Interest Rate(s) Per
Annum at
March 31, 2025
March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Unsecured Payroll Support Program Loans(1)
2030to20311.00%$3,496 $3,496 
Unsecured notes2026to20293.75%to7.38%1,575 1,575 
Financing arrangements secured by SkyMiles assets:
SkyMiles Notes(2)
2025to20284.50%and4.75%3,833 3,970 
SkyMiles Term Loan(2)(3)
2025to20278.04%719 784 
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds(2)
2026to20454.00%to6.00%3,522 3,591 
Financing arrangements secured by aircraft:
Certificates(2)
2025to20282.00%to8.00%984 992 
Notes(2)(3)
2025to20336.55%to6.61%85 87 
Financing arrangements secured by slots, gates and/or routes:
Senior Secured Notes20257.00%812 812 
Other financings20305.00%66 66 
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility(3)
2026to2028Undrawn— — 
Other revolving credit facilities(3)
2025to2026Undrawn— — 
Total secured and unsecured debt$15,092 $15,373 
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issue cost, net and other(16)(26)
Total debt$15,076 $15,347 
Less: current maturities(2,644)(1,801)
Total long-term debt$12,432 $13,546 
(1)Interest rates on the Payroll Support Program loans are 1.00% for the first five years and the applicable SOFR plus 2.00% in the final five years. The applicable interest rates will begin to adjust for each loan in April 2025, January 2026 and April 2026.
(2)Due in installments during the years shown above.
(3)Certain financings are comprised of variable rate debt. All variable rates are equal to SOFR (generally subject to a floor) or another index rate, plus a specified margin.
Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Debt Instruments The fair value of debt shown below is principally based on reported market values, recently completed market transactions and estimates based on interest rates, maturities, credit risk and underlying collateral. Debt is primarily classified as Level 1 or 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value of outstanding debt
(in millions)March 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Net carrying amount$15,076 $15,347 
Fair value$15,100 $15,300 
v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Net Periodic Cost
Employee benefit plans net periodic cost
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
(in millions)2025202420252024
Three Months Ended March 31,
Service cost(1)
$$$33 $23 
Interest cost208 201 45 45 
Expected return on plan assets(267)(263)— (1)
Amortization of prior service credit— — (1)(1)
Recognized net actuarial loss50 62 
Net periodic cost$(5)$$82 $71 
(1)Service cost relates to the market based cash balance plan. There is no service cost associated with traditional frozen defined benefit plans.
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Future Aircraft Purchase Commitments
Our future aircraft purchase commitments totaled approximately $17.6 billion at March 31, 2025.

Aircraft purchase commitments(1)
(in millions)Total
Nine months ending December 31, 2025$2,590 
20263,750 
20275,750 
20283,880 
20291,260 
Thereafter370 
Total$17,600 
(1)The timing of these commitments is based on our contractual agreements with the aircraft manufacturers and remains uncertain due to supply chain, manufacturing and regulatory constraints. During the March 2025 quarter, Delta was notified that certain aircraft deliveries would be delayed from 2026 to 2027. These new delivery dates are reflected in the table above.

Our future aircraft purchase commitments included the following aircraft at March 31, 2025:

Aircraft purchase commitments by fleet type
Aircraft TypePurchase Commitments
A220-30069 
A321-200neo82 
A330-900neo
A350-900
A350-100020 
B-737-10100 
Total285 
v3.25.1
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss
(in millions)Pension and Other Benefit LiabilitiesOtherTax EffectTotal
Balance at January 1, 2025
$(5,557)$42 $536 $(4,979)
Changes in value— — 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
52 — (12)40 
Balance at March 31, 2025
$(5,505)$43 $524 $(4,938)
Balance at January 1, 2024
$(6,681)$40 $796 $(5,845)
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
66 — (14)52 
Balance at March 31, 2024
$(6,615)$40 $782 $(5,793)
(1)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension and other benefit liabilities are recorded in miscellaneous, net in non-operating expense in our income statement.
