DELTA AIR LINES, INC., 10-K filed on 2/10/2023
Annual Report
v3.22.4
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Jan. 31, 2023
Jun. 30, 2022
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2022    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-5424    
Entity Registrant Name DELTA AIR LINES, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000027904    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
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    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 18.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   641,238,655  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.    
v3.22.4
Audit Information
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location Atlanta, Georgia
Auditor Firm ID 42
v3.22.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,266 $ 7,933
Short-term investments 3,268 3,386
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $23 and $50 3,176 2,404
Fuel, expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of an allowance for obsolescence of $136 and $176 1,424 1,098
Prepaid expenses and other 1,877 1,119
Total current assets 13,011 15,940
Noncurrent Assets:    
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $20,370 and $18,671 33,109 28,749
Operating lease right-of-use assets 7,036 7,237
Goodwill 9,753 9,753
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $902 and $893 5,992 6,001
Equity investments 2,128 1,712
Deferred income taxes, net 325 1,294
Other noncurrent assets 934 1,773
Total noncurrent assets 59,277 56,519
Total assets 72,288 72,459
Current Liabilities:    
Current maturities of debt and finance leases 2,359 1,782
Current maturities of operating leases 714 703
Accounts payable 5,106 4,240
Accrued salaries and related benefits 3,288 2,457
Fuel card obligation 1,100 1,100
Other accrued liabilities 1,779 1,746
Total current liabilities 25,940 20,966
Noncurrent Liabilities:    
Debt and finance leases 20,671 25,138
Pension, postretirement and related benefits 3,707 6,035
Noncurrent operating leases 6,866 7,056
Other noncurrent liabilities 3,974 4,398
Total noncurrent liabilities 39,766 47,606
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:    
Common stock at $0.0001 par value; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 651,800,786 and 649,720,387 shares issued 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 11,526 11,447
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit) 1,170 (148)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,801) (7,130)
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,535,033 and 9,752,872 (313) (282)
Total stockholders' equity 6,582 3,887
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 72,288 72,459
Air traffic    
Current Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, current 8,160 6,228
Noncurrent Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, noncurrent 100 130
Loyalty program    
Current Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, current 3,434 2,710
Noncurrent Liabilities:    
Deferred revenue liability, noncurrent $ 4,448 $ 4,849
v3.22.4
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Current Assets:    
Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 23 $ 50
Allowance for obsolescence 136 176
Noncurrent Assets:    
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 20,370 18,671
Accumulated amortization $ 902 $ 893
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) 651,800,786 649,720,387
Treasury stock, at cost (shares) 10,535,033 9,752,872
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Revenue:      
Total operating revenue $ 50,582,000,000 $ 29,899,000,000 $ 17,095,000,000
Operating Expense:      
Salaries and related costs 11,902,000,000 9,728,000,000 9,001,000,000
Aircraft fuel and related taxes 11,482,000,000 5,633,000,000 3,176,000,000
Ancillary businesses and refinery 5,756,000,000 3,957,000,000 1,785,000,000
Contracted services 3,345,000,000 2,420,000,000 1,953,000,000
Landing fees and other rents 2,181,000,000 2,019,000,000 1,833,000,000
Depreciation and amortization 2,107,000,000 1,998,000,000 2,312,000,000
Regional carrier expense 2,051,000,000 1,736,000,000 1,584,000,000
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs 1,982,000,000 1,401,000,000 822,000,000
Passenger commissions and other selling expenses 1,891,000,000 953,000,000 643,000,000
Passenger service 1,453,000,000 756,000,000 551,000,000
Profit sharing 563,000,000 108,000,000 0
Aircraft rent 508,000,000 430,000,000 399,000,000
Restructuring charges (124,000,000) (19,000,000) 8,219,000,000
Government grant recognition 0 (4,512,000,000) (3,946,000,000)
Other 1,824,000,000 1,405,000,000 1,232,000,000
Total operating expense 46,921,000,000 28,013,000,000 29,564,000,000
Operating Income/(Loss) 3,661,000,000 1,886,000,000 (12,469,000,000)
Non-Operating Expense:      
Interest expense, net (1,029,000,000) (1,279,000,000) (929,000,000)
Impairments and equity method results (20,000,000) (337,000,000) (2,432,000,000)
Gain/(loss) on investments, net (783,000,000) 56,000,000 (105,000,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (100,000,000) (319,000,000) (8,000,000)
Pension and related benefit 292,000,000 451,000,000 219,000,000
Miscellaneous, net (107,000,000) (60,000,000) 137,000,000
Total non-operating expense, net (1,747,000,000) (1,488,000,000) (3,118,000,000)
Income/(Loss) Before Income Taxes 1,914,000,000 398,000,000 (15,587,000,000)
Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit (596,000,000) (118,000,000) 3,202,000,000
Net Income/(Loss) $ 1,318,000,000 $ 280,000,000 $ (12,385,000,000)
Basic Earnings/(Loss) Per Share (USD per share) $ 2.07 $ 0.44 $ (19.49)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (USD per share) 2.06 0.44 (19.49)
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share (USD per share) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0.40
Passenger      
Operating Revenue:      
Total operating revenue $ 40,218,000,000 $ 22,519,000,000 $ 12,883,000,000
Cargo      
Operating Revenue:      
Total operating revenue 1,050,000,000 1,032,000,000 608,000,000
Other      
Operating Revenue:      
Total operating revenue $ 9,314,000,000 $ 6,348,000,000 $ 3,604,000,000
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net Income/(Loss) $ 1,318 $ 280 $ (12,385)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):      
Net change in pension and other benefits 1,329 1,908 (983)
Net change in other 0 0 (66)
Total Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) 1,329 1,908 (1,049)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) $ 2,647 $ 2,188 $ (13,434)
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income/(loss) $ 1,318 $ 280 $ (12,385)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Restructuring charges (46) 5 4,111
Depreciation and amortization 2,107 1,998 2,312
Deferred income taxes 591 115 (3,110)
(Gain)/loss on fair value investments 874 (38) 88
Pension, postretirement and postemployment payments (greater)/less than expense (453) (2,038) 898
Impairments and equity method results 20 337 2,432
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:      
Receivables (728) (981) 1,168
Fuel inventory (158) (318) 354
Prepaids and other current assets (867) (58) 0
Profit sharing 455 108 (1,650)
Other payables, deferred revenue and accrued liabilities 1,226 1,986 240
Noncurrent liabilities (348) (399) 1,185
Other, net 146 77 681
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 6,363 3,264 (3,793)
Property and equipment additions:      
Flight equipment, including advance payments (4,495) (1,596) (896)
Ground property and equipment, including technology (1,871) (1,651) (1,003)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions 0 0 465
Purchase of equity investments (870) 0 (2,099)
Purchase of short-term investments (2,704) (12,655) (13,400)
Redemption of short-term investments 2,804 15,036 7,608
Other, net 212 (32) 87
Net cash used in investing activities (6,924) (898) (9,238)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Proceeds from short-term obligations 0 0 3,261
Proceeds from long-term obligations 0 1,902 22,790
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions 0 0 2,306
Payments on debt and finance lease obligations (4,475) (5,834) (8,559)
Repurchase of common stock 0 0 (344)
Cash dividends 0 0 (260)
Fuel card obligation 0 0 364
Other, net (60) 80 (202)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (4,535) (3,852) 19,356
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (5,096) (1,486) 6,325
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 8,569 10,055 3,730
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 3,473 8,569 10,055
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid for Interest 1,261 1,524 761
Non-Cash Transactions:      
Right-of-use assets acquired under operating leases 531 2,113 1,077
Flight and ground equipment acquired under finance leases 91 1,049 381
Equity investments and other financings 330 0 280
Operating leases converted to finance leases 342 42 0
Air traffic      
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:      
Liabilities and deferred revenue 1,902 1,814 (572)
Loyalty program      
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:      
Liabilities and deferred revenue $ 324 $ 376 $ 455
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings / (Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019   652        
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 15,358 $ 0 $ 11,129 $ 12,454 $ (7,989) $ (236)
Beginning balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019           9
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity            
Net income/(loss) (12,385)     (12,385)    
Dividends declared (257)     (257)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,049)       (1,049)  
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other (shares) [1]   1        
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other [1] 97   120     $ (23)
Stock purchased and retired (shares)   (6)        
Stock purchased and retired (344)   (104) (240)    
Government grant warrant issuance 114   114      
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020   647        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 1,534 $ 0 11,259 (428) (9,038) $ (259)
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020           9
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity            
Net income/(loss) 280     280    
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,908       1,908  
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other (shares) [1]   3       1
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other [1] 79   102     $ (23)
Government grant warrant issuance 86   86      
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021   650        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 3,887 $ 0 11,447 (148) (7,130) $ (282)
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021           10
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity            
Net income/(loss) 1,318     1,318    
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,329       1,329  
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other (shares) [1]   2       1
Common stock issued for employee equity awards and other [1] 48   79     $ (31)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022   652        
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 6,582 $ 0 $ 11,526 $ 1,170 $ (5,801) $ (313)
Ending balance, treasury (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022           11
[1] Treasury shares were withheld for payment of taxes, at a weighted average price per share of $40.52, $38.87 and $52.17 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
v3.22.4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Treasury shares withheld for payment of taxes, weighted average price per share (USD per share) $ 40.52 $ 38.87 $ 52.17
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation

Delta Air Lines, Inc., a Delaware corporation, provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States ("U.S.") and around the world. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). We are the primary beneficiary of, and have a controlling financial interest in, certain immaterial entities in which we have voting rights of 50% or less, which we consolidate in our financial results.

We have marketing alliances with other airlines to enhance our access to domestic and international markets. These arrangements may include codesharing, reciprocal loyalty program benefits, shared or reciprocal access to passenger lounges, joint promotions, common use of airport gates and ticket counters, ticket office co-location and other marketing agreements. We have received antitrust immunity for certain marketing arrangements, which enables us to offer a more integrated route network and develop common sales, marketing and discount programs for customers. Some of our marketing arrangements provide for the sharing of revenues and expenses. Revenues and expenses associated with collaborative arrangements are presented on a gross basis in the applicable line items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations ("income statement").

We have 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.

Use of Estimates

We are required to make estimates and assumptions when preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Standards

Standards Effective in Future Years

Fair Value of Equity Investments. In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions." Under this standard, a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered in measuring the security's fair value. The standard also requires certain disclosures for equity securities that are subject to contractual restrictions. The ASU becomes effective January 1, 2024. Upon adoption, we do not believe it will have a material impact on the valuation of our equity investments; however, we may be required to include additional disclosures to the extent we have material equity investments subject to contractual sale restrictions.

Supplier Finance Program Obligations. In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, "Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50)." This standard requires disclosure of the key terms of outstanding supplier finance programs and a rollforward of the related obligations. The new standard does not affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of supplier finance program obligations. The ASU becomes effective January 1, 2023, except for the rollforward requirement, which becomes effective January 1, 2024. Upon adoption, we may be required to include additional disclosures to the extent we have material supplier finance program obligations.
Significant Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed below or included within the topic-specific notes included herein.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments with maturities of greater than three months, but not in excess of one year, when purchased are classified as short-term investments and are stated at fair value. Investments with maturities beyond one year when purchased may be classified as short-term investments if they are expected to be available to support our short-term liquidity needs. Our short-term investments in debt securities purchased prior to October 1, 2022 are classified as fair value investments under the fair value option and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in non-operating expense. As we return to our pre-pandemic investment strategy for these assets, our short-term investments in debt securities purchased after October 1, 2022 are classified as available-for-sale investments and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) ("AOCI"). Realized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in non-operating expense.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets ("balance sheets") that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ("cash flows statement").

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$3,266 $7,933 $8,307 
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other138 163 192 
Noncurrent assets:
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets69 473 1,556 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$3,473 $8,569 $10,055 

Inventories

Fuel. As part of our strategy to mitigate the cost of the refining margin reflected in the price of jet fuel, our wholly owned subsidiary, Monroe Energy, LLC ("Monroe"), operates the Trainer oil refinery. Refined products (finished goods) and feedstock and blendstock inventories (work-in-process) are both carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We use jet fuel in our airline operations that is produced by the refinery and procured through the exchange with third parties of gasoline, diesel and other refined products ("non-jet fuel products") the refinery produces. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Costs include the raw material consumed plus direct manufacturing costs (such as labor, utilities and supplies) as incurred and an applicable portion of manufacturing overhead.

We expense the cost of carbon offsets upon retirement within aircraft fuel and related taxes on our income statement as these costs are related to our carbon emissions generated by our airline segment. The purchase of carbon offsets is included in operating activities on our cash flows statement. During 2022, we purchased and retired $116 million of carbon offsets which relate to a portion of our airline segment's 2021 and March 2022 quarter carbon emissions. During 2021, we purchased and retired $95 million of carbon offsets, which related to a portion of our airline segment's 2020 and 2021 carbon emissions.

Expendables Parts and Supplies. Inventories of expendable parts related to flight equipment, which cannot be economically repaired, reconditioned or reused after removal from the aircraft, are carried at moving average cost and charged to aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs as consumed. An allowance for obsolescence is provided over the remaining useful life of the related fleet. We also provide allowances for parts identified as excess or obsolete to reduce the carrying costs to the lower of cost or net realizable value. These parts are estimated to have residual value of 5% of the original cost.

Accounting for Refinery Related Buy/Sell Agreements

To the extent that we receive jet fuel for non-jet fuel products exchanged under buy/sell agreements, we account for these transactions as nonmonetary exchanges. We have recorded these nonmonetary exchanges at the carrying amount of the non-jet fuel products transferred within aircraft fuel and related taxes on the income statement.
Derivatives

Changes in fuel prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates impact our results of operations. In an effort to manage our exposure to these risks, we may enter into derivative contracts and adjust our derivative portfolio as market conditions change. Our derivative contracts are recognized at fair value on our balance sheets and had net balances of $47 million and $17 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

Our long-lived lived assets, including flight equipment, which consists of aircraft and associated engines and parts, operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and other long-lived assets, are recorded in property and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets on our balance sheets. See Note 7, "Leases," for further information regarding our leases. The following table summarizes our property and equipment:

Property and equipment by classification
December 31,
(in millions, except for estimated useful life)Estimated Useful Life20222021
Flight equipment
25-34 years
$38,091 $33,368 
Ground property and equipment
3-40 years
8,996 7,758 
Information technology-related assets
3-15 years
3,375 3,389 
Flight and ground equipment under finance leasesShorter of lease term or estimated useful life1,950 2,052 
Advance payments for equipment1,067 853 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)
(20,370)(18,671)
Total property and equipment, net$33,109 $28,749 
(1)Includes accumulated amortization for flight and ground equipment under finance leases in the amount of $463 million and $456 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate or amortize these assets on a straight-line basis to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life for leasehold improvements is the shorter of lease term or estimated useful life. Depreciation and amortization expense related to our property and equipment was $2.1 billion, $2.0 billion and $2.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Residual values for owned aircraft, engines, spare parts and simulators are generally 5% to 10% of cost.

We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to develop and implement software and amortize those costs over an estimated useful life of three to fifteen years. Included in the depreciation and amortization expense discussed above, we recorded $307 million, $301 million and $304 million for amortization of capitalized software for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The net book value of these assets, which are included in information technology-related assets above, totaled $891 million and $876 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Our tangible assets consist primarily of flight equipment, which is mobile across geographic markets. Accordingly, assets are not allocated to specific geographic regions.

We review flight equipment, ROU assets and other long-lived assets used in operations for impairment losses when events and circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. Factors which could be indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to (1) a decision to permanently remove flight equipment or other long-lived assets from operations, (2) significant changes in the estimated useful life, (3) significant changes in projected cash flows, (4) permanent and significant declines in fleet fair values and (5) changes to the regulatory environment. For long-lived assets held for sale, we discontinue depreciation and record impairment losses when the carrying amount of these assets is greater than the fair value less the cost to sell.
To determine whether impairments exist for aircraft used in operations, we group assets at the fleet type level or at the contract level for aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers (i.e., the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on projections of capacity, passenger mile yield, fuel and labor costs and other relevant factors. If an asset group is impaired, the impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the asset group's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We estimate aircraft fair values using published sources, appraisals and bids received from third parties, as available. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020 we removed a significant portion of our mainline and regional aircraft from active service and evaluated our fleet for impairment, determining that only certain fleet types were impaired, as the future cash flows from the operation of these fleet types through the respective retirement dates were lower than the carrying value.

Due to the recovery in demand that we experienced throughout 2021 and 2022, we decided not to retire any additional aircraft and returned to service a majority of the aircraft that were temporarily parked in 2020. We recorded no further impairments during 2021 or 2022. See Note 15, "Government Grants and Restructuring," for additional details regarding these impairments and related charges.

Income Taxes

We account for deferred income taxes under the liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are net by jurisdiction and are recorded as noncurrent on the balance sheet.

We have elected to recognize earnings of foreign affiliates that are determined to be global intangible low tax income in the period it arises and do not recognize deferred taxes for basis differences that may reverse in future years.

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when necessary. We periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. We establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results and tax planning strategies. See Note 11, "Income Taxes," for further information on our deferred income taxes.

Fuel Card Obligation

We have a purchasing card with American Express for the purpose of buying jet fuel and crude oil. The card carried a maximum credit limit of $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2022 and must be paid monthly. At both December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had $1.1 billion outstanding on this purchasing card and the activity was classified as a financing activity in our cash flows statement.

Retirement of Repurchased Shares

We immediately retire shares repurchased pursuant to any share repurchase program. We allocate the share purchase price in excess of par value between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.

Manufacturers' Credits

We periodically receive credits in connection with the acquisition of aircraft and engines. These credits are deferred until the aircraft and engines are delivered, and then applied as a reduction to the cost of the related equipment.

Maintenance Costs

We record maintenance costs related to our mainline and regional fleets in aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs and regional carrier expense, respectively. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs incurred under power-by-the-hour contracts, which are expensed based on actual hours flown. Power-by-the-hour contracts transfer certain risk to third-party service providers and fix the amount we pay per flight hour or per flight cycle to the service provider in exchange for maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program. Modifications that enhance the operating performance or extend the useful lives of airframes or engines are capitalized and amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter.
Advertising Costs

We expense advertising costs in passenger commissions and other selling expenses in the year the advertising first takes place. Advertising expense was $302 million, $198 million and $119 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Commissions and Merchant Fees

Passenger sales commissions and merchant fees are recognized in passenger commissions and other selling expenses when the related revenue is recognized.
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
REVENUE RECOGNITION REVENUE RECOGNITION
Passenger Revenue

Passenger revenue is composed of passenger ticket sales, loyalty travel awards and travel-related services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight.

Passenger revenue by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Ticket$35,626 $19,339 $10,970 
Loyalty travel awards2,898 1,786 935 
Travel-related services1,694 1,394 978 
Total passenger revenue$40,218 $22,519 $12,883 

Ticket

Passenger Tickets. We defer sales of passenger tickets to be flown by us or that we sell on behalf of other airlines in our air traffic liability. Passenger revenue is recognized when we provide transportation or when the ticket expires unused ("ticket breakage"). For tickets that we sell on behalf of other airlines, we reduce the air traffic liability when consideration is remitted to those airlines. The air traffic liability primarily includes sales of passenger tickets with scheduled departure dates in the future and credits which can be applied as payment toward the cost of a ticket ("travel credits"). Travel credits are typically issued as a result of ticket cancellations prior to their expiration dates. We periodically evaluate the estimated air traffic liability and may record adjustments in our income statement. These adjustments relate primarily to ticket breakage, refunds, exchanges, transactions with other airlines and other items for which final settlement occurs in periods subsequent to the sale of the related tickets at amounts other than the original sales price.