v3.25.1
SEGMENTS (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information
Financial information by segment
(in millions)AirlineRefineryIntersegment Sales/OtherConsolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Operating revenue$12,978 $1,698 $(636)
(1)
$14,040 
Airline salaries and related costs4,083 
Aircraft fuel and related costs2,410 
Refinery cost of goods sold(2)
1,562 
Depreciation and amortization607 28 
Other segment items(3)
5,308 109 
Operating income/(loss)(4)
570 (1)569 
Interest expense, net179 (1)179 
Other non-operating expense70 70 
Income/(loss) before income taxes321 (2)320 
Total assets, end of period75,043 2,359 (60)77,342 
Capital expenditures1,187 37 1,224 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Operating revenue$12,563 $2,049 $(864)
(1)
$13,748 
Airline salaries and related costs3,791 
Aircraft fuel and related costs2,598 
Refinery cost of goods sold(2)
1,873 
Depreciation and amortization615 27 
Other segment items(3)
4,994 100 
Operating income(4)
565 49 614 
Interest expense, net205 (5)205 
Other non-operating expense287 287 
Income before income taxes73 44 122 
Total assets, end of period72,875 2,123 (29)74,969 
Capital expenditures1,178 15 1,193 
(1)See table below for detail of the intersegment operating revenue amounts.
(2)Refinery cost of goods sold are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes and ancillary businesses and refinery in our income statement.
(3)The nature of other segment items for the airline segment are shown on our income statement and for the refinery segment include salaries and related costs, maintenance, utilities and other expenses.
(4)Refinery segment operating results are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes in our income statement.
Intersegment Sales/Other
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Sales to airline segment (1)
$(260)$(386)
Exchanged products (2)
(341)(439)
Sales of refined products
(35)(39)
Total operating revenue intersegment sales/other$(636)$(864)
(1)Represents transfers, valued on a market price basis, from the refinery to the airline segment for use in airline operations. We determine market price for jet fuel from the refinery by reference to the market index for the primary delivery location, which is New York Harbor.
(2)Represents value of products delivered under our exchange agreements, as discussed above, determined on a market price basis.
v3.25.1
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except per share data)20252024
Net income$240 $37 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding644 640 
Dilutive effect of share-based instruments
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding652 645 
Basic earnings per share$0.37 $0.06 
Diluted earnings per share$0.37 $0.06 
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Passenger Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Passenger revenue $ 14,040 $ 13,748
Passenger    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Passenger revenue 11,480 11,131
Ticket    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Passenger revenue 10,068 9,833
Loyalty travel awards    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Passenger revenue 940 844
Travel-related services    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Passenger revenue $ 472 $ 454
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Billions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Revenue recognized that was previously deferred $ 4.1 $ 3.9
Cash sales of mileage credits $ 1.9 $ 1.8
Redemption period for majority of new miles (in years) 2 years  
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Loyalty Program Liability (Details) - Loyalty program - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Loyalty program activity    
Current and noncurrent deferred revenue, beginning $ 8,826 $ 8,420
Miles earned 1,152 1,021
Miles redeemed for air travel (940) (844)
Miles redeemed for non-air travel and other (60) (56)
Current and noncurrent deferred revenue, ending $ 8,978 $ 8,541
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Other Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue $ 14,040 $ 13,748
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 2,352 2,439
Refinery    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 1,062 1,185
Loyalty program    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 807 795
Ancillary businesses    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 189 180
Miscellaneous    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue $ 294 $ 279
v3.25.1
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue by Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue $ 14,040 $ 13,748
Domestic    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 10,055 10,031
Atlantic    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 1,646 1,581
Latin America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 1,523 1,442
Pacific    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 816 694
Passenger    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 11,480 11,131
Passenger | Domestic    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 8,101 7,983
Passenger | Atlantic    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 1,372 1,305
Passenger | Latin America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue 1,334 1,265
Passenger | Pacific    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Operating revenue $ 673 $ 578