We recognized approximately $4.2 billion, $2.2 billion and $3.1 billion in passenger revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that had been recorded in our air traffic liability balance at the beginning of those periods.

The air traffic liability typically increases during the winter and spring months as advanced ticket sales grow prior to the summer peak travel season and decreases during the summer and fall months. Beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic in the March 2020 quarter through 2021, reduced demand for air travel resulted in a lower level of advance bookings and the associated cash received than we had historically experienced, which had been impacting the typical seasonal trend of air traffic liability. However, demand improved during 2022 as consumers regained confidence to travel and increased ticket purchases for travel further in advance.

Ticket Breakage. We estimate the value of ticket breakage and recognize revenue at the scheduled flight date. Our ticket breakage estimates are primarily based on historical experience, ticket contract terms and customers’ travel behavior. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer behavior and changes made in ticket validity terms, as well as the elimination of change fees for most tickets as discussed below, our estimates of revenue that will be recognized from the air traffic liability for unused tickets may vary in future periods.
Extension to Ticket Validity. In order to provide our customers more flexibility and time to plan their travel, travel credit holders as of January 2022 and customers who purchased a ticket in 2022 are able to rebook their ticket through December 31, 2023 for travel throughout 2024.

Regional Carriers. Our regional carriers include both third-party regional carriers with which we have contract carrier agreements ("contract carriers") and Endeavor Air, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary. Our contract carrier agreements are primarily structured as capacity purchase agreements where we purchase all or a portion of the contract carrier's capacity and are responsible for selling the seat inventory we purchase. We record revenue related to our capacity purchase agreements in passenger revenue and the related expenses in regional carrier expense.

Loyalty Travel Awards

Loyalty travel awards revenue is related to the redemption of miles for travel. We recognize loyalty travel awards revenue in passenger revenue as miles are redeemed and transportation is provided. See below for discussion of our loyalty program accounting policies.

Travel-Related Services

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

Delta has eliminated change fees for tickets originating in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa (excluding Basic Economy tickets). A change fee waiver continues to apply for travel originating in Asia and the Pacific. Starting in 2022, Basic Economy tickets may be cancelled for a charge to receive a partial ticket credit.

Loyalty Program

Our SkyMiles loyalty program generates customer loyalty by rewarding customers with incentives to travel on Delta. This program allows customers to earn mileage credits ("miles") by flying on Delta, Delta Connection carriers and other airlines that participate in the loyalty program. When traveling, customers earn miles primarily based on the passenger's loyalty program status, fare class and ticket price. Customers can also earn miles through participating companies such as credit card companies, hotels, car rental agencies and ridesharing companies. Miles are redeemable by customers in future periods for air travel on Delta and other participating airlines, access to our Sky Club and other program awards. To facilitate transactions with participating companies, we sell miles to non-airline businesses, customers and other airlines.

The loyalty program includes two types of transactions that are considered revenue arrangements with multiple performance obligations (1) passenger ticket sales earning miles and (2) sale of miles to participating companies.

Passenger Ticket Sales Earning Miles. Passenger ticket sales earning miles provide customers with (1) miles earned and (2) air transportation, which are each considered performance obligations. We value each performance obligation on a standalone basis. To value the miles earned, we consider the quantitative value a passenger receives by redeeming miles for a ticket rather than paying cash, which is referred to as equivalent ticket value ("ETV"). Our estimate of ETV is adjusted for miles that are not likely to be redeemed ("mileage breakage"). We use statistical models to estimate mileage breakage based on historical redemption patterns. A change in assumptions regarding the redemption activity for miles or the estimated fair value of miles expected to be redeemed could have a material impact on our revenue in the year in which the change occurs and in future years. We recognize mileage breakage proportionally during the period in which the remaining miles are actually redeemed.

We defer revenue for the miles when earned and recognize loyalty travel awards in passenger revenue as the miles are redeemed and transportation is provided. We record the air transportation portion of the passenger ticket sales in air traffic liability and recognize passenger revenue when we provide transportation or if the ticket goes unused.

Sale of Miles to Participating Companies. Customers earn miles based on their spending with participating companies such as credit card companies, hotels, car rental agencies and ridesharing companies with which we have marketing agreements to sell miles. Our contracts to sell miles under these marketing agreements have multiple performance obligations. Payments are typically due to us monthly based on the volume of miles sold during the period, and the initial terms of our marketing contracts are from three to eleven years. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, total cash sales from marketing agreements related to our loyalty program were $5.7 billion, $4.1 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, which are allocated to travel and other performance obligations, as discussed below.
Our most significant contract to sell miles relates to our co-brand credit card relationship with American Express. Our agreements with American Express provide for joint marketing, grant certain benefits to Delta-American Express co-branded credit card holders ("cardholders") and American Express Membership Rewards program participants, and allow American Express to market its services or products using our customer database. Cardholders earn miles for making purchases using co-branded cards, and certain cardholders may also check their first bag for free, are granted discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges and receive priority boarding and other benefits while traveling on Delta. Additionally, participants in the American Express Membership Rewards program may exchange their points for miles under the loyalty program. We sell miles at agreed-upon rates to American Express which are then provided to their customers under the co-brand credit card program and the Membership Rewards program.

We account for marketing agreements, including those with American Express, by allocating the consideration to the individual products and services delivered. We allocate the value based on the relative selling prices of those products and services, which generally consist of award travel, priority boarding, baggage fee waivers, lounge access and the use of our brand. We determine our best estimate of the selling prices by using a discounted cash flow analysis using multiple inputs and assumptions, including (1) the expected number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed, (2) ETV for the award travel obligation adjusted for mileage breakage, (3) published rates on our website for baggage fees, discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges and other benefits while traveling on Delta, (4) brand value (using estimated royalties generated from the use of our brand) and (5) volume discounts provided to certain partners.

We defer the amount allocated to award travel as part of loyalty program deferred revenue and recognize loyalty travel awards in passenger revenue as the miles are redeemed and transportation is provided. Revenue allocated to services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight, such as baggage fee waivers, is recognized as travel-related services in passenger revenue when the related service is performed. Revenue allocated to access Delta Sky Club lounges is recognized as miscellaneous in other revenue as access is provided. Revenue allocated to the remaining performance obligations, primarily brand value, is recorded as loyalty program in other revenue as miles are delivered.

Current Activity of the Loyalty Program. Miles are combined in one homogeneous pool and are not separately identifiable. Therefore, the 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 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)202220212020
Balance at January 1$7,559 $7,182 $6,728 
Miles earned3,419 2,238 1,437 
Travel miles redeemed(2,898)(1,786)(935)
Non-travel miles redeemed(198)(75)(48)
Balance at December 31$7,882 $7,559 $7,182 

The timing of mile redemptions can vary widely; however, the majority of new miles have historically been redeemed within two years of being earned. The loyalty program deferred revenue classified as a current liability represents our estimate of revenue expected to be recognized in the next twelve months based on projected redemptions, while the balance classified as a noncurrent liability represents our estimate of revenue expected to be recognized beyond twelve months.

Cargo Revenue

Cargo revenue is recognized when we provide the transportation.
Other Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Refinery$4,977 $3,229 $1,150 
Loyalty program2,597 1,770 1,458 
Ancillary businesses846 793 648 
Miscellaneous894 556 348 
Total other revenue$9,314 $6,348 $3,604 

Refinery. This represents refinery sales to third parties. See Note 14, "Segments," for more information on revenue recognition within our refinery segment.

Loyalty Program. This relates to brand usage by third parties and other performance obligations embedded in miles sold, including redemption of miles for non-travel awards. These revenues are included within the total cash sales from marketing agreements, discussed above.

Ancillary Businesses. This includes aircraft maintenance services we provide to third parties and our vacation wholesale operations.

Miscellaneous. This is primarily composed of lounge access, including access provided to certain American Express cardholders, and codeshare revenues.

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 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 table:

Revenue by geographic region
Passenger RevenueOperating Revenue
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020202220212020
Domestic$30,197 $18,468 $10,041 $38,478 $24,320 $13,339 
Atlantic6,093 1,777 1,171 7,429 2,537 1,649 
Latin America2,889 1,873 1,113 3,334 2,284 1,321 
Pacific1,039 401 558 1,341 758 786 
Total$40,218 $22,519 $12,883 $50,582 $29,899 $17,095 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from credit card companies from the sale of passenger tickets, ancillary businesses, refinery sales and other companies for the purchase of miles under the loyalty program. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts using an expected credit loss model which represents our estimate of expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recorded reserves on certain receivables, which are discussed further in Note 15, "Government Grants and Restructuring".

Passenger Taxes and Fees

We are required to charge certain taxes and fees on our passenger tickets, including U.S. federal transportation taxes, federal security charges, airport passenger facility charges and foreign arrival and departure taxes. These taxes and fees are assessments on the customer for which we act as a collection agent. Because we are not entitled to retain these taxes and fees, we do not include such amounts in passenger revenue. We record a liability when the amounts are collected and reduce the liability when payments are made to the applicable government agency or operating carrier (i.e., for codeshare-related fees).
v3.22.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Each fair value measurement is classified into one of the following levels based on the information used in the valuation:

•Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets.

•Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

•Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the valuation techniques identified in the tables below. The valuation techniques are as follows:

(a)Market Approach. Prices and other relevant information generated by observable transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

(b)Income Approach. Techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount based on market expectations (including present value techniques and option-pricing models).

Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis(1)
December 31, 2022Valuation
Technique
(in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$2,021 $2,021 $— $— (a)
Restricted cash equivalents206 206 — — (a)
Short-term investments
U.S. Government securities1,587 122 1,465 — (a)
Corporate obligations1,614 — 1,614 — (a)
Other fixed income securities67 — 67 — (a)
Long-term investments1,450 1,305 38 107 (a)(b)
Hedge derivatives, net
Fuel hedge contracts(47)— (47)— (a)(b)
December 31, 2021Valuation
Technique
(in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$5,450 $5,450 $— $— (a)
Restricted cash equivalents635 635 — — (a)
Short-term investments
U.S. Government securities3,386 1,376 2,010 — (a)
Long-term investments1,459 1,326 36 97 (a)(b)
Hedge derivatives, net
Fuel hedge contracts(18)— (18)— (a)(b)
(1)See Note 9, "Employee Benefit Plans," for fair value of benefit plan assets.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents generally consist of money market funds. Restricted cash equivalents are recorded in prepaid expenses and other and other noncurrent assets on our balance sheets and generally consist of money market funds, time deposits, commercial paper and negotiable certificates of deposit, which primarily relate to certain self-insurance obligations and airport commitments as well as 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. 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 Investments. The fair values of our short-term investments are based on a market approach using industry standard valuation techniques that incorporate observable inputs such as quoted market prices, interest rates, benchmark curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable information.

As of December 31, 2022, the estimated fair value of our short-term investments was $3.3 billion. Of these investments, $2.8 billion are expected to mature in one year or less, with the remainder maturing by the first half of 2024.

Long-Term Investments. 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. During the year ended December 31, 2022 there were no material gains or losses related to investments classified as Level 3 as a result of fair value adjustments. See Note 4, "Investments," for further information on our long-term investments.

Hedge Derivatives. A portion of our derivative contracts may be negotiated over-the-counter with counterparties without going through a public exchange. Accordingly, our fair value assessments give consideration to the risk of counterparty default (as well as our own credit risk). Such contracts would be classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The remainder of our hedge contracts may be comprised of futures contracts, which are traded on a public exchange. These contracts would be classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

•Fuel Hedge Contracts. Our derivative contracts to hedge the financial risk from changing fuel prices are primarily related to Monroe’s inventory. Our fuel hedge portfolio may consist of a combination of options, swaps or futures. Option and swap contracts are valued under income approaches using option pricing models and discounted cash flow models, respectively, based on data either readily observable in public markets, derived from public markets or provided by counterparties who regularly trade in public markets. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are traded on a public exchange and valued based on quoted market prices. We recognized losses of $394 million, $146 million and gains of $85 million on our fuel hedge contracts in aircraft fuel and related taxes on our income statement for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The losses recognized during 2022 were composed of $365 million of settlements on contracts and $29 million of mark-to-market adjustments. Expense from the settlement of closed contracts is offset by higher operating profits at Monroe from higher pricing. See Note 14, "Segments," for further information on our Monroe refinery segment.
v3.22.4
INVESTMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS
We have developed strategic relationships with a number of airlines and airline services companies through joint ventures and other forms of cooperation and support, including equity investments. Our equity investments reinforce our commitment to these relationships and generally enhance our ability to offer input to the investee on strategic issues and direction, in some cases through representation on the board of directors.

Changes in the valuation of investments accounted for at fair value are recorded in gain/(loss) on investments, net in our income statement within non-operating expense and are driven by changes in stock prices, other valuation techniques for investments in companies without publicly-traded shares and foreign currency fluctuations.
Our share of our equity method investees' financial results is recorded in impairments and equity method results in our income statement under non-operating expense, except as noted below for Unifi Aviation. If an investment accounted for under the equity method experiences a loss in value that is determined to be other than temporary, we will reduce our carrying value of the investment to fair value and record the loss in impairments and equity method results in our income statement.

Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Air France-KLMFair Value3 %6 %$97 $165 
China EasternFair Value2 %2 %189 177 
CLEARFair Value5 %6 %227 260 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %51 %412 — 
Hanjin-KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %13 %296 455 
LATAMFair Value10 %20 %403 — 
Unifi Aviation
Equity Method(2)
49 %49 %165 159 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(3)
21 %21 %54 241 
Other investmentsVarious285 255 
Equity investments$2,128 $1,712 
(1)At December 31, 2022, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Results are included in contracted services in our income statement as this entity is integral to the operations of our business by providing services at many of our airport locations.
(3)We elected to account for our investment under the fair value option.

Grupo Aeroméxico. In the March 2022 quarter, Grupo Aeroméxico ("Aeroméxico") emerged from its voluntary proceedings to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the United States bankruptcy code ("bankruptcy process"). At the conclusion of the bankruptcy process, Aeroméxico's previously outstanding capital stock was consolidated and exchanged for less than 0.01% of new capital stock, which effectively eliminated our historical 51% ownership stake. Upon emergence, Delta received a 20% equity stake in the newly restructured Aeroméxico in exchange for (1) our receivables under Aeroméxico's debtor-in-possession financing, (2) $100 million (recorded as an investing outflow on our cash flows statement), and (3) our agreement to provide expanded commercial services to Aeroméxico in future periods.

LATAM. In the December 2022 quarter, LATAM Airlines Group S.A. ("LATAM") emerged from its voluntary proceedings to reorganize under the bankruptcy process. Upon emergence, Delta received full repayment of our outstanding debtor-in-possession financing. We purchased LATAM's New Convertible Notes for $657 million and subsequently converted the Notes to common stock, representing a 10% equity stake in the newly restructured LATAM.

Other Investments

This category includes various investments that are accounted for at fair value or under the equity method, depending on our ownership interest and the level of influence conveyed by our investment. Included in this category is our investment in Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic. The carrying value of our investment in Virgin Atlantic remains zero as of December 31, 2022. We maintain our 49% equity interest and continue to track our share of Virgin Atlantic's losses under the equity method of accounting. These previously unrecognized losses are only recorded to the extent we make additional investments in Virgin Atlantic (i.e., additional shareholder support). As of December 31, 2022, we have approximately $300 million of unrecognized equity method losses related to our 49% interest in Virgin Atlantic.

We also have an investment in JFK IAT Member LLC which is accounted for under the equity method and is discussed further in Note 8, "Airport Redevelopment."
v3.22.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Our goodwill and identifiable intangible assets relate to the airline segment. We apply a fair value-based impairment test to the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis (as of October 1) and, if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred, on an interim basis. We assess the value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived assets under either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under a qualitative approach, we consider various market factors, including certain of the key assumptions listed below. We analyze these factors to determine if events and circumstances have affected the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired, we use the quantitative approach to assess the asset's fair value and the amount of the impairment. Under a quantitative approach, we calculate the fair value of the asset incorporating the key assumptions listed below into our calculation.

We value goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily using market and income approach valuation techniques. These measurements include the following key assumptions (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business and our alliance partners from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) current discount rates, (3) observable market transactions and (4) anticipated changes to the regulatory environment (e.g., changes in slot access and/or availability, additional Open Skies agreements or changes to antitrust approvals). These assumptions are consistent with those that hypothetical market participants would use. Because we are required to make estimates and assumptions when evaluating goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, actual transaction amounts may differ materially from these estimates. We recognize an impairment charge if the asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.

Changes in certain events and circumstances could result in impairment or a change from indefinite-lived to definite-lived. Factors which could cause impairment include, but are not limited to (1) negative trends in our market capitalization, (2) reduced profitability resulting from lower passenger mile yields or higher input costs (primarily related to fuel and employees), (3) lower passenger demand as a result of weakened U.S. and global economies, global pandemics or other factors, (4) interruption to our operations due to a prolonged employee strike, terrorist attack or other reasons, (5) changes to the regulatory environment (e.g., changes in slot access and/or availability, additional Open Skies agreements or changes to antitrust approvals), (6) competitive changes by other airlines and (7) strategic changes to our operations leading to diminished utilization of the intangible assets.

Identifiable Intangible Assets. Indefinite-lived assets are not amortized and consist of routes, slots, the Delta tradename and assets related to alliances and collaborative arrangements. Definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of marketing and maintenance service agreements and are amortized on a straight-line basis or under the undiscounted cash flows method over the estimated economic life of the respective agreements. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of an intangible asset are expensed as incurred.

As a result of the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our market capitalization, profitability and overall travel demand, we performed a quantitative valuation of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the December 2020 quarter. These quantitative impairment tests of goodwill and intangibles concluded that there was no indication of impairment as the fair value exceeded our carrying value. In the December 2022 quarter we performed qualitative assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including applicable factors noted above, and determined that there was no indication that the assets were impaired. Our qualitative assessments include analyses and weighting of all relevant factors that impact the fair value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by category
Carrying Value atExcess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date
(in millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Goodwill$9,753 $9,753 
>100%
International routes and slots2,583 2,583 
10% to 30%
Airline alliances1,863 1,863 
20% to >100%
Delta tradename850 850 
>100%
Domestic slots622 622 
60% to >100%
Total$15,671 $15,671 
International Routes and Slots. This primarily relates to Pacific route authorities and slots at capacity-constrained airports in Asia, and slots at London-Heathrow airport.

Airline Alliances. This primarily relates to our commercial agreements with LATAM and our SkyTeam partners.

In the September 2022 quarter, final regulatory approval was granted for our trans-American joint venture agreement with LATAM. This agreement combines our highly complementary route networks between North and South America, with the goal of providing customers with a seamless travel experience and industry-leading connectivity. Approval was granted for a 10-year period with a subsequent reassessment and extension process. This agreement supports our strategic partnership with LATAM and the value of our $1.2 billion alliance-related indefinite-lived intangible asset. We believe the LATAM joint venture agreement will generate growth opportunities, building upon Delta's and LATAM's global footprint.

We have classified our LATAM alliance intangible asset as indefinite-lived as we expect to indefinitely receive the economic benefits from the relationship, similar to other joint venture arrangements between U.S. and foreign carriers that have been cleared by competition authorities in relevant foreign jurisdictions and granted antitrust immunity from the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Antitrust immunity grants are generally subject to reporting requirements and periodic reassessment processes administered by the DOT. We have determined that there are currently no material legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that limit the useful life of our LATAM alliance-related intangible asset.

Domestic Slots. This primarily relates to our slots at New York-LaGuardia and Washington-Reagan National airports.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets by category
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(in millions)Gross Carrying Value 
Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated Amortization
Marketing agreements$730 $(704)$730 $(700)
Maintenance contracts192 (145)193 (140)
Other54 (53)53 (53)
Total$976 $(902)$976 $(893)

Amortization expense was $9 million, $10 million and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Based on our definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2022, we estimate that we will incur approximately $8 million of amortization expense annually from 2023 through 2027.
v3.22.4
DEBT
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
The following table summarizes our debt as of the dates indicated below:

Summary of outstanding debt by category
Maturity
Interest Rate(s) Per Annum at
December 31,
(in millions)DatesDecember 31, 202220222021
Unsecured Payroll Support Program Loans2030to 20311.00%$3,496 $3,496 
Unsecured notes2023to20292.90%to7.38%2,997 4,354 
Financing arrangements secured by SkyMiles assets:
SkyMiles Notes(1)
2023to20284.50%and 4.75%5,144 6,000 
SkyMiles Term Loan(1)(2)
2023to20277.99%2,820 2,820 
Financing arrangements secured by aircraft:
Certificates(1)
2023to20282.00%to8.00%1,802 1,932 
Notes(1)(2)
2023to20332.08%to6.85%813 1,139 
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds(1)
2023to20454.00%to5.00%2,838 2,894 
Financing arrangements secured by slots, gates and/or routes:
2020 Senior Secured Notes20257.00%1,542 2,589 
2018 Revolving Credit Facility(2)
2024to2025Undrawn— — 
Other financings(1)(2)
2023to20302.51%to5.00%67 68 
Other revolving credit facilities(2)
2023to2025Undrawn— — 
Total secured and unsecured debt21,519 25,292 
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issuance cost, net and other(138)(208)
Total debt21,381 25,084 
Less: current maturities(2,055)(1,502)
Total long-term debt$19,326 $23,582 
(1)Due in installments.
(2)Certain financings are comprised of variable rate debt. All variable rates are equal to LIBOR (generally subject to a floor) or another index rate plus a specified margin.

Early Settlement of Outstanding Notes

In 2022, we completed a cash tender offer for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 billion, excluding accrued and unpaid interest, of certain of our outstanding debt securities. As a result of the tender offer, we repurchased the following notes:

Notes Repurchased in Tender Offer
(in millions)Location in debt tablePrincipal RepurchasedAmount Paid
4.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
SkyMiles Notes$856 $850 
7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
2020 Senior Secured Notes478 498 
7.375% Notes due 2026
Unsecured Notes84 87 
3.800% Notes due 2023
Unsecured Notes65 65 
Total Notes Repurchased$1,483 $1,500 

During 2022, in addition to the cash tender offer, we also repurchased $778 million of various secured and unsecured notes on the open market. Collectively, these payments resulted in a $100 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which is recorded in non-operating expense in our income statement.
Availability Under Revolving Facilities

As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $2.9 billion undrawn and available under our revolving credit facilities. In addition, we had $400 million of outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2022 that did not affect the availability under our revolvers.

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 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value of outstanding debt
(in millions)December 31,
2022		December 31,
2021
Net carrying amount$21,381 $25,084 
Fair value$20,700 $26,900 

Covenants

Our debt agreements contain various affirmative, negative and financial covenants. For example, our credit facilities and our SkyMiles financing agreements, contain, among other things, a minimum liquidity covenant. The minimum liquidity covenant requires us to maintain at least $2.0 billion of liquidity (defined as cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and aggregate principal amount committed and available to be drawn under our revolving credit facilities). Certain of our debt agreements also include collateral coverage ratios and limit our ability to (1) incur liens under certain circumstances, (2) dispose of collateral and (3) engage in mergers and consolidations or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. Our SkyMiles financing agreements include a debt service coverage ratio and also restrict our ability to, among other things, (1) modify the terms of the SkyMiles program, or otherwise change the policies and procedures of the SkyMiles program, in a manner that would reasonably be expected to materially impair repayment of the SkyMiles Debt, (2) sell pre-paid miles in excess of $550 million in the aggregate and (3) terminate or materially modify the intercompany arrangements governing the relationship between Delta and SkyMiles IP Ltd. with respect to the SkyMiles program.

Each of these restrictions, however, is subject to certain exceptions and qualifications that are set forth in these debt agreements. We were in compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements at December 31, 2022.

Future Maturities

The following table summarizes scheduled maturities of our debt for the years succeeding December 31, 2022:

Future debt maturities

(in millions)		Total DebtAmortization of
Debt (Discount)/Premium and Debt Issuance Cost, net and other
2023$2,058 $(54)
20242,809 (54)
20252,882 (36)
20262,838 (8)
20272,493 (1)
Thereafter8,439 15 
Total$21,519 $(138)$21,381 
v3.22.4
LEASES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
We lease property and equipment under finance and operating leases. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, we record the related asset and obligation at the present value of lease payments over the term. Many of our leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into our determination of lease payments when appropriate. We do not separate lease and nonlease components of contracts, except for regional aircraft and information technology ("IT") assets as discussed below.

We use the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value, when readily determinable. As the rate implicit in the lease is rarely readily determinable, we use our incremental borrowing rate, which is based on the estimated interest rate for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease at commencement date.

Some of our aircraft lease agreements include provisions for residual value guarantees. These guarantees represent an immaterial portion of our lease liability.

Aircraft

As of December 31, 2022, including aircraft operated by our regional carriers, we leased 221 aircraft, of which 105 were under finance leases and 116 were operating leases. Our aircraft leases had remaining lease terms of one month to 13 years.

In addition, we have regional aircraft leases that are embedded within our capacity purchase agreements and included in the ROU asset and lease liability. We allocated the consideration in each capacity purchase agreement to the lease and nonlease components based on their relative standalone value. Lease components of these agreements consist of 115 aircraft as of December 31, 2022 and nonlease components primarily consist of flight operations, in-flight and maintenance services. We determined our best estimate of the standalone value of the individual components by considering observable information including rates paid by our wholly owned subsidiary, Endeavor Air, Inc., and rates published by independent valuation firms. See Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information about our capacity purchase agreements.

Airport Facilities

Our facility leases are primarily for space at approximately 300 airports around the world that we serve. These leases reflect our use of airport terminals, office space, cargo warehouses and maintenance facilities. We generally lease space from government agencies that control the use of the airport, and as a result, these leases are classified as operating leases. The remaining lease terms vary from one month to 29 years. At the majority of the U.S. airports, the lease rates depend on airport operating costs or use of the facilities and are reset at least annually. Because of the variable nature of the rates, these leases are not recorded on our balance sheet as a ROU asset and lease liability.

Some airport facilities have fixed payment schedules, the most significant of which are New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK. For those airport leases, we have recorded a ROU asset and lease liability representing the fixed component of the lease payments. See Note 8, "Airport Redevelopment," for more information on our significant airport redevelopment projects.

Other Ground Property and Equipment

We lease certain IT assets (including servers, mainframes, etc.), ground support equipment (including tugs, tractors, fuel trucks and de-icers), and various other equipment. The remaining lease terms range from one month to seven years. Certain leased assets are embedded within various ground and IT service agreements. For ground service contracts, we have elected to include both the lease and nonlease components in the lease asset and lease liability balances on our balance sheet. For IT service contracts, we have elected to separate the lease and nonlease components and only the lease components are included in the lease asset and lease liability balances on our balance sheet. The amounts of these lease and nonlease components are not significant.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

In 2020, we entered into $2.8 billion of sale-leaseback transactions for 85 aircraft. Of these transactions, 74 did not qualify as a sale as they are finance leases or have an option to repurchase at a stated price. The assets associated with these transactions remain on our balance sheet within property and equipment, net and we recorded the related liabilities under the lease. These liabilities are classified within other accrued or other noncurrent liabilities on our balance sheet. The cash proceeds were treated as financing inflows on the cash flows statement.
The other 11 transactions qualified as sales, generating an immaterial loss, and the associated assets were removed from our balance sheet within property and equipment, net and recorded within ROU assets. The liabilities are recorded within current maturities of operating leases and noncurrent operating leases on our balance sheet. The cash proceeds were treated as investing cash inflows on the cash flows statement.

Lease Position

The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Lease asset and liability balance sheet position by category
December 31,
(in millions)Classification on the Balance Sheet20222021
Assets
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets$7,036 $7,237 
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net1,487 1,596 
Total lease assets$8,523 $8,833 
Liabilities
Current
OperatingCurrent maturities of operating leases$714 $703 
FinanceCurrent maturities of debt and finance leases304 280 
Noncurrent
OperatingNoncurrent operating leases6,866 7,056 
FinanceDebt and finance leases1,345 1,556 
Total lease liabilities$9,229 $9,595 
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases13 years13 years
Finance leases5 years6 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
4.30 %3.81 %
Finance leases3.05 %3.36 %

Lease Costs

The table below presents certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases.

Lease cost by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets$120 $131 $131 
Interest of lease liabilities45 55 32 
Operating lease cost(1)
949 863 1,019 
Short-term lease cost(1)
281 245 264 
Variable lease cost(1)
1,859 1,599 1,406 
Total lease cost$3,254 $2,893 $2,852 
(1)Expenses are primarily classified within aircraft rent, landing fees and other rents and regional carrier expense on our income statement.
Other Information

The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases.

Supplemental lease-related cash flow information
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases$809 $999 $1,053 
Operating cash flows for finance leases49 46 32 
Financing cash flows for finance leases363 336 255 

Undiscounted Cash Flows

The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Future lease cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2023$976 $343 
2024946 375 
2025923 237 
2026836 174 
2027805 192 
Thereafter5,323 470 
Total minimum lease payments9,809 1,791 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(2,229)(142)
Present value of future minimum lease payments7,580 1,649 
Less: current obligations under leases(714)(304)
Long-term lease obligations$6,866 $1,345 
As of December 31, 2022, we had additional leases that had not yet commenced of $242 million. These leases will commence in 2023 to 2024 with lease terms of 7 to 10 years.
LEASES LEASES
We lease property and equipment under finance and operating leases. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, we record the related asset and obligation at the present value of lease payments over the term. Many of our leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into our determination of lease payments when appropriate. We do not separate lease and nonlease components of contracts, except for regional aircraft and information technology ("IT") assets as discussed below.

We use the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value, when readily determinable. As the rate implicit in the lease is rarely readily determinable, we use our incremental borrowing rate, which is based on the estimated interest rate for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease at commencement date.

Some of our aircraft lease agreements include provisions for residual value guarantees. These guarantees represent an immaterial portion of our lease liability.

Aircraft

As of December 31, 2022, including aircraft operated by our regional carriers, we leased 221 aircraft, of which 105 were under finance leases and 116 were operating leases. Our aircraft leases had remaining lease terms of one month to 13 years.

In addition, we have regional aircraft leases that are embedded within our capacity purchase agreements and included in the ROU asset and lease liability. We allocated the consideration in each capacity purchase agreement to the lease and nonlease components based on their relative standalone value. Lease components of these agreements consist of 115 aircraft as of December 31, 2022 and nonlease components primarily consist of flight operations, in-flight and maintenance services. We determined our best estimate of the standalone value of the individual components by considering observable information including rates paid by our wholly owned subsidiary, Endeavor Air, Inc., and rates published by independent valuation firms. See Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information about our capacity purchase agreements.

Airport Facilities

Our facility leases are primarily for space at approximately 300 airports around the world that we serve. These leases reflect our use of airport terminals, office space, cargo warehouses and maintenance facilities. We generally lease space from government agencies that control the use of the airport, and as a result, these leases are classified as operating leases. The remaining lease terms vary from one month to 29 years. At the majority of the U.S. airports, the lease rates depend on airport operating costs or use of the facilities and are reset at least annually. Because of the variable nature of the rates, these leases are not recorded on our balance sheet as a ROU asset and lease liability.

Some airport facilities have fixed payment schedules, the most significant of which are New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK. For those airport leases, we have recorded a ROU asset and lease liability representing the fixed component of the lease payments. See Note 8, "Airport Redevelopment," for more information on our significant airport redevelopment projects.

Other Ground Property and Equipment

We lease certain IT assets (including servers, mainframes, etc.), ground support equipment (including tugs, tractors, fuel trucks and de-icers), and various other equipment. The remaining lease terms range from one month to seven years. Certain leased assets are embedded within various ground and IT service agreements. For ground service contracts, we have elected to include both the lease and nonlease components in the lease asset and lease liability balances on our balance sheet. For IT service contracts, we have elected to separate the lease and nonlease components and only the lease components are included in the lease asset and lease liability balances on our balance sheet. The amounts of these lease and nonlease components are not significant.

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

In 2020, we entered into $2.8 billion of sale-leaseback transactions for 85 aircraft. Of these transactions, 74 did not qualify as a sale as they are finance leases or have an option to repurchase at a stated price. The assets associated with these transactions remain on our balance sheet within property and equipment, net and we recorded the related liabilities under the lease. These liabilities are classified within other accrued or other noncurrent liabilities on our balance sheet. The cash proceeds were treated as financing inflows on the cash flows statement.
The other 11 transactions qualified as sales, generating an immaterial loss, and the associated assets were removed from our balance sheet within property and equipment, net and recorded within ROU assets. The liabilities are recorded within current maturities of operating leases and noncurrent operating leases on our balance sheet. The cash proceeds were treated as investing cash inflows on the cash flows statement.

Lease Position

The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Lease asset and liability balance sheet position by category
December 31,
(in millions)Classification on the Balance Sheet20222021
Assets
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets$7,036 $7,237 
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net1,487 1,596 
Total lease assets$8,523 $8,833 
Liabilities
Current
OperatingCurrent maturities of operating leases$714 $703 
FinanceCurrent maturities of debt and finance leases304 280 
Noncurrent
OperatingNoncurrent operating leases6,866 7,056 
FinanceDebt and finance leases1,345 1,556 
Total lease liabilities$9,229 $9,595 
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases13 years13 years
Finance leases5 years6 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
4.30 %3.81 %
Finance leases3.05 %3.36 %

Lease Costs

The table below presents certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases.

Lease cost by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets$120 $131 $131 
Interest of lease liabilities45 55 32 
Operating lease cost(1)
949 863 1,019 
Short-term lease cost(1)
281 245 264 
Variable lease cost(1)
1,859 1,599 1,406 
Total lease cost$3,254 $2,893 $2,852 
(1)Expenses are primarily classified within aircraft rent, landing fees and other rents and regional carrier expense on our income statement.
Other Information

The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases.

Supplemental lease-related cash flow information
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases$809 $999 $1,053 
Operating cash flows for finance leases49 46 32 
Financing cash flows for finance leases363 336 255 

Undiscounted Cash Flows

The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Future lease cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2023$976 $343 
2024946 375 
2025923 237 
2026836 174 
2027805 192 
Thereafter5,323 470 
Total minimum lease payments9,809 1,791 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(2,229)(142)
Present value of future minimum lease payments7,580 1,649 
Less: current obligations under leases(714)(304)
Long-term lease obligations$6,866 $1,345 
As of December 31, 2022, we had additional leases that had not yet commenced of $242 million. These leases will commence in 2023 to 2024 with lease terms of 7 to 10 years.
v3.22.4
AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT
New York-JFK Airport

We are enhancing and expanding our facilities at Terminal 4 of JFK to strengthen our competitive position and offer a premium travel experience for customers in New York City. Terminal 4 is operated by JFK International Air Terminal LLC ("IAT"), a private party, under its lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ("Port Authority"). We have a long-term agreement with IAT to sublease space in Terminal 4 through 2043 ("Sublease").

In 2021, the Port Authority approved plans to renovate and expand Terminal 4 in order to facilitate Delta's relocation from Terminal 2 and consolidation of its operations into Terminal 4. The project will add 10 new gates and other complementary facilities, including an additional Delta Sky Club and a new Delta One lounge. The project is estimated to cost approximately $1.6 billion and will be funded primarily with bonds issued in 2022 by the New York Transportation Development Corporation ("NYTDC") for which our landlord, IAT, is the obligor. The majority of project costs are being used to expand or modify Delta's leased premises. Construction started in late 2021 and Delta's portion of the project is estimated to be complete by early 2024. Based on our assessment of the project, we concluded that we do not control the underlying assets being constructed, and therefore, we do not have the project asset or related obligation recorded on our balance sheet.
In 2022, we amended our Sublease to provide for the expansion project, including the adjustment of our subleased space and rentals. We have recognized a ROU asset and lease liability representing the fixed component of the lease payments for this facility and as the majority of the project either expands or modifies Delta’s leased premises, our lease liability will increase upon completion. As of December 31, 2022, our lease liability related to this Sublease was $2.3 billion. See Note 7, "Leases" for more information on our ROU assets and lease liabilities.

Equity Investment. We have an equity method investment in JFK IAT Member LLC, which owns IAT. The Sublease requires us to pay certain fixed management fees. We determined the investment is a variable interest entity and assessed whether we have a controlling financial interest in IAT. Our rights under the Sublease, with respect to management of Terminal 4, are consistent with rights granted to an anchor tenant under a standard airport lease. Accordingly, we do not consolidate this entity in our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 4, "Investments" for additional information on our equity investments.

Los Angeles International Airport ("LAX")

As part of the terminal redevelopment project at LAX, we are modernizing, upgrading, and providing post-security connection to Terminals 2 and 3. We announced this project and executed a modified lease agreement during 2016 with the City of Los Angeles (the "City"), which owns and operates LAX. This project includes a new centralized ticketing and arrival hall, a new security checkpoint, core infrastructure to support the City's planned airport people mover, ramp improvements and a post-security connector to the north side of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The project is expected to cost approximately $2.4 billion. A substantial majority of the project costs are being funded through the Regional Airports Improvement Corporation ("RAIC"), a California public benefit corporation, using a revolving credit facility provided by a group of lenders. The credit facility was executed in 2017 and we have guaranteed the obligations of the RAIC under the credit facility. The revolving credit facility agreement was most recently amended in January 2023, decreasing the revolver capacity from $800 million to $700 million. Loans made under the credit facility are being repaid with the proceeds from the City’s purchase of completed project assets. Under the lease agreement and subsequent project component approvals by the City's Board of Airport Commissioners, the City has appropriated to date approximately $1.8 billion to purchase completed project assets, representing the maximum allowable reimbursement by the City. Costs incurred in excess of the $1.8 billion maximum will not be reimbursed by the City. We currently expect our net project costs to be approximately $600 million, of which approximately $350 million has been reflected as investing activities in our cash flows statement since the project started in 2017. Based on our assessment of the project, we concluded that we do not control the underlying assets being constructed, and therefore, we do not have the project asset or related obligation recorded on our balance sheet.

Given reduced passenger volumes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we accelerated the construction schedule for this project in 2020. Additionally, we enhanced the project’s scope to include a more customer-friendly design of Terminal 3, an expanded Delta Sky Club and baggage system upgrades designed to increase the terminals’ operational efficiency going forward. In 2022, we opened a new consolidated headhouse for both terminals, which includes ticketing, security, baggage claim and a new Delta Sky Club lounge and have a total of 11 of 14 planned new gates now open in Terminal 3. Construction is expected to be completed in 2023.