v3.25.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Fair Value    
Cash equivalents $ 2,343 $ 1,619
Restricted cash equivalents 230 351
Long-term investments and related 2,340 2,372
Fuel hedge contracts (39) (17)
Level 1    
Fair Value    
Cash equivalents 2,343 1,619
Restricted cash equivalents 230 351
Long-term investments and related 2,049 2,085
Fuel hedge contracts 0 0
Level 2    
Fair Value    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents 0 0
Long-term investments and related 171 160
Fuel hedge contracts (39) (17)
Level 3    
Fair Value    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents 0 0
Long-term investments and related 120 127
Fuel hedge contracts $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - Fuel hedge contracts - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Loss on derivatives recognized $ 20 $ 96
Mark-to-Market    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Loss on derivative 22  
Settlement Losses on Contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Gain on derivative $ 2  
v3.25.1
INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Investments [Line Items]    
Carrying Value $ 2,819 $ 2,846
Grupo Aeromexico    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 20.00% 20.00%
Carrying Value $ 367 $ 354
Unifi Aviation    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 49.00% 49.00%
Carrying Value $ 143 $ 146
Air France-KLM    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 3.00% 3.00%
Carrying Value $ 68 $ 62
China Eastern    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 2.00% 2.00%
Carrying Value $ 151 $ 155
Hanjin KAL    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 15.00% 15.00%
Carrying Value $ 547 $ 507
Hanjin KAL | Common and Preferred Shares    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 14.80%  
Hanjin KAL | Common Stock    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 14.90%  
LATAM    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 10.00% 10.00%
Carrying Value $ 950 $ 837
Wheels Up    
Investments [Line Items]    
Ownership interest (percent) 38.00% 38.00%
Carrying Value $ 266 $ 435
Voting rights, shares held threshold 29.90%  
Other investments    
Investments [Line Items]    
Carrying Value $ 327 $ 350
v3.25.1
DEBT - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 15,092 $ 15,373
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issue cost, net and other (16) (26)
Total debt 15,076 15,347
Less: current maturities (2,644) (1,801)
Total long-term debt $ 12,432 13,546
Unsecured Payroll Support Program Loans | Unsecured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2030  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2031  
Interest rate per annum (percent) 1.00%  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 3,496 3,496
Debt instrument term 5 years  
Margin on rate (percent) 2.00%  
Unsecured notes | Unsecured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2029  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 1,575 1,575
Unsecured notes | Unsecured debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 3.75%  
Unsecured notes | Unsecured debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 7.38%  
SkyMiles Notes | Secured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2028  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 3,833 3,970
SkyMiles Notes | Secured debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 4.50%  
SkyMiles Notes | Secured debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 4.75%  
SkyMiles Term Loan | Secured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2027  
Interest rate per annum (percent) 8.04%  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 719 784
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds | Bonds    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2025  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2045  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 3,522 3,591
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds | Bonds | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 4.00%  
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds | Bonds | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 6.00%  
Financing secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2028  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 984 992
Financing secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 2.00%  
Financing secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 8.00%  
Financing secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2033  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 85 87
Financing secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 6.55%  
Financing secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 6.61%  
Senior Secured Notes | Secured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity date Dec. 31, 2025  
Interest rate per annum (percent) 7.00%  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 812 812
Other financings | Secured and unsecured debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2030  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 66 66
Other financings | Secured and unsecured debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 5.00%  
Corporate Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2026  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2028  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 0 0