Due to the variable nature of lease payments in our agreement with the City, we have not recognized a ROU asset and lease liability on our balance sheet. See Note 7, "Leases" for more information on our ROU assets and lease liabilities.

New York-LaGuardia Airport

As part of the terminal redevelopment project at LaGuardia Airport, we are partnering with the Port Authority to replace Terminals C and D with a new state-of-the-art terminal facility consisting of 37 gates across four concourses connected to a central headhouse. The terminal will feature a new, larger Delta Sky Club, wider concourses, more gate seating and nearly double the amount of concessions space than the existing terminals. The facility will also offer direct access between the parking garage and terminal and improved roadways and drop-off/pick-up areas. Construction is underway and is being phased to limit passenger inconvenience. Due to an acceleration effort that commenced in 2020, completion is expected by 2025.

In 2019, we opened Concourse G, the first of four new concourses, housing seven of the 37 new gates. In 2022, we achieved a significant milestone by opening the headhouse (including the Delta Sky Club), the terminal roadways and Concourse E - the second of four new concourses to be built. Additionally, we opened four of 12 planned new gates on Concourse F.
In connection with the redevelopment, during 2017, we entered into an amended and restated terminal lease with the Port Authority with a term through 2050. Pursuant to the lease agreement, as amended to date, we will (1) fund (through debt issuance and existing cash) and undertake the design, management and construction of the terminal and certain off-premises supporting facilities, (2) receive a Port Authority contribution of approximately $500 million to facilitate construction of the terminal and other supporting infrastructure, (3) be responsible for all operations and maintenance during the term of the lease and (4) have preferential rights to all gates in the terminal subject to Port Authority requirements with respect to accommodation of designated carriers.

The project is expected to cost $4.3 billion. We currently expect our net project cost to be approximately $3.8 billion and we bear the risks of project construction, including any potential cost over-runs. We entered into loan agreements to fund a portion of the construction, which are recorded on our balance sheet as debt with the proceeds reflected as restricted cash. Using funding primarily provided by these arrangements, we spent approximately $650 million, $950 million and $600 million during 2022, 2021, and 2020 respectively, bringing the total amount spent on the project to date to approximately $3.2 billion. Based on our assessment of the project, we concluded that we do not control the underlying assets being constructed. Costs incurred by Delta are accounted for as leasehold improvements recorded in property and equipment, net on our balance sheets. See Note 6, "Debt," for additional information on the debt (NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds) related to this redevelopment project.
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans. We sponsor defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. These plans are closed to new entrants and frozen for future benefit accruals. Our funding obligations for qualified defined benefit plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and any applicable legislation. Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, we elected alternative funding rules so that the unfunded liability for a frozen defined benefit plan may be amortized over a fixed 17-year period and is calculated using an 8.85% discount rate until the 17-year period expires for all frozen defined benefit plans by the end of 2024. Upon expiration, under legislation passed in 2021, any required funding would be amortized over a rolling 15-year period and calculated using a discount rate of no less than 4.75% through 2030. We have no minimum funding requirements for these plans in 2023 and do not plan to make voluntary contributions during 2023.

Defined Contribution Pension Plans. We sponsor several defined contribution plans. These plans generally cover different employee groups and employer contributions vary by plan. The costs associated with our defined contribution pension plans were approximately $1.0 billion, $875 million and $805 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Postretirement Healthcare Plans. We sponsor healthcare plans that provide benefits to eligible retirees and their dependents who are under age 65. We have generally eliminated company-paid post age 65 healthcare coverage, except for (1) subsidies available to a limited group of retirees and their dependents, (2) a group of retirees who retired prior to 1987 and (3) retiree medical accounts which provide a fixed dollar amount to eligible employees who retired under the 2012 voluntary workforce reduction programs or under the 2020 voluntary early retirement and separation programs ("voluntary programs"). Benefits under these plans are funded from current assets and employee contributions.

During 2020, we remeasured our postretirement healthcare obligation to account for the retiree medical accounts provided to eligible participants in our voluntary programs. As a result, we recorded a $1.3 billion special termination benefit charge and increased our postretirement healthcare obligation by $1.3 billion. See Note 15, "Government Grants and Restructuring," for more information on these voluntary programs

Postemployment Plans. We provide certain other welfare benefits to eligible former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement, primarily as part of the disability and survivorship plans. Substantially all employees are eligible for benefits under these plans in the event of death and/or disability.
Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
December 31,December 31,
(in millions)2022202120222021
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$21,073 $22,626 $4,605 $4,766 
Service cost— — 70 86 
Interest cost611 582 128 117 
Actuarial (gain)/loss(4,599)(851)(710)23 
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities(1,274)(1,284)(447)(405)
Participant contributions— — 18 18 
Benefit obligation at end of period(1)
$15,811 $21,073 $3,664 $4,605 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$19,502 $16,541 $357 $496 
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets(2,517)2,732 (73)57 
Employer contributions10 1,513 216 192 
Participant contributions— — 18 18 
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities(1,274)(1,284)(447)(406)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$15,721 $19,502 $71 $357 
Funded status at end of period$(90)$(1,571)$(3,593)$(4,248)
(1)At the end of each year presented, our accumulated benefit obligations for our pension plans are equal to the benefit obligations shown above.

During 2022, net actuarial gains decreased our benefit obligation primarily due to the increase in discount rates. These gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and reflected in the table below. Amounts are generally amortized from AOCI over the expected future lifetime of plan participants.

Balance Sheet Position
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
December 31,December 31,
(in millions)2022202120222021
Prepaid pension assets$27 $— $— $— 
Current liabilities(9)(9)(369)(203)
Noncurrent liabilities(108)(1,562)(3,224)(4,045)
Funded status at end of period$(90)$(1,571)$(3,593)$(4,248)
Net actuarial loss$(6,444)$(7,462)$(155)$(831)
Prior service credit— — 18 23 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax$(6,444)$(7,462)$(137)$(808)

Certain pension plans have benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. These plans have aggregate projected benefit obligations of $4.0 billion and aggregate fair value of plan assets of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2022.
Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020202220212020
Service cost$— $— $— $70 $86 $96 
Interest cost611 582 700 128 117 120 
Expected return on plan assets(1,319)(1,522)(1,373)(17)(34)(44)
Amortization of prior service credit— — — (5)(6)(9)
Recognized net actuarial loss255 354 300 56 55 44 
Settlements— 2 38 — — — 
Special termination benefits— — — — — 1,260 
Net periodic (benefit) cost
$(453)$(584)$(335)$232 $218 $1,467 

Service cost is recorded in salaries and related costs in the income statement. Special termination benefits are recorded in restructuring charges, while all other components are recorded within pension and related benefit under non-operating expense.

Assumptions

We used the following actuarial assumptions to determine our benefit obligations and our net periodic benefit cost for the periods presented:
December 31,
Benefit Obligations(1)
20222021
Weighted average discount rate5.62 %2.97 %

Year Ended December 31,
Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost(1)
202220212020
Weighted average discount rate2.96 %2.61 %3.39 %
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.00 %8.98 %8.97 %
Assumed healthcare cost trend rate for the next year(2)
6.50 %6.25 %6.25 %
(1)Future employee compensation levels do not impact our frozen defined benefit pension plans or other postretirement plans and impact only a small portion of our other postemployment obligation.
(2)Healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to decline gradually to 5.00% by 2031 and remain unchanged thereafter.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based primarily on plan-specific investment studies using historical market return and volatility data. Modest excess return expectations versus some public market indices are incorporated into the return projections based on the actively managed structure of the investment programs and their records of achieving such returns historically. We also expect to receive a premium for investing in less liquid private markets. We review our rate of return on plan assets assumptions annually. Our annual investment performance for one particular year does not, by itself, significantly influence our evaluation. The investment strategy for our defined benefit pension plan assets is to earn a long-term return that meets or exceeds our annualized return target while taking an acceptable level of risk and maintaining sufficient liquidity to pay current benefits and other cash obligations of the plan. This is achieved by investing in a globally diversified mix of public and private equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds and other assets and instruments. Our weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets for net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 7.00%.

Life Expectancy. Changes in life expectancy may significantly impact our benefit obligations and future net periodic benefit cost. We use the Society of Actuaries ("SOA") published mortality data and other publicly available information to develop our best estimate of life expectancy. The SOA publishes updated mortality tables for U.S. plans and updated improvement scales. Each year we consider updates by the SOA in setting our mortality assumptions for purposes of measuring pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations.
Benefit Payments

Benefit payments in the table below are based on the same assumptions used to measure the related benefit obligations. Actual benefit payments may vary significantly from these estimates. Benefits earned under our pension plans are expected to be paid from funded benefit plan trusts, while our other postretirement and postemployment benefits are funded from current assets.

The following table summarizes the benefit payments that are expected to be paid in the years ending December 31:

Expected future benefit payments
(in millions)Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
2023$1,280 $450 
20241,270 440 
20251,270 430 
20261,260 430 
20271,250 430 
2028-20326,030 1,930 

Plan Assets

We have adopted and implemented investment policies for our defined benefit pension plans that incorporate strategic asset allocation mixes intended to best meet the plans' long-term obligations, while maintaining an appropriate level of risk and liquidity. These asset portfolios employ a diversified mix of investments, which are reviewed periodically. Active management strategies are utilized where feasible in an effort to realize investment returns in excess of market indices. Derivatives in the plans are primarily used to manage risk and gain asset class exposure while still maintaining liquidity. As part of these strategies, the plans are required to hold cash collateral associated with certain derivatives. Our investment strategies target a mix of 20-40% growth-seeking assets, 25-35% income-generating assets and 35-45% risk-diversifying assets. Risk diversifying assets include hedged mandates implementing long-short, market neutral and relative value strategies that invest primarily in publicly-traded equity, fixed income, foreign currency and commodity securities and are used to improve the impact of active management on the plans.

Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Benefit plan assets relate to our defined benefit pension plans and certain of our postemployment benefit plans. These investments are presented net of the related benefit obligation in either other noncurrent assets or pension, postretirement and related benefits on the balance sheets depending on the funded status of each plan. See Note 3, "Fair Value Measurements," for a description of the levels within the fair value hierarchy and associated valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following table shows our benefit plan assets by asset class.

Benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Valuation Technique
(in millions)Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments$77 $1,366 $1,443 $69 $979 $1,048 (a)(b)
Cash equivalents629 265 894 2,390 2,097 4,487 (a)
Equities and equity-related instruments420 25 445 1,034 161 1,195 (a)
Delta common stock343 — 343 407 — 407 (a)
Real assets17 170 187 — 256 256 (a)
Benefit plan assets$1,486 $1,826 $3,312 $3,900 $3,493 $7,393 
Investments measured at net asset value ("NAV")(1)
12,329 12,653 
Total benefit plan assets$15,641 $20,046 
(1) Investments that were measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
Fixed Income and Fixed Income-Related Instruments. These investments include corporate bonds, government bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations and other asset-backed securities, and are generally valued at the bid price or the average of the bid and ask price. Prices are based on pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or broker quotes. Fixed income-related instruments include investments in securities traded on exchanges, including listed futures and options, which are valued at the last reported sale prices on the last business day of the year, or if not available, the last reported bid prices. Over-the-counter securities are valued at the bid prices or the average of the bid and ask prices on the last business day of the year from published sources or, if not available, from other sources considered reliable, generally broker quotes.

Cash Equivalents. These investments primarily consist of high-quality, short-term obligations that are a part of institutional money market mutual funds that are valued using current market quotations or an appropriate substitute that reflects current market conditions.

Equities and Equity-Related Instruments. These investments include common stock and equity-related instruments. Common stock is valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Equity-related instruments include investments in securities traded on exchanges, including listed futures and options, which are valued at the last reported sale prices on the last business day of the year or, if not available, the last reported bid prices. Over-the-counter securities are valued at the bid prices or the average of the bid and ask prices on the last business day of the year from published sources or, if not available, from other sources considered reliable, generally broker quotes.

Delta Common Stock. The Delta common stock investment is managed by an independent fiduciary.

Real Assets. These investments include commodities such as precious metals and precious metals-related instruments, some of which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual instruments are traded, while others are priced based on pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or broker quotes.

The following table summarizes investments measured at fair value based on NAV per share as a practical expedient:

Benefit plan investment assets measured at NAV
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(in millions)Fair ValueRedemption FrequencyRedemption Notice PeriodFair ValueRedemption FrequencyRedemption Notice Period
Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies$6,730 (1)
2-180 Days
$7,563 (1)
2-180 Days
Commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments (4)
2,266 (1) (2)
2-45 Days
2,228 (1) (2)
3-45 Days
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments(4)
1,003 (1)
1-180 Days
877 (1)
65-90 Days
Real assets (4)
819 (2)N/A773 (2)N/A
Other1,511 (3)
2-10 Days
1,212 (3)
2-10 Days
Total investments measured at NAV$12,329 $12,653 
(1)Various. Includes funds with monthly or more frequent, quarterly and/or custom redemption frequencies as well as funds with a redemption window following the anniversary of the initial investment.
(2)Includes private funds that are closed-ended structures in which the plans' investments are generally not eligible for redemption.
(3)Includes funds with monthly or more frequent redemptions
(4)Unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion for commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments, $364 million for fixed income and fixed income-related instruments and $507 million for real assets at December 31, 2022.

On an annual basis we assess the potential for adjustments to the fair value of all investments. This primarily applies to private equity, private equity-related strategies and real assets. Due to a lag in the availability of data for certain of these investments, we solicit valuation updates from the investment fund managers and use their information and corroborating data from public markets to determine any needed fair value adjustments.

Hedge Funds and Hedge Fund-Related Strategies. These investments are primarily made through shares of limited partnerships or similar structures for which a liquid secondary market does not exist.

Commingled Funds, Private Equity and Private Equity-Related Instruments. These investments include commingled funds invested in common stock, as well as private equity and private equity-related instruments. Commingled funds are valued based on quoted market prices of the underlying assets owned by the fund. Private equity and private equity-related instruments are typically valued quarterly by the fund managers using valuation models where one or more of the significant inputs into the model cannot be observed and which require the development of assumptions.
Fixed Income and Fixed Income-Related Instruments. These investments include commingled funds invested in debt obligations. Commingled funds are valued based on quoted market prices of the underlying assets owned by the fund. Private fixed income instruments are typically valued monthly or quarterly by the fund managers or third-party valuation agents using valuation models where one or more of significant inputs into the model cannot be observed and which require the development of assumptions.

Real Assets. These investments include real estate, energy transition, timberland, agriculture and infrastructure. The valuation of real assets requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices as well as the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of these assets. Real assets are typically valued quarterly by the fund managers using valuation models where one or more of the significant inputs into the model cannot be observed and which require the development of assumptions.

Other. Primarily includes globally-diversified, risk-managed commingled funds consisting mainly of equity, fixed income and commodity exposures.

Other

We also sponsor defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees in certain foreign countries. These plans did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements in any period presented.

Profit Sharing Program

Our broad-based employee profit sharing program provides that, for each year in which we have an annual pre-tax profit, as defined by the terms of the program, we will pay a specified portion of that profit to employees. In determining the amount of profit sharing, the program defines profit as pre-tax profit adjusted for profit sharing and certain other items.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded profit sharing expense of $563 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a special profit sharing expense of $108 million, based on the adjusted pre-tax profit earned during the second half of the year, to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our employees through the pandemic. We recorded no profit sharing expense for the year ended December 31, 2020.
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Aircraft Purchase Commitments

Our future aircraft purchase commitments totaled approximately $19.0 billion at December 31, 2022:

Aircraft purchase commitments(1)
(in millions)Total
2023$2,610 
20244,440 
20254,330 
20263,800 
20272,570 
Thereafter1,210 
Total$18,960 
(1)The timing of these commitments is based on our contractual agreements with the aircraft manufacturers and may be subject to change based on modifications to those agreements or changes in delivery schedules.
Our future aircraft purchase commitments included the following aircraft at December 31, 2022:

Aircraft purchase commitments by fleet type
Fleet TypePurchase Commitments
A220-30060 
A321-200neo134 
A330-900neo18 
A350-90016 
B-737-10100 
Total328 

Aircraft Orders

During 2022, we entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing for 100 Boeing 737-10s, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, to start delivery in 2025 with the option to purchase an additional thirty 737-10s. Additionally during 2022, we agreed to acquire four B-737-900ERs, one A330-900 and exercised purchase rights for 24 A220-300s. Deliveries of the pre-owned B-737-900ERs occurred during 2022, delivery of the new A330-900 is expected to occur in 2024, and deliveries of the new A220-300s are expected to start in 2026.

Contract Carrier Agreements

We have contract carrier agreements with regional carriers expiring through 2034. These agreements are structured as either capacity purchase or revenue proration agreements.

Capacity Purchase Agreements. Our regional carriers primarily operate for us under capacity purchase agreements. Under these agreements, the regional carriers operate some or all of their aircraft using our flight designator codes, and we control the scheduling, pricing, reservations, ticketing and seat inventories of those aircraft and retain the revenues associated with those flights. We pay those airlines an amount, as defined in the applicable agreement, which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services.

The following table shows our minimum obligations under our existing capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional carriers, excluding contract carrier payments accounted for as leases of aircraft, which are described in Note 7, "Leases." The obligations set forth in the table contemplate minimum levels of flying by the regional carriers under the respective agreements and also reflect assumptions regarding certain costs associated with the minimum levels of flying such as the cost of fuel, labor, maintenance, insurance, catering, property tax and landing fees. Accordingly, our actual payments under these agreements could differ materially from the minimum fixed obligations set forth in the table below.

Contract carrier minimum obligations
(in millions)Amount
2023$1,590 
20241,560 
20251,610 
20261,590 
20271,560 
Thereafter2,690 
Total$10,600 

Revenue Proration Agreement. As of December 31, 2022, a portion of our contract carrier arrangement with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. was structured as a revenue proration agreement. This revenue proration agreement establishes a fixed dollar or percentage division of revenues for tickets sold to passengers traveling on connecting flight itineraries.
Legal Contingencies

We are involved in various legal proceedings related to employment practices, environmental issues, antitrust matters and other 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit Card Processing Agreements

Our VISA/MasterCard and American Express credit card processing agreements provide that no cash reserve ("Reserve") is required, and no withholding of payment related to receivables collected will occur, except in certain circumstances, including when we do not maintain a required level of liquidity as outlined in the merchant processing agreements. In circumstances in which the credit card processor can establish a Reserve or withhold payments, the amount of the Reserve or payments that may be withheld would be equal to the potential liability of the credit card processor for tickets purchased with VISA/MasterCard or American Express credit cards, as applicable, that had not yet been used for travel. We did not have a Reserve or an amount withheld as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.

Other Contingencies

General Indemnifications

We are the lessee under many commercial real estate leases. It is common in these transactions for us, as the lessee, to agree to indemnify the lessor and the lessor's related parties for tort, environmental and other liabilities that arise out of or relate to our use or occupancy of the leased premises. This type of indemnity would typically make us responsible to indemnified parties for liabilities arising out of the conduct of, among others, contractors, licensees and invitees at, or in connection with, the use or occupancy of the leased premises. This indemnity often extends to related liabilities arising from the negligence of the indemnified parties, but usually excludes any liabilities caused by either their sole or gross negligence or their willful misconduct.

Our aircraft and other equipment lease and financing agreements typically contain provisions requiring us, as the lessee or obligor, to indemnify the other parties to those agreements, including certain of those parties' related persons, against virtually any liabilities that might arise from the use or operation of the aircraft or other equipment.

We believe that our insurance would cover most of our exposure to liabilities and related indemnities associated with the commercial real estate leases and aircraft and other equipment lease and financing agreements described above. While our insurance does not typically cover environmental liabilities, we have insurance policies in place as required by applicable environmental laws.

Some of our aircraft and other financing transactions include provisions that require us to make payments to preserve an expected economic return to the lenders if that economic return is diminished due to specified changes in law or regulations. In some of these financing transactions, we also bear the risk of changes in tax laws that would subject payments to non-U.S. lenders to withholding taxes.

We cannot reasonably estimate our potential future payments under the indemnities and related provisions described above because we cannot predict (1) when and under what circumstances these provisions may be triggered and (2) the amount that would be payable if the provisions were triggered because the amounts would be based on facts and circumstances existing at such time.
Employees Under Collective Bargaining Agreements

As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 95,000 full-time equivalent employees, approximately 20% of whom were represented by unions.

Domestic airline employees represented by collective bargaining agreements by group
Employee GroupApproximate Number of
Employees Represented		UnionDate on which Collective
Bargaining Agreement
Becomes Amendable
Delta Pilots15,040 ALPADecember 31, 2019
Delta Flight Superintendents (Dispatchers)
450 PAFCANovember 1, 2024
Endeavor Pilots1,750 ALPAJanuary 1, 2029
Endeavor Flight Attendants
1,800 AFAMarch 31, 2027

Delta and ALPA reached an Agreement in Principle on a new collective bargaining agreement in December 2022. In January 2023, a tentative agreement was ratified by ALPA’s Delta Master Executive Council ("MEC") and is subject to ratification by Delta’s pilots through a vote that is scheduled to close on March 1, 2023. In addition to various work rule changes and an 18% pay rate increase in 2023, the tentative agreement includes a provision for a one-time payment of approximately $700 million upon pilot ratification. As voting on the tentative agreement has not closed and there is significant uncertainty about the outcome of this process, we have not accrued for this one-time payment as of December 31, 2022.

In addition to the domestic airline employee groups discussed above, approximately 200 refinery employees of our wholly owned subsidiary Monroe are represented by the United Steel Workers under an agreement that expires on February 28, 2026. This agreement is governed by the National Labor Relations Act, which generally allows either party to engage in self-help upon the expiration of the agreement. Certain of our employees outside the U.S. are represented by unions, work councils or other local representative groups.

Other

We have certain contracts for goods and services that require us to pay a penalty, acquire inventory specific to us or purchase contract-specific equipment, as defined by each respective contract, if we terminate the contract without cause prior to its expiration date. Because these obligations are contingent on our termination of the contract without cause prior to its expiration date, no obligation would exist unless such a termination occurs.
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Provision

Components of income tax (provision) benefit
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Current tax (provision) benefit:
Federal$— $— $94 
State and local(1)(1)3 
International(4)(3)(5)
Deferred tax (provision) benefit:
Federal(525)(130)2,766 
State and local(66)16 344 
Income tax (provision) benefit$(596)$(118)$3,202 
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate:

Reconciliation of statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit3.0 (4.4)1.9 
Permanent differences1.0 4.9 (0.6)
Valuation allowance7.3 9.1 (2.6)
Other(1.1)(0.8)0.8 
Effective income tax rate31.2 %29.8 %20.5 %

Deferred Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes.

Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards$1,395 $1,301 
Capital loss carryforward50 480 
Pension, postretirement and other benefits1,467 2,089 
Investments1,106 314 
Deferred revenue2,334 2,288 
Lease liabilities2,376 2,452 
Other682 494 
Valuation allowance(1,176)(833)
Total deferred tax assets$8,234 $8,585 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation$5,110 $4,463 
Operating lease assets1,624 1,676 
Intangible assets1,121 1,097 
Other78 55 
Total deferred tax liabilities$7,933 $7,291 
Net deferred tax assets(1)
$301 $1,294 
(1)At December 31, 2022, the net deferred tax assets of $301 million included $325 million of net state deferred tax assets, which are recorded in deferred income taxes, net, and $24 million of net federal deferred tax liabilities, which are recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. At December 31, 2021, the net deferred tax assets of $1.3 billion were recorded in deferred income taxes, net.

Valuation Allowance

We periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. We establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results and tax planning strategies.
At December 31, 2022 our net deferred tax asset balance was $301 million, including a $1.2 billion valuation allowance primarily related to certain net realized and unrealized capital losses and certain state net operating losses. Although we have cumulative losses since the onset of the pandemic, we have a history of significant earnings prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2022, we returned to profitability, as our business continued to recover from the impact of the pandemic. We are expecting to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize our federal net operating loss carryforwards before any expire. However, the generation of future taxable income is dependent on many factors, including those which are out of our control, such as the demand for air travel and overall health of the economy. As such, there are no guarantees that a valuation allowance will not be required against some or all of our deferred tax assets in future periods.

As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $5.4 billion of U.S. federal pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards, of which $1.5 billion was generated prior to 2018 and will not begin to expire until 2029. Under current tax law, the remaining net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. Therefore, we have not recorded a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets other than the certain net realized and unrealized capital losses and certain state net operating losses that have short expiration periods.

The following table presents the balance of our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets and the associated activity:

Valuation allowance activity
(in millions)20222021
Balance at January 1$833 $460 
Tax provision155 26 
Equity investment activity188 347 
Balance at December 31$1,176 $833 

Other

The amount of, and changes to, our uncertain tax positions were not material in any of the years presented. We are currently under audit by the IRS for the 2022, 2021 and 2020 tax years.
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]  
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION
Equity

We are authorized to issue 2.0 billion shares of capital stock, of which up to 1.5 billion may be shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and up to 500 million may be shares of preferred stock.

Preferred Stock. We may issue preferred stock in one or more series. The Board of Directors is authorized (1) to fix the descriptions, powers (including voting powers), preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions with respect to any series of preferred stock and (2) to specify the number of shares of any series of preferred stock. We have not issued any preferred stock.

Treasury Stock. We generally withhold shares of Delta common stock to cover employees' portion of required tax withholdings when employee equity awards are issued or vest. These shares are valued at cost, which equals the market price of the common stock on the date of issuance or vesting. The weighted average cost per share held in treasury was $29.73 and $28.87 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Warrants. During 2020 and 2021, in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the "CARES Act") payroll support program and extensions, we issued warrants to the U.S Department of the Treasury to acquire more than 11.1 million shares of Delta common stock. The conditions and number of warrants outstanding have remained unchanged since December 31, 2021 and key terms under each program are as follows:

Summary of payroll support program warrants
(in millions)Number of WarrantsExercise PriceExpiration Year
Payroll Support Program (PSP1)6.8$24.37 2025
Payroll Support Program Extension (PSP2)2.439.73 2026
Payroll Support Program 3 (PSP3)1.947.80 2026
Total11.1

Equity Compensation

Our broad-based equity and cash compensation plan provides for grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, performance awards, including cash incentive awards and other equity-based awards (the "Plan"). Shares of common stock issued under the Plan may be made available from authorized, but unissued, common stock or common stock we acquire. If any shares of our common stock are covered by an award that expires, is canceled, forfeited or otherwise terminates without delivery of shares (including shares surrendered or withheld for payment of taxes related to an award), such shares will again be available for issuance under the Plan except for (1) any shares tendered in payment of an option, (2) shares withheld to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to the exercise of an option or stock appreciation right ("SAR") or (3) shares covered by a stock-settled SAR or other awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the award. The Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 163 million shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2022, there were 17 million shares available for future grants.

We make long-term incentive awards annually to eligible employees under the Plan. Generally, awards vest over time, subject to the employee's continued employment. Equity compensation expense, including awards payable in common stock or cash, is recognized in salaries and related costs over the employee's requisite service period (generally, the vesting period of the award) and totaled $150 million, $149 million and $119 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We record expense on a straight-line basis for awards with installment vesting. As of December 31, 2022, unrecognized costs related to unvested shares and stock options totaled $83 million. We expect substantially all unvested awards to vest and recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock is common stock that may not be sold or otherwise transferred for a period of time and is subject to forfeiture in certain circumstances. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing price of the common stock on the grant date. As of December 31, 2022, there were 3.1 million unvested restricted stock awards. Restricted stock activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:

Restricted Stock Award Activity
202220212020
Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price		Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price		Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price
(in millions, except weighted avg grant price)
Outstanding at January 12.9 $45.66 2.2 $54.06 2.6 $51.28 
Granted1.9 42.45 2.3 39.93 1.4 56.84 
Vested(1.6)46.31 (1.4)51.15 (1.6)51.95 
Forfeited(0.1)45.51 (0.2)44.01 (0.2)56.11 
Outstanding at December 313.1 $43.43 2.9 $45.66 2.2 $54.06 
Stock Options. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of Delta common stock on the grant date and generally have a 10-year term. We determine the fair value of stock options at the grant date using an option pricing model. As of December 31, 2022, there were 6.2 million outstanding stock option awards with a weighted average exercise price of $50.40 of which 5.1 million were exercisable. Stock option activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:

Stock Option Activity
202220212020
Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price		Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price		Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price
(in millions, except weighted avg grant price)
Outstanding at January 16.2 $50.41 5.4 $52.37 3.9 $49.57 
Granted— — 1.0 39.78 1.6 58.89 
Exercised — — — — (0.1)44.05 
Forfeited— 52.87 (0.2)49.61 — — 
Outstanding at December 316.2 $50.40 6.2 $50.41 5.4 $52.37 

Performance Awards. Performance awards are dollar-denominated long-term incentive opportunities which, for grants prior to 2021, are payable in Delta stock to executive officers on the payment date and in cash to all other participants. Beginning with the 2021 grants, performance awards are payable in cash to all participants. Potential performance award payments range from 0%-200% of a target level and are contingent upon our achieving certain financial and operational goals over a three-year performance period. Based on the closing stock price at each respective year end and contingent on achieving the specified performance conditions, the maximum shares that could be issued were 0.7 million, 1.5 million and 2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units. Performance-based restricted stock units are long-term incentive opportunities that were granted in 2022 and provide executive officers with the right to receive shares of Delta stock based on our achievement of certain performance conditions at the end of a three-year period. Potential payouts range from 0%-300% of a target level. Based on the closing stock price at year end and contingent on achieving the specified performance conditions, the maximum shares that could be issued were 1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
v3.22.4
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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 Benefits Liabilities(2)
OtherTax EffectTotal
Balance at January 1, 2020$(9,563)$25 $1,549 $(7,989)
Changes in value(1,652)16 384 (1,252)
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
372 — (169)203 
Balance at December 31, 2020
(10,843)41 1,764 (9,038)
Changes in value2,077 — (484)1,593 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
411 — (96)315 
Balance at December 31, 2021
(8,355)41 1,184 (7,130)
Changes in value1,419 — (330)1,089 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
312 — (72)240 
Balance at December 31, 2022
$(6,624)$41 $782 $(5,801)
(1)Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and other benefits liabilities are recorded in pension and related benefit in non-operating expense in the income statement.
(2)Includes approximately $755 million of deferred income tax expense as a result of tax law changes and prior valuation allowance releases through continuing operations, that will not be recognized in net income until pension and other benefit obligations are fully extinguished.
v3.22.4
SEGMENTS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENTS SEGMENTS
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker and is used in resource allocation and performance assessments. Our chief operating decision maker is considered to be our executive leadership team. Our executive leadership team regularly reviews discrete information for our two operating segments, which are determined by the products and services provided: our airline segment and our refinery segment.

Airline Segment

Our airline segment is managed as a single business unit that provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the U.S. and around the world and includes our loyalty program, as well as other ancillary airline services. This allows us to benefit from an integrated revenue pricing and route network. Our flight equipment forms one fleet, which is deployed through a single route scheduling system. When making resource allocation decisions, our chief operating decision maker evaluates flight profitability data, which considers fleet type and route economics, but gives no weight to the financial impact of the resource allocation decision on a geographic region or mainline/regional carrier basis. Our objective in making resource allocation decisions is to optimize our consolidated financial results.

Refinery Segment

Our Monroe subsidiary operates the Trainer oil refinery and related assets located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of our strategy to mitigate the cost of the refining margin reflected in the price of jet fuel. Monroe's operations include pipelines and terminal assets that allow the refinery to supply jet fuel to our airline operations throughout the Northeastern U.S., including our New York hubs at LaGuardia and JFK.

Our refinery segment operates for the benefit of the airline segment by providing jet fuel to the airline segment from its own production and through 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 the non-jet fuel products produced by the refinery for jet fuel consumed in our airline operations. The gross fair value of the products exchanged under these agreements during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $3.5 billion, $2.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
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
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Operating revenue:$45,605 $10,706 $50,582 
Sales to airline segment$(1,976)
(1)
Exchanged products(3,475)
(2)
Sales of refined products(278)
Operating income(3)
2,884 777 3,661 
Interest expense, net1,029 12 (12)1,029 
Depreciation and amortization2,107 93 (93)
(3)
2,107 
Restructuring charges(124)— (124)
Total assets, end of period69,355 3,039 (106)72,288 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (226)(226)
Capital expenditures6,217 149 6,366 
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Operating revenue:$26,670 $6,054 $29,899 
Sales to airline segment$(492)
(1)
Exchanged products(2,293)
(2)
Sales of refined products(40)
Operating income (loss)(3)
1,888 (2)1,886 
Interest expense, net1,279 7 (7)1,279 
Depreciation and amortization1,998 95 (95)
(3)
1,998 
Restructuring charges(19)— (19)
Total assets, end of period70,417 2,099 (57)72,459 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (497)(497)
Capital expenditures3,188 59 3,247 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Operating revenue:$15,945 $3,143 $17,095 
Sales to airline segment$(214)
(1)
Exchanged products(1,472)
(2)
Sales of refined products(307)
Operating loss(3)
(12,253)(216)(12,469)
Interest expense, net929 1 (1)929 
Depreciation and amortization2,312 99 (99)
(3)
2,312 
Restructuring charges8,219 — 8,219 
Total assets, end of period70,548 1,448 — 71,996 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (156)(156)
Capital expenditures1,879 20 1,899 
(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 by reference to the market index for the primary delivery location, which is New York Harbor, for jet fuel from the refinery.
(2)Represents value of products delivered under our exchange agreements, as discussed above, determined on a market price basis.
(3)Refinery segment operating results, including depreciation and amortization, are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes in our income statement.
Renewable Fuel Compliance Costs

A refinery is subject to annual Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") requirements to blend renewable fuels into the gasoline and on-road diesel fuel it produces. Alternatively, a refinery may purchase Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs") from third parties in the secondary market. The Monroe refinery purchases the majority of its RINs in the secondary market. Renewable fuel compliance costs are accrued each period as the RINs obligation is generated. Purchased RINs are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value and are recorded in prepaid expenses and other. The RINs obligation is recorded in accounts payable at cost for those purchased or under fixed price purchase agreements, with any remaining net obligation recorded at fair value. The RINs asset and obligation are retired when used to satisfy EPA requirements.

The net fair value obligations presented in the financial information by segment table above are based on quoted market prices and other observable information and are therefore classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Our obligation as of December 31, 2022 was calculated using the U.S. EPA Renewable Fuel Standard ("RFS") volume requirements, which were finalized in the June 2022 quarter. During the December 2022 quarter, we retired our 2020 RINs assets to settle our 2020 obligations prior to the compliance deadline. We expect to settle our 2021 and 2022 obligations in the first half of 2023.
v3.22.4
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING
Government Grant Recognition. Under the initial payroll support program under the CARES Act and the payroll support program ("PSP") extensions we received support payments which included $4.5 billion and $3.9 billion of grants during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These grants were recognized in government grant recognition in our income statement over the periods that the funds were intended to compensate. PSP1 grants were recognized during 2020 and grants received from PSP2 and PSP3 were recognized during 2021. See Note 6, "Debt," and Note 12, "Equity and Equity Compensation," for additional information on other aspects of the payroll support program.

Restructuring Charges. As a result of the unprecedented, widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for travel declined at a rapid pace in the March 2020 quarter and remained depressed throughout 2020, which had a materially adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position. During 2020, we implemented enhanced measures focusing on the safety of our customers and employees, while at the same time seeking to mitigate the impact on our financial position and operations and to position our business for recovery through actions including fleet retirements, offering voluntary retirement and separation programs and other decisions. These actions resulted in significant restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2020. Subsequent to these charges, we recorded adjustments to certain of these restructuring charges during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, representing changes in our estimates or the outcome of contract negotiations. These charges and adjustments are summarized as follows:

Restructuring charges by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Fleet retirements$(48)$40 $4,409 
Voluntary programs and other employee benefit charges(79)(17)3,409 
Receivables and other3 (42)401 
Total restructuring charges$(124)$(19)$8,219 

Fleet Retirements. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and our response, we made decisions to remove certain aircraft from active service and to early retire certain fleet types. These actions resulted in $4.4 billion of impairment and other related charges that were recorded in restructuring charges in our income statement for the year ended December 31, 2020.

These charges were calculated using Level 3 fair value inputs based primarily upon recent market transactions and third-party bids, which were corroborated with published pricing guides and our assessment of existing market conditions based on industry knowledge. Following the impairment charges, the aggregate net book value of these aircraft as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was approximately $220 million and $340 million, respectively, with the reduction in 2022 primarily due to aircraft sales.
Voluntary Programs and Other Employee Benefit Charges. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we announced the voluntary programs, which primarily applied to eligible U.S. merit, ground and flight attendant and pilot employees. During 2020, 18,000 employees elected to participate and were eligible for separation payments, continued healthcare benefits and certain participants received retiree medical accounts. We recorded $3.4 billion in restructuring charges in our income statement associated with these programs and other employee benefit charges during 2020, including $1.3 billion of special termination benefits (see Note 9, "Employee Benefit Plans"). The remainder of the restructuring charge primarily relates to separation payments and healthcare benefits. Approximately $440 million, $575 million and $720 million was disbursed in cash payments to participants in the voluntary programs during 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. An additional $250 million of cash payments were disbursed during 2020 related to unused vacation and other benefits, which were accrued prior to the voluntary programs charge. Other than the special termination benefits that are recorded in pension, postretirement and related benefits, the remaining accruals as of December 31, 2022 related to separation payments under the voluntary programs are recorded in other accrued liabilities on our balance sheet.

Receivables and Other. Based on our assessment of collectability, during the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded approximately $100 million of reserves against outstanding receivables from LATAM, Grupo Aeroméxico, GOL, Virgin Atlantic and others. Following LATAM's and Grupo Aeroméxico's emergence from their respective bankruptcy processes and general improvement overall in the airline industry, these reserves were $7 million as of December 31, 2022.
v3.22.4
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE
We calculate basic earnings/(loss) per share and diluted (loss) per share by dividing net income/(loss) 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/(loss) per share calculation are not material. The following table shows our computation:

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202220212020
Net income/(loss)$1,318 $280 $(12,385)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding638 636 636 
Dilutive effect of share-based instruments3 5 — 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding641 641 636 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share$2.07 $0.44 $(19.49)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share$2.06 $0.44 $(19.49)
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

Delta Air Lines, Inc., a Delaware corporation, provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States ("U.S.") and around the world. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). We are the primary beneficiary of, and have a controlling financial interest in, certain immaterial entities in which we have voting rights of 50% or less, which we consolidate in our financial results.