Other revolving credit facilities | Revolving credit facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2025  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2026  
Total secured and unsecured debt $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.1
DEBT - Availability Under Revolving Credit Facilities (Details)
$ in Billions
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Revolving credit facility  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Undrawn credit facilities $ 3.1
v3.25.1
DEBT - Fair Value of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt    
Net carrying amount $ 15,076 $ 15,347
Fair value $ 15,100 $ 15,300
v3.25.1
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Pension Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Service cost $ 4 $ 3
Interest cost 208 201
Expected return on plan assets (267) (263)
Amortization of prior service credit 0 0
Recognized net actuarial loss 50 62
Net periodic cost (5) 3
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure    
Service cost 33 23
Interest cost 45 45
Expected return on plan assets 0 (1)
Amortization of prior service credit (1) (1)
Recognized net actuarial loss 5 5
Net periodic cost $ 82 $ 71
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Aircraft Commitments by Year (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Future aircraft purchase commitments:  
Total $ 17,600
Future aircraft purchase commitments  
Future aircraft purchase commitments:  
Nine months ending December 31, 2025 2,590
2026 3,750
2027 5,750
2028 3,880
2029 1,260
Thereafter 370
Total $ 17,600
v3.25.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Aircraft Commitments by Fleet Type (Details) (Details) - Future aircraft purchase commitments
Mar. 31, 2025
aircraft
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 285
A220-300  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 69
A321-200neo  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 82
A330-900neo  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 6
A350-900  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 8
A350-1000  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 20
B-737-10  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 100
v3.25.1
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance, tax effect $ 536 $ 796
Beginning balance 15,293 11,105
Changes in value, tax effect 0  
Changes in value (net of tax effect) 1  
Reclassifications into earnings, tax effect (12) (14)
Reclassification into earnings (net of tax effect) 40 52
Ending balance, tax effect 524 782
Ending balance 15,447 11,151
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance (4,979) (5,845)
Ending balance (4,938) (5,793)
Pension and Other Benefit Liabilities    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance, AOCI before tax (5,557) (6,681)
Changes in value 0  
Reclassifications into earnings 52 66
Ending balance, AOCI before tax (5,505) (6,615)
Other    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax    
Beginning balance, AOCI before tax 42 40
Changes in value 1  
Reclassifications into earnings 0 0
Ending balance, AOCI before tax $ 43 $ 40
v3.25.1
SEGMENTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue $ 14,040 $ 13,748  
Airline salaries and related costs 4,083 3,791  
Aircraft fuel and related costs 2,410 2,598  
Depreciation and amortization 607 615  
Operating Income 569 614  
Interest expense, net 179 205  
Other non-operating expense 70 287  
Income Before Income Taxes 320 122  
Total assets, end of period 77,342 74,969 $ 75,372
Capital expenditures 1,224 1,193  
Operating Segments | Airline      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue 12,978 12,563  
Airline salaries and related costs 4,083 3,791  
Aircraft fuel and related costs 2,410 2,598  
Depreciation and amortization 607 615  
Other segment items 5,308 4,994  
Operating Income 570 565  
Interest expense, net 179 205  
Other non-operating expense 70 287  
Income Before Income Taxes 321 73  
Total assets, end of period 75,043 72,875  
Capital expenditures 1,187 1,178  
Operating Segments | Refinery      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue 1,698 2,049  
Refinery cost of goods sold 1,562 1,873  
Depreciation and amortization 28 27  
Other segment items 109 100  
Operating Income (1) 49  
Interest expense, net 1 5  
Income Before Income Taxes (2) 44  
Total assets, end of period 2,359 2,123  
Capital expenditures 37 15  
Intersegment Sales/Other      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue (636) (864)  
Interest expense, net (1) (5)  
Income Before Income Taxes 1 5  
Total assets, end of period (60) (29)  
Capital expenditures  
Intersegment Sales/Other | Sales to airline segment      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue (260) (386)  
Intersegment Sales/Other | Exchanged products      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue (341) (439)  
Intersegment Sales/Other | Sales of refined products      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue $ (35) $ (39)  
v3.25.1
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]    
Net income $ 240 $ 37
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (shares) 644 640
Dilutive effect of share-based instruments (shares) 8 5
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (shares) 652 645
Basic earnings per share (USD per share) $ 0.37 $ 0.06
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share) $ 0.37 $ 0.06