We have marketing alliances with other airlines to enhance our access to domestic and international markets. These arrangements may include codesharing, reciprocal loyalty program benefits, shared or reciprocal access to passenger lounges, joint promotions, common use of airport gates and ticket counters, ticket office co-location and other marketing agreements. We have received antitrust immunity for certain marketing arrangements, which enables us to offer a more integrated route network and develop common sales, marketing and discount programs for customers. Some of our marketing arrangements provide for the sharing of revenues and expenses. Revenues and expenses associated with collaborative arrangements are presented on a gross basis in the applicable line items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations ("income statement").

We have 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.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

We are required to make estimates and assumptions when preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Standards
Recent Accounting Standards

Standards Effective in Future Years

Fair Value of Equity Investments. In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions." Under this standard, a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered in measuring the security's fair value. The standard also requires certain disclosures for equity securities that are subject to contractual restrictions. The ASU becomes effective January 1, 2024. Upon adoption, we do not believe it will have a material impact on the valuation of our equity investments; however, we may be required to include additional disclosures to the extent we have material equity investments subject to contractual sale restrictions.

Supplier Finance Program Obligations. In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-04, "Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50)." This standard requires disclosure of the key terms of outstanding supplier finance programs and a rollforward of the related obligations. The new standard does not affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of supplier finance program obligations. The ASU becomes effective January 1, 2023, except for the rollforward requirement, which becomes effective January 1, 2024. Upon adoption, we may be required to include additional disclosures to the extent we have material supplier finance program obligations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Short-Term Investments Investments with maturities of greater than three months, but not in excess of one year, when purchased are classified as short-term investments and are stated at fair value. Investments with maturities beyond one year when purchased may be classified as short-term investments if they are expected to be available to support our short-term liquidity needs. Our short-term investments in debt securities purchased prior to October 1, 2022 are classified as fair value investments under the fair value option and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in non-operating expense. As we return to our pre-pandemic investment strategy for these assets, our short-term investments in debt securities purchased after October 1, 2022 are classified as available-for-sale investments and are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) ("AOCI"). Realized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in non-operating expense.
Inventories
Inventories

Fuel. As part of our strategy to mitigate the cost of the refining margin reflected in the price of jet fuel, our wholly owned subsidiary, Monroe Energy, LLC ("Monroe"), operates the Trainer oil refinery. Refined products (finished goods) and feedstock and blendstock inventories (work-in-process) are both carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We use jet fuel in our airline operations that is produced by the refinery and procured through the exchange with third parties of gasoline, diesel and other refined products ("non-jet fuel products") the refinery produces. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Costs include the raw material consumed plus direct manufacturing costs (such as labor, utilities and supplies) as incurred and an applicable portion of manufacturing overhead.

We expense the cost of carbon offsets upon retirement within aircraft fuel and related taxes on our income statement as these costs are related to our carbon emissions generated by our airline segment. The purchase of carbon offsets is included in operating activities on our cash flows statement. During 2022, we purchased and retired $116 million of carbon offsets which relate to a portion of our airline segment's 2021 and March 2022 quarter carbon emissions. During 2021, we purchased and retired $95 million of carbon offsets, which related to a portion of our airline segment's 2020 and 2021 carbon emissions.

Expendables Parts and Supplies. Inventories of expendable parts related to flight equipment, which cannot be economically repaired, reconditioned or reused after removal from the aircraft, are carried at moving average cost and charged to aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs as consumed. An allowance for obsolescence is provided over the remaining useful life of the related fleet. We also provide allowances for parts identified as excess or obsolete to reduce the carrying costs to the lower of cost or net realizable value. These parts are estimated to have residual value of 5% of the original cost.
Accounting for Refinery Related Buy/Sell Agreements
Accounting for Refinery Related Buy/Sell Agreements

To the extent that we receive jet fuel for non-jet fuel products exchanged under buy/sell agreements, we account for these transactions as nonmonetary exchanges. We have recorded these nonmonetary exchanges at the carrying amount of the non-jet fuel products transferred within aircraft fuel and related taxes on the income statement.
Derivatives DerivativesChanges in fuel prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates impact our results of operations. In an effort to manage our exposure to these risks, we may enter into derivative contracts and adjust our derivative portfolio as market conditions change.
Property and Equipment, net
Long-Lived Assets

Our long-lived lived assets, including flight equipment, which consists of aircraft and associated engines and parts, operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and other long-lived assets, are recorded in property and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets on our balance sheets. See Note 7, "Leases," for further information regarding our leases. The following table summarizes our property and equipment:

Property and equipment by classification
December 31,
(in millions, except for estimated useful life)Estimated Useful Life20222021
Flight equipment
25-34 years
$38,091 $33,368 
Ground property and equipment
3-40 years
8,996 7,758 
Information technology-related assets
3-15 years
3,375 3,389 
Flight and ground equipment under finance leasesShorter of lease term or estimated useful life1,950 2,052 
Advance payments for equipment1,067 853 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)
(20,370)(18,671)
Total property and equipment, net$33,109 $28,749 
(1)Includes accumulated amortization for flight and ground equipment under finance leases in the amount of $463 million and $456 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate or amortize these assets on a straight-line basis to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life for leasehold improvements is the shorter of lease term or estimated useful life.We capitalize certain internal and external costs incurred to develop and implement software and amortize those costs over an estimated useful life of three to fifteen years.Our tangible assets consist primarily of flight equipment, which is mobile across geographic markets. Accordingly, assets are not allocated to specific geographic regions.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review flight equipment, ROU assets and other long-lived assets used in operations for impairment losses when events and circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. Factors which could be indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to (1) a decision to permanently remove flight equipment or other long-lived assets from operations, (2) significant changes in the estimated useful life, (3) significant changes in projected cash flows, (4) permanent and significant declines in fleet fair values and (5) changes to the regulatory environment. For long-lived assets held for sale, we discontinue depreciation and record impairment losses when the carrying amount of these assets is greater than the fair value less the cost to sell.
To determine whether impairments exist for aircraft used in operations, we group assets at the fleet type level or at the contract level for aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers (i.e., the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on projections of capacity, passenger mile yield, fuel and labor costs and other relevant factors. If an asset group is impaired, the impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the asset group's carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We estimate aircraft fair values using published sources, appraisals and bids received from third parties, as available. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020 we removed a significant portion of our mainline and regional aircraft from active service and evaluated our fleet for impairment, determining that only certain fleet types were impaired, as the future cash flows from the operation of these fleet types through the respective retirement dates were lower than the carrying value.

Due to the recovery in demand that we experienced throughout 2021 and 2022, we decided not to retire any additional aircraft and returned to service a majority of the aircraft that were temporarily parked in 2020. We recorded no further impairments during 2021 or 2022. See Note 15, "Government Grants and Restructuring," for additional details regarding these impairments and related charges.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

We account for deferred income taxes under the liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are net by jurisdiction and are recorded as noncurrent on the balance sheet.

We have elected to recognize earnings of foreign affiliates that are determined to be global intangible low tax income in the period it arises and do not recognize deferred taxes for basis differences that may reverse in future years.

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when necessary. We periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. We establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results and tax planning strategies. See Note 11, "Income Taxes," for further information on our deferred income taxes.
Fuel Card Obligation Fuel Card ObligationWe have a purchasing card with American Express for the purpose of buying jet fuel and crude oil. The card carried a maximum credit limit of $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2022 and must be paid monthly.
Retirement of Repurchased Shares
Retirement of Repurchased Shares

We immediately retire shares repurchased pursuant to any share repurchase program. We allocate the share purchase price in excess of par value between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.
Manufacturers' Credits
Manufacturers' Credits

We periodically receive credits in connection with the acquisition of aircraft and engines. These credits are deferred until the aircraft and engines are delivered, and then applied as a reduction to the cost of the related equipment.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance Costs

We record maintenance costs related to our mainline and regional fleets in aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs and regional carrier expense, respectively. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs incurred under power-by-the-hour contracts, which are expensed based on actual hours flown. Power-by-the-hour contracts transfer certain risk to third-party service providers and fix the amount we pay per flight hour or per flight cycle to the service provider in exchange for maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program. Modifications that enhance the operating performance or extend the useful lives of airframes or engines are capitalized and amortized over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter.
Advertising Costs Advertising CostsWe expense advertising costs in passenger commissions and other selling expenses in the year the advertising first takes place.
Commissions and Merchant Fees
Commissions and Merchant Fees

Passenger sales commissions and merchant fees are recognized in passenger commissions and other selling expenses when the related revenue is recognized.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Our goodwill and identifiable intangible assets relate to the airline segment. We apply a fair value-based impairment test to the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis (as of October 1) and, if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred, on an interim basis. We assess the value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived assets under either a qualitative or quantitative approach. Under a qualitative approach, we consider various market factors, including certain of the key assumptions listed below. We analyze these factors to determine if events and circumstances have affected the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired, we use the quantitative approach to assess the asset's fair value and the amount of the impairment. Under a quantitative approach, we calculate the fair value of the asset incorporating the key assumptions listed below into our calculation.

We value goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily using market and income approach valuation techniques. These measurements include the following key assumptions (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business and our alliance partners from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) current discount rates, (3) observable market transactions and (4) anticipated changes to the regulatory environment (e.g., changes in slot access and/or availability, additional Open Skies agreements or changes to antitrust approvals). These assumptions are consistent with those that hypothetical market participants would use. Because we are required to make estimates and assumptions when evaluating goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, actual transaction amounts may differ materially from these estimates. We recognize an impairment charge if the asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value.

Changes in certain events and circumstances could result in impairment or a change from indefinite-lived to definite-lived. Factors which could cause impairment include, but are not limited to (1) negative trends in our market capitalization, (2) reduced profitability resulting from lower passenger mile yields or higher input costs (primarily related to fuel and employees), (3) lower passenger demand as a result of weakened U.S. and global economies, global pandemics or other factors, (4) interruption to our operations due to a prolonged employee strike, terrorist attack or other reasons, (5) changes to the regulatory environment (e.g., changes in slot access and/or availability, additional Open Skies agreements or changes to antitrust approvals), (6) competitive changes by other airlines and (7) strategic changes to our operations leading to diminished utilization of the intangible assets.

Identifiable Intangible Assets. Indefinite-lived assets are not amortized and consist of routes, slots, the Delta tradename and assets related to alliances and collaborative arrangements. Definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of marketing and maintenance service agreements and are amortized on a straight-line basis or under the undiscounted cash flows method over the estimated economic life of the respective agreements. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of an intangible asset are expensed as incurred.
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets ("balance sheets") that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ("cash flows statement").

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$3,266 $7,933 $8,307 
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other138 163 192 
Noncurrent assets:
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets69 473 1,556 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$3,473 $8,569 $10,055 
Summary of property and equipment by classification The following table summarizes our property and equipment:
Property and equipment by classification
December 31,
(in millions, except for estimated useful life)Estimated Useful Life20222021
Flight equipment
25-34 years
$38,091 $33,368 
Ground property and equipment
3-40 years
8,996 7,758 
Information technology-related assets
3-15 years
3,375 3,389 
Flight and ground equipment under finance leasesShorter of lease term or estimated useful life1,950 2,052 
Advance payments for equipment1,067 853 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)
(20,370)(18,671)
Total property and equipment, net$33,109 $28,749 
(1)Includes accumulated amortization for flight and ground equipment under finance leases in the amount of $463 million and $456 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of disaggregation of revenue
Passenger revenue is composed of passenger ticket sales, loyalty travel awards and travel-related services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight.

Passenger revenue by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Ticket$35,626 $19,339 $10,970 
Loyalty travel awards2,898 1,786 935 
Travel-related services1,694 1,394 978 
Total passenger revenue$40,218 $22,519 $12,883 
Other Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Refinery$4,977 $3,229 $1,150 
Loyalty program2,597 1,770 1,458 
Ancillary businesses846 793 648 
Miscellaneous894 556 348 
Total other revenue$9,314 $6,348 $3,604 
Schedule loyalty program activity
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)202220212020
Balance at January 1$7,559 $7,182 $6,728 
Miles earned3,419 2,238 1,437 
Travel miles redeemed(2,898)(1,786)(935)
Non-travel miles redeemed(198)(75)(48)
Balance at December 31$7,882 $7,559 $7,182 
Schedule of revenue by geographic region Our passenger and operating revenue by geographic region is summarized in the following table:
Revenue by geographic region
Passenger RevenueOperating Revenue
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020202220212020
Domestic$30,197 $18,468 $10,041 $38,478 $24,320 $13,339 
Atlantic6,093 1,777 1,171 7,429 2,537 1,649 
Latin America2,889 1,873 1,113 3,334 2,284 1,321 
Pacific1,039 401 558 1,341 758 786 
Total$40,218 $22,519 $12,883 $50,582 $29,899 $17,095 
v3.22.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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(1)
December 31, 2022Valuation
Technique
(in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$2,021 $2,021 $— $— (a)
Restricted cash equivalents206 206 — — (a)
Short-term investments
U.S. Government securities1,587 122 1,465 — (a)
Corporate obligations1,614 — 1,614 — (a)
Other fixed income securities67 — 67 — (a)
Long-term investments1,450 1,305 38 107 (a)(b)
Hedge derivatives, net
Fuel hedge contracts(47)— (47)— (a)(b)
December 31, 2021Valuation
Technique
(in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Cash equivalents$5,450 $5,450 $— $— (a)
Restricted cash equivalents635 635 — — (a)
Short-term investments
U.S. Government securities3,386 1,376 2,010 — (a)
Long-term investments1,459 1,326 36 97 (a)(b)
Hedge derivatives, net
Fuel hedge contracts(18)— (18)— (a)(b)
(1)See Note 9, "Employee Benefit Plans," for fair value of benefit plan assets.
v3.22.4
INVESTMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of fair value investments ownership interest and carrying value
Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Air France-KLMFair Value3 %6 %$97 $165 
China EasternFair Value2 %2 %189 177 
CLEARFair Value5 %6 %227 260 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %51 %412 — 
Hanjin-KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %13 %296 455 
LATAMFair Value10 %20 %403 — 
Unifi Aviation
Equity Method(2)
49 %49 %165 159 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(3)
21 %21 %54 241 
Other investmentsVarious285 255 
Equity investments$2,128 $1,712 
(1)At December 31, 2022, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Results are included in contracted services in our income statement as this entity is integral to the operations of our business by providing services at many of our airport locations.
(3)We elected to account for our investment under the fair value option.
Schedule of equity method investments ownership interest and carrying value
Equity investments ownership interest and carrying value
Accounting TreatmentOwnership InterestCarrying Value
(in millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Air France-KLMFair Value3 %6 %$97 $165 
China EasternFair Value2 %2 %189 177 
CLEARFair Value5 %6 %227 260 
Grupo AeroméxicoEquity Method20 %51 %412 — 
Hanjin-KAL
Fair Value(1)
15 %13 %296 455 
LATAMFair Value10 %20 %403 — 
Unifi Aviation
Equity Method(2)
49 %49 %165 159 
Wheels Up
Fair Value(3)
21 %21 %54 241 
Other investmentsVarious285 255 
Equity investments$2,128 $1,712 
(1)At December 31, 2022, we held 14.8% of the outstanding shares (including common and preferred), and 14.9% of the common shares, of Hanjin KAL.
(2)Results are included in contracted services in our income statement as this entity is integral to the operations of our business by providing services at many of our airport locations.
(3)We elected to account for our investment under the fair value option.
v3.22.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by category These quantitative impairment tests of goodwill and intangibles concluded that there was no indication of impairment as the fair value exceeded our carrying value. In the December 2022 quarter we performed qualitative assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including applicable factors noted above, and determined that there was no indication that the assets were impaired. Our qualitative assessments include analyses and weighting of all relevant factors that impact the fair value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by category
Carrying Value atExcess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date
(in millions)December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Goodwill$9,753 $9,753 
>100%
International routes and slots2,583 2,583 
10% to 30%
Airline alliances1,863 1,863 
20% to >100%
Delta tradename850 850 
>100%
Domestic slots622 622 
60% to >100%
Total$15,671 $15,671 
Schedule of definite-lived intangible assets by category
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Definite-lived intangible assets by category
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(in millions)Gross Carrying Value 
Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying ValueAccumulated Amortization
Marketing agreements$730 $(704)$730 $(700)
Maintenance contracts192 (145)193 (140)
Other54 (53)53 (53)
Total$976 $(902)$976 $(893)
v3.22.4
DEBT (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of outstanding debt by category
The following table summarizes our debt as of the dates indicated below:

Summary of outstanding debt by category
Maturity
Interest Rate(s) Per Annum at
December 31,
(in millions)DatesDecember 31, 202220222021
Unsecured Payroll Support Program Loans2030to 20311.00%$3,496 $3,496 
Unsecured notes2023to20292.90%to7.38%2,997 4,354 
Financing arrangements secured by SkyMiles assets:
SkyMiles Notes(1)
2023to20284.50%and 4.75%5,144 6,000 
SkyMiles Term Loan(1)(2)
2023to20277.99%2,820 2,820 
Financing arrangements secured by aircraft:
Certificates(1)
2023to20282.00%to8.00%1,802 1,932 
Notes(1)(2)
2023to20332.08%to6.85%813 1,139 
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds(1)
2023to20454.00%to5.00%2,838 2,894 
Financing arrangements secured by slots, gates and/or routes:
2020 Senior Secured Notes20257.00%1,542 2,589 
2018 Revolving Credit Facility(2)
2024to2025Undrawn— — 
Other financings(1)(2)
2023to20302.51%to5.00%67 68 
Other revolving credit facilities(2)
2023to2025Undrawn— — 
Total secured and unsecured debt21,519 25,292 
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issuance cost, net and other(138)(208)
Total debt21,381 25,084 
Less: current maturities(2,055)(1,502)
Total long-term debt$19,326 $23,582 
(1)Due in installments.
(2)Certain financings are comprised of variable rate debt. All variable rates are equal to LIBOR (generally subject to a floor) or another index rate plus a specified margin.
Schedule of debt instrument, repurchase amount As a result of the tender offer, we repurchased the following notes:
Notes Repurchased in Tender Offer
(in millions)Location in debt tablePrincipal RepurchasedAmount Paid
4.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
SkyMiles Notes$856 $850 
7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
2020 Senior Secured Notes478 498 
7.375% Notes due 2026
Unsecured Notes84 87 
3.800% Notes due 2023
Unsecured Notes65 65 
Total Notes Repurchased$1,483 $1,500 
Schedule of fair value of outstanding debt 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 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair value of outstanding debt
(in millions)December 31,
2022		December 31,
2021
Net carrying amount$21,381 $25,084 
Fair value$20,700 $26,900 
Schedule of future debt maturities
The following table summarizes scheduled maturities of our debt for the years succeeding December 31, 2022:

Future debt maturities

(in millions)		Total DebtAmortization of
Debt (Discount)/Premium and Debt Issuance Cost, net and other
2023$2,058 $(54)
20242,809 (54)
20252,882 (36)
20262,838 (8)
20272,493 (1)
Thereafter8,439 15 
Total$21,519 $(138)$21,381 
v3.22.4
LEASES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of lease asset and liability balance sheet position by category
The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Lease asset and liability balance sheet position by category
December 31,
(in millions)Classification on the Balance Sheet20222021
Assets
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets$7,036 $7,237 
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net1,487 1,596 
Total lease assets$8,523 $8,833 
Liabilities
Current
OperatingCurrent maturities of operating leases$714 $703 
FinanceCurrent maturities of debt and finance leases304 280 
Noncurrent
OperatingNoncurrent operating leases6,866 7,056 
FinanceDebt and finance leases1,345 1,556 
Total lease liabilities$9,229 $9,595 
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases13 years13 years
Finance leases5 years6 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
4.30 %3.81 %
Finance leases3.05 %3.36 %
Schedule of lease cost by category
The table below presents certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases.

Lease cost by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets$120 $131 $131 
Interest of lease liabilities45 55 32 
Operating lease cost(1)
949 863 1,019 
Short-term lease cost(1)
281 245 264 
Variable lease cost(1)
1,859 1,599 1,406 
Total lease cost$3,254 $2,893 $2,852 
(1)Expenses are primarily classified within aircraft rent, landing fees and other rents and regional carrier expense on our income statement.
Schedule supplemental lease-related cash flow information
The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases.

Supplemental lease-related cash flow information
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases$809 $999 $1,053 
Operating cash flows for finance leases49 46 32 
Financing cash flows for finance leases363 336 255 
Schedule of future cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet, operating leases
The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Future lease cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2023$976 $343 
2024946 375 
2025923 237 
2026836 174 
2027805 192 
Thereafter5,323 470 
Total minimum lease payments9,809 1,791 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(2,229)(142)
Present value of future minimum lease payments7,580 1,649 
Less: current obligations under leases(714)(304)
Long-term lease obligations$6,866 $1,345 
Schedule of future cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet, finance leases
The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.

Future lease cash flows and reconciliation to the balance sheet
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2023$976 $343 
2024946 375 
2025923 237 
2026836 174 
2027805 192 
Thereafter5,323 470 
Total minimum lease payments9,809 1,791 
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest(2,229)(142)
Present value of future minimum lease payments7,580 1,649 
Less: current obligations under leases(714)(304)
Long-term lease obligations$6,866 $1,345 
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status
Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
December 31,December 31,
(in millions)2022202120222021
Benefit obligation at beginning of period$21,073 $22,626 $4,605 $4,766 
Service cost— — 70 86 
Interest cost611 582 128 117 
Actuarial (gain)/loss(4,599)(851)(710)23 
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities(1,274)(1,284)(447)(405)
Participant contributions— — 18 18 
Benefit obligation at end of period(1)
$15,811 $21,073 $3,664 $4,605 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period$19,502 $16,541 $357 $496 
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets(2,517)2,732 (73)57 
Employer contributions10 1,513 216 192 
Participant contributions— — 18 18 
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities(1,274)(1,284)(447)(406)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period$15,721 $19,502 $71 $357 
Funded status at end of period$(90)$(1,571)$(3,593)$(4,248)
(1)At the end of each year presented, our accumulated benefit obligations for our pension plans are equal to the benefit obligations shown above.
Schedule of amounts balance sheet position
Balance Sheet Position
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
December 31,December 31,
(in millions)2022202120222021
Prepaid pension assets$27 $— $— $— 
Current liabilities(9)(9)(369)(203)
Noncurrent liabilities(108)(1,562)(3,224)(4,045)
Funded status at end of period$(90)$(1,571)$(3,593)$(4,248)
Net actuarial loss$(6,444)$(7,462)$(155)$(831)
Prior service credit— — 18 23 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax$(6,444)$(7,462)$(137)$(808)

Certain pension plans have benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. These plans have aggregate projected benefit obligations of $4.0 billion and aggregate fair value of plan assets of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2022.
Schedule of net periodic (benefit) cost Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020202220212020
Service cost$— $— $— $70 $86 $96 
Interest cost611 582 700 128 117 120 
Expected return on plan assets(1,319)(1,522)(1,373)(17)(34)(44)
Amortization of prior service credit— — — (5)(6)(9)
Recognized net actuarial loss255 354 300 56 55 44 
Settlements— 2 38 — — — 
Special termination benefits— — — — — 1,260 
Net periodic (benefit) cost
$(453)$(584)$(335)$232 $218 $1,467 
Schedule of assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic costs
We used the following actuarial assumptions to determine our benefit obligations and our net periodic benefit cost for the periods presented:
December 31,
Benefit Obligations(1)
20222021
Weighted average discount rate5.62 %2.97 %

Year Ended December 31,
Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost(1)
202220212020
Weighted average discount rate2.96 %2.61 %3.39 %
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets7.00 %8.98 %8.97 %
Assumed healthcare cost trend rate for the next year(2)
6.50 %6.25 %6.25 %
(1)Future employee compensation levels do not impact our frozen defined benefit pension plans or other postretirement plans and impact only a small portion of our other postemployment obligation.
(2)Healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to decline gradually to 5.00% by 2031 and remain unchanged thereafter.
Schedule of expected future benefit payments
The following table summarizes the benefit payments that are expected to be paid in the years ending December 31:

Expected future benefit payments
(in millions)Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits
2023$1,280 $450 
20241,270 440 
20251,270 430 
20261,260 430 
20271,250 430 
2028-20326,030 1,930 
Schedule of benefit plan assets measured at fair value on recurring basis The following table shows our benefit plan assets by asset class.
Benefit plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Valuation Technique
(in millions)Level 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2Total
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments$77 $1,366 $1,443 $69 $979 $1,048 (a)(b)
Cash equivalents629 265 894 2,390 2,097 4,487 (a)
Equities and equity-related instruments420 25 445 1,034 161 1,195 (a)
Delta common stock343 — 343 407 — 407 (a)
Real assets17 170 187 — 256 256 (a)
Benefit plan assets$1,486 $1,826 $3,312 $3,900 $3,493 $7,393 
Investments measured at net asset value ("NAV")(1)
12,329 12,653 
Total benefit plan assets$15,641 $20,046 
(1) Investments that were measured at NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
Schedule of benefit plan investments assets measured at NAV
The following table summarizes investments measured at fair value based on NAV per share as a practical expedient:

Benefit plan investment assets measured at NAV
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(in millions)Fair ValueRedemption FrequencyRedemption Notice PeriodFair ValueRedemption FrequencyRedemption Notice Period
Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies$6,730 (1)
2-180 Days
$7,563 (1)
2-180 Days
Commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments (4)
2,266 (1) (2)
2-45 Days
2,228 (1) (2)
3-45 Days
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments(4)
1,003 (1)
1-180 Days
877 (1)
65-90 Days
Real assets (4)
819 (2)N/A773 (2)N/A
Other1,511 (3)
2-10 Days
1,212 (3)
2-10 Days
Total investments measured at NAV$12,329 $12,653 
(1)Various. Includes funds with monthly or more frequent, quarterly and/or custom redemption frequencies as well as funds with a redemption window following the anniversary of the initial investment.
(2)Includes private funds that are closed-ended structures in which the plans' investments are generally not eligible for redemption.
(3)Includes funds with monthly or more frequent redemptions
(4)Unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion for commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments, $364 million for fixed income and fixed income-related instruments and $507 million for real assets at December 31, 2022.
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of aircraft purchase commitments
Our future aircraft purchase commitments totaled approximately $19.0 billion at December 31, 2022:

Aircraft purchase commitments(1)
(in millions)Total
2023$2,610 
20244,440 
20254,330 
20263,800 
20272,570 
Thereafter1,210 
Total$18,960 
(1)The timing of these commitments is based on our contractual agreements with the aircraft manufacturers and may be subject to change based on modifications to those agreements or changes in delivery schedules.
Our future aircraft purchase commitments included the following aircraft at December 31, 2022:

Aircraft purchase commitments by fleet type
Fleet TypePurchase Commitments
A220-30060 
A321-200neo134 
A330-900neo18 
A350-90016 
B-737-10100 
Total328 
Schedule of contract carrier minimum obligations The obligations set forth in the table contemplate minimum levels of flying by the regional carriers under the respective agreements and also reflect assumptions regarding certain costs associated with the minimum levels of flying such as the cost of fuel, labor, maintenance, insurance, catering, property tax and landing fees. Accordingly, our actual payments under these agreements could differ materially from the minimum fixed obligations set forth in the table below.
Contract carrier minimum obligations
(in millions)Amount
2023$1,590 
20241,560 
20251,610 
20261,590 
20271,560 
Thereafter2,690 
Total$10,600 
Schedule of domestic airline employees represented by collective bargaining agreements by group
Domestic airline employees represented by collective bargaining agreements by group
Employee GroupApproximate Number of
Employees Represented		UnionDate on which Collective
Bargaining Agreement
Becomes Amendable
Delta Pilots15,040 ALPADecember 31, 2019
Delta Flight Superintendents (Dispatchers)
450 PAFCANovember 1, 2024
Endeavor Pilots1,750 ALPAJanuary 1, 2029
Endeavor Flight Attendants
1,800 AFAMarch 31, 2027
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of components of income tax benefit (provision)
Components of income tax (provision) benefit
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Current tax (provision) benefit:
Federal$— $— $94 
State and local(1)(1)3 
International(4)(3)(5)
Deferred tax (provision) benefit:
Federal(525)(130)2,766 
State and local(66)16 344 
Income tax (provision) benefit$(596)$(118)$3,202 
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate:

Reconciliation of statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit3.0 (4.4)1.9 
Permanent differences1.0 4.9 (0.6)
Valuation allowance7.3 9.1 (2.6)
Other(1.1)(0.8)0.8 
Effective income tax rate31.2 %29.8 %20.5 %
Schedule of significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards$1,395 $1,301 
Capital loss carryforward50 480 
Pension, postretirement and other benefits1,467 2,089 
Investments1,106 314 
Deferred revenue2,334 2,288 
Lease liabilities2,376 2,452 
Other682 494 
Valuation allowance(1,176)(833)
Total deferred tax assets$8,234 $8,585 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation$5,110 $4,463 
Operating lease assets1,624 1,676 
Intangible assets1,121 1,097 
Other78 55 
Total deferred tax liabilities$7,933 $7,291 
Net deferred tax assets(1)
$301 $1,294 
Schedule of valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets
The following table presents the balance of our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets and the associated activity:

Valuation allowance activity
(in millions)20222021
Balance at January 1$833 $460 
Tax provision155 26 
Equity investment activity188 347 
Balance at December 31$1,176 $833 
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of warrants The conditions and number of warrants outstanding have remained unchanged since December 31, 2021 and key terms under each program are as follows:
Summary of payroll support program warrants
(in millions)Number of WarrantsExercise PriceExpiration Year
Payroll Support Program (PSP1)6.8$24.37 2025
Payroll Support Program Extension (PSP2)2.439.73 2026
Payroll Support Program 3 (PSP3)1.947.80 2026
Total11.1
Schedule of restricted stock activity Restricted stock activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Restricted Stock Award Activity
202220212020
Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price		Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price		Restricted
Stock Awards		Weighted-Average
Grant Price
(in millions, except weighted avg grant price)
Outstanding at January 12.9 $45.66 2.2 $54.06 2.6 $51.28 
Granted1.9 42.45 2.3 39.93 1.4 56.84 
Vested(1.6)46.31 (1.4)51.15 (1.6)51.95 
Forfeited(0.1)45.51 (0.2)44.01 (0.2)56.11 
Outstanding at December 313.1 $43.43 2.9 $45.66 2.2 $54.06 
Schedule of stock option activity Stock option activity under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Stock Option Activity
202220212020
Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price		Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price		Stock OptionsWeighted-Average
Exercise Price
(in millions, except weighted avg grant price)
Outstanding at January 16.2 $50.41 5.4 $52.37 3.9 $49.57 
Granted— — 1.0 39.78 1.6 58.89 
Exercised — — — — (0.1)44.05 
Forfeited— 52.87 (0.2)49.61 — — 
Outstanding at December 316.2 $50.40 6.2 $50.41 5.4 $52.37 
v3.22.4
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss
(in millions)
Pension and Other Benefits Liabilities(2)
OtherTax EffectTotal
Balance at January 1, 2020$(9,563)$25 $1,549 $(7,989)
Changes in value(1,652)16 384 (1,252)
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
372 — (169)203 
Balance at December 31, 2020
(10,843)41 1,764 (9,038)
Changes in value2,077 — (484)1,593 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
411 — (96)315 
Balance at December 31, 2021
(8,355)41 1,184 (7,130)
Changes in value1,419 — (330)1,089 
Reclassifications into earnings(1)
312 — (72)240 
Balance at December 31, 2022
$(6,624)$41 $782 $(5,801)
(1)Amounts reclassified from AOCI for pension and other benefits liabilities are recorded in pension and related benefit in non-operating expense in the income statement.
(2)Includes approximately $755 million of deferred income tax expense as a result of tax law changes and prior valuation allowance releases through continuing operations, that will not be recognized in net income until pension and other benefit obligations are fully extinguished.
v3.22.4
SEGMENTS (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of financial information by segment
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
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Operating revenue:$45,605 $10,706 $50,582 
Sales to airline segment$(1,976)
(1)
Exchanged products(3,475)
(2)
Sales of refined products(278)
Operating income(3)
2,884 777 3,661 
Interest expense, net1,029 12 (12)1,029 
Depreciation and amortization2,107 93 (93)
(3)
2,107 
Restructuring charges(124)— (124)
Total assets, end of period69,355 3,039 (106)72,288 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (226)(226)
Capital expenditures6,217 149 6,366 
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Operating revenue:$26,670 $6,054 $29,899 
Sales to airline segment$(492)
(1)
Exchanged products(2,293)
(2)
Sales of refined products(40)
Operating income (loss)(3)
1,888 (2)1,886 
Interest expense, net1,279 7 (7)1,279 
Depreciation and amortization1,998 95 (95)
(3)
1,998 
Restructuring charges(19)— (19)
Total assets, end of period70,417 2,099 (57)72,459 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (497)(497)
Capital expenditures3,188 59 3,247 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Operating revenue:$15,945 $3,143 $17,095 
Sales to airline segment$(214)
(1)
Exchanged products(1,472)
(2)
Sales of refined products(307)
Operating loss(3)
(12,253)(216)(12,469)
Interest expense, net929 1 (1)929 
Depreciation and amortization2,312 99 (99)
(3)
2,312 
Restructuring charges8,219 — 8,219 
Total assets, end of period70,548 1,448 — 71,996 
Net fair value obligations, end of period— (156)(156)
Capital expenditures1,879 20 1,899 
(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 by reference to the market index for the primary delivery location, which is New York Harbor, for jet fuel from the refinery.
(2)Represents value of products delivered under our exchange agreements, as discussed above, determined on a market price basis.
(3)Refinery segment operating results, including depreciation and amortization, are included within aircraft fuel and related taxes in our income statement.
v3.22.4
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of restructuring charges by category During 2020, we implemented enhanced measures focusing on the safety of our customers and employees, while at the same time seeking to mitigate the impact on our financial position and operations and to position our business for recovery through actions including fleet retirements, offering voluntary retirement and separation programs and other decisions. These actions resulted in significant restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2020. Subsequent to these charges, we recorded adjustments to certain of these restructuring charges during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, representing changes in our estimates or the outcome of contract negotiations. These charges and adjustments are summarized as follows:
Restructuring charges by category
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Fleet retirements$(48)$40 $4,409 
Voluntary programs and other employee benefit charges(79)(17)3,409 
Receivables and other3 (42)401 
Total restructuring charges$(124)$(19)$8,219 
v3.22.4
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share The following table shows our computation:
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202220212020
Net income/(loss)$1,318 $280 $(12,385)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding638 636 636 
Dilutive effect of share-based instruments3 5 — 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding641 641 636 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share$2.07 $0.44 $(19.49)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share$2.06 $0.44 $(19.49)
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,266 $ 7,933 $ 8,307  
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other 138 163 192  
Noncurrent assets:        
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent 69 473 1,556  
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 3,473 $ 8,569 $ 10,055 $ 3,730
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Expense related to carbon offset credits $ 116,000,000 $ 95,000,000  
Derivative contracts, net 47,000,000 17,000,000  
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment 2,107,000,000 1,998,000,000 $ 2,312,000,000
Amortization of capitalized software 307,000,000 301,000,000 304,000,000
Net book value of capitalized software 891,000,000 876,000,000  
Fuel card obligation 1,100,000,000 1,100,000,000  
Advertising expense 302,000,000 $ 198,000,000 $ 119,000,000
Fuel Card Obligation      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Purchasing card maximum limit $ 1,100,000,000    
Minimum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated residual value (percent) 5.00%    
Maximum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated residual value (percent) 10.00%    
Software and software development costs | Minimum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life 3 years    
Software and software development costs | Maximum      
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life 15 years    
v3.22.4
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property and Equipment, net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization $ (20,370) $ (18,671)
Total property and equipment, net 33,109 28,749
Flight equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 38,091 33,368
Flight equipment | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 25 years  
Flight equipment | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 34 years  
Ground property and equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 8,996 7,758
Ground property and equipment | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 3 years  
Ground property and equipment | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 40 years  
Information technology-related assets    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 3,375 3,389
Information technology-related assets | Minimum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 3 years  
Information technology-related assets | Maximum    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Estimated useful life 15 years  
Flight and ground equipment under finance leases    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 1,950 2,052
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (463) (456)
Advance payments for equipment    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, gross $ 1,067 $ 853
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Passenger Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 50,582 $ 29,899 $ 17,095
Passenger      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 40,218 22,519 12,883
Ticket      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 35,626 19,339 10,970
Loyalty travel awards      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 2,898 1,786 935
Travel-related services      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 1,694 $ 1,394 $ 978
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]      
Revenue recognized that was previously recorded in air traffic liability $ 4.2 $ 2.2 $ 3.1
Marketing contracts initial terms, minimum (in years) 3 years    
Marketing contracts initial terms, maximum (in years) 11 years    
Cash sales of miles from marketing agreements $ 5.7 $ 4.1 $ 2.9
Majority of new miles, redemption period (in years) 2 years    
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Loyalty Program Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Loyalty Program      
Miles earned $ 3,419 $ 2,238 $ 1,437
Travel miles redeemed (2,898) (1,786) (935)
Non-travel miles redeemed (198) (75) (48)
Loyalty program      
Loyalty Program      
Current and noncurrent deferred revenue, beginning 7,559 7,182 6,728
Current and noncurrent deferred revenue, ending $ 7,882 $ 7,559 $ 7,182
v3.22.4
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Other Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 50,582 $ 29,899 $ 17,095
Other      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 9,314 6,348 3,604
Refinery      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 4,977 3,229 1,150
Loyalty program      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 2,597 1,770 1,458
Ancillary businesses      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 846 793 648
Miscellaneous      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 894 $ 556 $ 348
v3.22.4
Revenue Recognition - Revenue by Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 50,582 $ 29,899 $ 17,095
Domestic      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 38,478 24,320 13,339
Atlantic      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 7,429 2,537 1,649
Latin America      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 3,334 2,284 1,321
Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 1,341 758 786
Passenger      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 40,218 22,519 12,883
Passenger | Domestic      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 30,197 18,468 10,041
Passenger | Atlantic      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 6,093 1,777 1,171
Passenger | Latin America      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue 2,889 1,873 1,113
Passenger | Pacific      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ 1,039 $ 401 $ 558
v3.22.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Cash equivalents $ 2,021 $ 5,450
Restricted cash equivalents 206 635
Long-term investments 1,450 1,459
U.S. Government securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 1,587 3,386
Corporate obligations    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 1,614  
Fuel hedge contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Hedge derivatives, net (47) (18)
Other fixed income securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 67  
Level 1    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Cash equivalents 2,021 5,450
Restricted cash equivalents 206 635
Long-term investments 1,305 1,326
Level 1 | U.S. Government securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 122 1,376
Level 1 | Corporate obligations    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 0  
Level 1 | Fuel hedge contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Hedge derivatives, net 0 0
Level 1 | Other fixed income securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 0  
Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents 0 0
Long-term investments 38 36
Level 2 | U.S. Government securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 1,465 2,010
Level 2 | Corporate obligations    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 1,614  
Level 2 | Fuel hedge contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Hedge derivatives, net (47) (18)
Level 2 | Other fixed income securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 67  
Level 3    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Cash equivalents 0 0
Restricted cash equivalents 0 0
Long-term investments 107 97
Level 3 | U.S. Government securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 0 0
Level 3 | Corporate obligations    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments 0  
Level 3 | Fuel hedge contracts    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Hedge derivatives, net 0 $ 0
Level 3 | Other fixed income securities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis    
Short-term investments $ 0  
v3.22.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS- Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis      
Short-term investments $ 3,268 $ 3,386  
Short-term investments expected to mature in one year or less 2,800    
Fuel hedge contracts      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis      
Gain (loss) recognized on derivatives (394) $ (146) $ 85
Unrealized loss on swap 365    
Derivative, Gain on Derivative $ 29    
v3.22.4
INVESTMENTS - Equity Investments Ownership Interest and Carrying Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity Investments    
Equity investments $ 2,128 $ 1,712
Air France-KLM    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 3.00% 6.00%
Carrying value $ 97 $ 165
China Eastern    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 2.00% 2.00%
Carrying value $ 189 $ 177
CLEAR    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 5.00% 6.00%
Carrying value $ 227 $ 260
Hanjin-KAL    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 15.00% 13.00%
Carrying value $ 296 $ 455
Hanjin-KAL | Common and Preferred Shares    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 14.80%  
Hanjin-KAL | Common Stock    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 14.90%  
LATAM    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 10.00% 20.00%
Carrying value $ 403 $ 0
Wheels Up    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 21.00% 21.00%
Carrying value $ 54 $ 241
Other Investments    
Equity Investments    
Carrying value $ 285 $ 255
Grupo Aeromexico    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 20.00% 51.00%
Carrying value $ 412 $ 0
Unifi Aviation    
Equity Investments    
Ownership interest (percent) 49.00% 49.00%
Carrying value $ 165 $ 159
v3.22.4
INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Grupo Aeromexico      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
New capital stock after consolidation and exchange as percentage of previously outstanding 0.01%    
LATAM      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Payment to acquire equity investment   $ 657,000,000  
Ownership interest (percent)   10.00% 20.00%
Grupo Aeromexico      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Payment to acquire equity investment $ 100,000,000    
Virgin Atlantic      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership interest (percent)   49.00%  
Carrying value of equity investment   $ 0  
Unrecognized equity method losses   $ 300,000,000  
Grupo Aeromexico      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Ownership interest (percent)   20.00% 51.00%
Carrying value of equity investment   $ 412,000,000 $ 0
v3.22.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Valuation of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets    
Goodwill $ 9,753 $ 9,753
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 15,671 15,671
Minimum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, goodwill (greater than) 100.00%  
International routes and slots    
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets    
Indefinite-lived intangibles $ 2,583 2,583
International routes and slots | Minimum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets 10.00%  
International routes and slots | Maximum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets 30.00%  
Airline alliances    
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets    
Indefinite-lived intangibles $ 1,863 1,863
Airline alliances | Minimum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets 20.00%  
Airline alliances | Maximum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets (greater than) 100.00%  
Delta tradename    
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets    
Indefinite-lived intangibles $ 850 850
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets (greater than) 100.00%  
Domestic slots    
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets    
Indefinite-lived intangibles $ 622 $ 622
Domestic slots | Minimum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets 60.00%  
Domestic slots | Maximum    
Excess Fair Value at 2020 Testing Date    
Excess fair value, indefinite-lived intangible assets (greater than) 100.00%  
v3.22.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets    
Gross carrying value $ 976 $ 976
Accumulated amortization (902) (893)
Marketing agreements    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets    
Gross carrying value 730 730
Accumulated amortization (704) (700)
Maintenance contracts    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets    
Gross carrying value 192 193
Accumulated amortization (145) (140)
Other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets    
Gross carrying value 54 53
Accumulated amortization $ (53) $ (53)
v3.22.4
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets        
Amortization expense   $ 9 $ 10 $ 10
Estimated amortization expense in 2022 $ 8 8    
Estimated amortization expense in 2023 8 8    
Estimated amortization expense in 2024 8 8    
Estimated amortization expense in 2025 8 8    
Estimated amortization expense in 2026 $ 8 8    
LATAM        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Agreement approval period 10 years      
Indefinite-lived intangibles $ 1,200 $ 1,200    
v3.22.4
DEBT - Summary of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt, gross $ 21,519 $ 25,292
Unamortized (discount)/premium and debt issuance cost, net and other (138) (208)
Total debt 21,381 25,084
Less: current maturities (2,055) (1,502)
Total long-term debt $ 19,326 23,582
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%  
Debt, gross $ 3,496 3,496
Unsecured notes | Unsecured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2029  
Debt, gross $ 2,997 4,354
Unsecured notes | Unsecured Debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 2.90%  
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, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2028  
Interest rate per annum (percent) 4.50%  
Debt, gross $ 5,144 6,000
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, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2027  
Interest rate per annum (percent) 7.99%  
Debt, gross $ 2,820 2,820
Financings secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2028  
Debt, gross $ 1,802 1,932
Financings secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured Debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 2.00%  
Financings secured by aircraft - Certificates | Secured Debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 8.00%  
Financings secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2033  
Debt, gross $ 813 1,139
Financings secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured Debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 2.08%  
Financings secured by aircraft - Notes | Secured Debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 6.85%  
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2020 | Bonds    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2045  
Debt, gross $ 2,838 2,894
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2020 | Bonds | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 4.00%  
NYTDC Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2020 | Bonds | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 5.00%  
2020 Senior Secured Notes | Secured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 7.00%  
Debt, gross $ 1,542 2,589
2018 Revolving Credit Facility | Secured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity date Dec. 31, 2025  
2018 Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2024  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2025  
Debt, gross $ 0 0
Other financings | Secured and unsecured Debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2030  
Debt, gross $ 67 68
Other financings | Secured and unsecured Debt | Minimum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 2.51%  
Other financings | Secured and unsecured Debt | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Interest rate per annum (percent) 5.00%  
Other revolving credit facilities | Revolving Credit Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Maturity dates range, start Dec. 31, 2023  
Maturity dates range, end Dec. 31, 2025  
Debt, gross $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.4
DEBT - Early Settlement of Outstanding Notes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Repurchase amount $ 1,500    
Loss on extinguishment of debt 100 $ 319 $ 8
Secured and unsecured Debt      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Repurchase amount 778    
Loss on extinguishment of debt $ 100    
v3.22.4
DEBT - Schedule of Notes Repurchased (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Principal Repurchased $ 1,483
Amount Paid $ 1,500
4.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 | Secured Debt  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Fixed interest rate (percent) 4.50%
Principal Repurchased $ 856
Amount Paid $ 850
7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 | Secured Debt  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Fixed interest rate (percent) 7.00%
Principal Repurchased $ 478
Amount Paid $ 498
7.375% Notes due 2026 | Unsecured Debt  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Fixed interest rate (percent) 7.375%
Principal Repurchased $ 84
Amount Paid $ 87
3.800% Notes due 2023 | Unsecured Debt  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Fixed interest rate (percent) 3.80%
Principal Repurchased $ 65
Amount Paid $ 65
v3.22.4
DEBT - Availability Under Revolving Credit Facilities (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Outstanding letters of credit that do not affect availability of revolvers $ 400
Revolving Credit Facility  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities $ 2,900
v3.22.4
DEBT - Fair Value of Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Net carrying amount $ 21,381 $ 25,084
Fair value $ 20,700 $ 26,900
v3.22.4
DEBT - Covenants (Details) - SkyMiles program
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Minimum liquidity covenant $ 2,000
Aggregate limit on sale of pre-paid miles covenant $ 550
v3.22.4
DEBT - Future Maturities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Total Debt    
2023 $ 2,058  
2024 2,809  
2025 2,882  
2026 2,838  
2027 2,493  
Thereafter 8,439  
Total 21,519 $ 25,292
Amortization of Debt (Discount)/Premium and Debt Issuance Cost, net and other    
2023 (54)  
2024 (54)  
2025 (36)  
2026 (8)  
2027 (1)  
Thereafter 15  
Total (138) (208)
Total debt $ 21,381 $ 25,084
v3.22.4
LEASES - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
lease
aircraft
transaction
airport
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Leases that have not yet commenced | $ $ 242
Aircraft sale leaseback  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Sale leaseback transactions | $ $ 2,800
Number of aircraft in sale-leaseback transactions | aircraft 85
Number of sale-leaseback transactions that did not qualify as sale | transaction 74
Number of sale-leaseback transactions that qualified as sale | transaction 11
Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Leases that have not yet commenced, term of contract 7 years
Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Leases that have not yet commenced, term of contract 10 years
Aircraft  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Number of leases 221
Number of finance leases 105
Number of operating leases 116
Lease component of purchase agreements, number of aircraft | aircraft 115
Aircraft | Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 1 month
Remaining term of finance leases 1 month
Aircraft | Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 13 years
Remaining term of finance leases 13 years
Airport Facilities  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Number of airports with facility space under lease | airport 300
Airport Facilities | Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 1 month
Airport Facilities | Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 29 years
Other Ground Property and Equipment | Minimum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 1 month
Remaining term of finance leases 1 month
Other Ground Property and Equipment | Maximum  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Remaining term of operating leases 7 years
Remaining term of finance leases 7 years
v3.22.4
LEASES - Lease Position (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Assets    
Operating lease assets $ 7,036 $ 7,237
Finance lease assets 1,487 1,596
Total lease assets $ 8,523 $ 8,833
Finance lease asset, balance sheet Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $20,370 and $18,671 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $20,370 and $18,671
Liabilities    
Current operating lease liabilities $ 714 $ 703
Current finance lease liabilities 304 280
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 6,866 7,056
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities 1,345 1,556
Total lease liabilities $ 9,229 $ 9,595
Finance lease liability, current, balance sheet Current maturities of debt and finance leases Current maturities of debt and finance leases
Finance lease liability, noncurrent, balance sheet Debt and finance leases Debt and finance leases
Operating leases, weighted-average remaining lease term 13 years 13 years
Finance leases, weighted-average remaining lease term 5 years 6 years
Operating leases, weighted-average discount rate 4.30% 3.81%
Finance leases, weighted-average discount rate 3.05% 3.36%
v3.22.4
LEASES - Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]      
Finance lease cost, amortization of leased assets $ 120 $ 131 $ 131
Finance lease cost, interest of lease liabilities 45 55 32
Operating lease cost 949 863 1,019
Short-term lease cost 281 245 264
Variable lease cost 1,859 1,599 1,406
Total lease cost $ 3,254 $ 2,893 $ 2,852
v3.22.4
LEASES - Other Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 809 $ 999 $ 1,053
Operating cash flows for finance leases 49 46 32
Financing cash flows for finance leases $ 363 $ 336 $ 255
v3.22.4
LEASES - Undiscounted Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Leases    
2023 $ 976  
2024 946  
2025 923  
2026 836  
2027 805  
Thereafter 5,323  
Total minimum lease payments 9,809  
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest (2,229)  
Present value of future minimum lease payments 7,580  
Less: current obligations under leases (714) $ (703)
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 6,866 7,056
Finance Leases    
2023 343  
2024 375  
2025 237  
2026 174  
2027 192  
Thereafter 470  
Total minimum lease payments 1,791  
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest (142)  
Present value of future minimum lease payments 1,649  
Less: current obligations under leases (304) (280)
Long-term lease obligations $ 1,345 $ 1,556
v3.22.4
AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT (Details)
 12 Months Ended 72 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
gate
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
gate
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
gate
concourse
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Operating lease liability $ 7,580,000,000       $ 7,580,000,000    
Financial Guarantee | Revolving Credit Facility              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Aggregate commitments guaranteed 800,000,000       800,000,000    
Financial Guarantee | Revolving Credit Facility | Subsequent event              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Aggregate commitments guaranteed           $ 700,000,000  
JFK IAT Member LLC              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Operating lease liability 2,300,000,000       2,300,000,000    
JFK Terminal Redevelopment Project              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Number of new gates | gate   10          
Total expected project costs $ 1,600,000,000       1,600,000,000    
LAX Redevelopment Project              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Number of new gates | gate 14            
Total expected project costs $ 2,400,000,000       2,400,000,000    
Expected net projects costs $ 600,000,000       600,000,000    
Project costs reflected as investing cash flows         350,000,000    
Number of new gates open | gate 11            
LAX Redevelopment Project | City of Los Angeles              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Total appropriation to date by city $ 1,800,000,000       1,800,000,000    
Maximum reimbursement by city $ 1,800,000,000       1,800,000,000    
LaGuardia Airport Redevelopment Project              
Agreements and Obligations [Line Items]              
Number of new gates | gate 12            
Total expected project costs $ 4,300,000,000       4,300,000,000    
Expected net projects costs $ 3,800,000,000       3,800,000,000    
Number of new gates open | gate 4     7      
Number of new gates planned | gate       37      
Number of concourses for gates | concourse       4      
Port Authority contribution to redevelopment project             $ 500,000,000
Amount spent on project costs $ 650,000,000 $ 950,000,000 $ 600,000,000   $ 3,200,000,000    
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Discount rate for 17-year amortization period of unfunded liability for frozen defined benefit plan (percent) 8.85%    
Estimated funding by employer in next fiscal year $ 0    
Defined contribution plan costs $ 1,000,000,000 $ 875,000,000 $ 805,000,000
Assumed healthcare plan pre age 65 years    
Assumed healthcare plan post age 65 years    
Projected benefit obligation $ 4,000,000,000    
Aggregate fair value of plan assets $ 3,900,000,000    
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (percent) 7.00% 8.98% 8.97%
Restructuring charges $ (124,000,000) $ (19,000,000) $ 8,219,000,000
Profit sharing 563,000,000 108,000,000 0
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Restructuring charges   3,400,000,000  
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs | Special termination benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Special termination benefit charge   1,300,000,000  
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Special termination benefit charge $ 0 $ 0 1,260,000,000
Special termination benefits     $ 1,300,000,000
Growth-seeking assets | Minimum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 20.00%    
Growth-seeking assets | Maximum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 40.00%    
Income-generating assets | Minimum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 25.00%    
Income-generating assets | Maximum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 35.00%    
Risk-diversifying assets | Minimum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 35.00%    
Risk-diversifying assets | Maximum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Plan assets, target allocations (percent) 45.00%    
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Pension Benefits      
Change in Benefit Obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 21,073 $ 22,626  
Service cost 0 0 $ 0
Interest cost 611 582 700
Actuarial (gain)/loss (4,599) (851)  
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities (1,274) (1,284)  
Participant contributions 0 0  
Benefit obligation at end of period 15,811 21,073 22,626
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 19,502 16,541  
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets (2,517) 2,732  
Employer contributions 10 1,513  
Participant contributions 0 0  
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities (1,274) (1,284)  
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 15,721 19,502 16,541
Funded Status of Plan      
Funded status at end of period (90) (1,571)  
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits      
Change in Benefit Obligation      
Benefit obligation at beginning of period 4,605 4,766  
Service cost 70 86 96
Interest cost 128 117 120
Actuarial (gain)/loss (710) 23  
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities (447) (405)  
Participant contributions 18 18  
Benefit obligation at end of period 3,664 4,605 4,766
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 357 496  
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets (73) 57  
Employer contributions 216 192  
Participant contributions 18 18  
Benefits paid, including lump sums and annuities (447) (406)  
Fair value of plan assets at end of period 71 357 $ 496
Funded Status of Plan      
Funded status at end of period $ (3,593) $ (4,248)  
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Balance Sheet Position (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position    
Noncurrent liabilities $ (3,707) $ (6,035)
Pension Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position    
Prepaid pension assets 27 0
Current liabilities (9) (9)
Noncurrent liabilities (108) (1,562)
Funded status at end of period (90) (1,571)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax    
Net actuarial loss (6,444) (7,462)
Prior service credit 0 0
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax (6,444) (7,462)
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position    
Prepaid pension assets 0 0
Current liabilities (369) (203)
Noncurrent liabilities (3,224) (4,045)
Funded status at end of period (3,593) (4,248)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax    
Net actuarial loss (155) (831)
Prior service credit 18 23
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax $ (137) $ (808)
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Service cost $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Interest cost 611 582 700
Expected return on plan assets (1,319) (1,522) (1,373)
Amortization of prior service credit 0 0 0
Recognized net actuarial loss 255 354 300
Settlements 0 2 38
Special termination benefits 0 0 0
Net periodic (benefit) cost (453) (584) (335)
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Service cost 70 86 96
Interest cost 128 117 120
Expected return on plan assets (17) (34) (44)
Amortization of prior service credit (5) (6) (9)
Recognized net actuarial loss 56 55 44
Settlements 0 0 0
Special termination benefits 0 0 1,260
Net periodic (benefit) cost $ 232 $ 218 $ 1,467
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Weighted average discount rate (percent) 5.62% 2.97%  
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (percent) 7.00% 8.98% 8.97%
Assumed healthcare cost trend rate for the next year (percent) 6.50% 6.25% 6.25%
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate (percent) 5.00%    
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure      
Weighted average discount rate (percent) 2.96% 2.61% 3.39%
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Expected Benefit Payments (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Pension Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity  
2023 $ 1,280
2024 1,270
2025 1,270
2026 1,260
2027 1,250
2028-2032 6,030
Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity  
2023 450
2024 440
2025 430
2026 430
2027 430
2028-2032 $ 1,930
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Benefit Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets $ 15,641 $ 20,046
Level 1 and Level 2    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 3,312 7,393
Level 1 and Level 2 | Cash equivalents    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 894 4,487
Level 1 and Level 2 | Equities and equity-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 445 1,195
Level 1 and Level 2 | Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 1,443 1,048
Level 1 and Level 2 | Delta common stock    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 343 407
Level 1 and Level 2 | Real assets    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 187 256
Level 1    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 1,486 3,900
Level 1 | Cash equivalents    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 629 2,390
Level 1 | Equities and equity-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 420 1,034
Level 1 | Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 77 69
Level 1 | Delta common stock    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 343 407
Level 1 | Real assets    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 17 0
Level 2    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 1,826 3,493
Level 2 | Cash equivalents    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 265 2,097
Level 2 | Equities and equity-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 25 161
Level 2 | Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 1,366 979
Level 2 | Delta common stock    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 0 0
Level 2 | Real assets    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets 170 256
NAV    
Benefit plan assets by asset class    
Benefit plan assets $ 12,329 $ 12,653
v3.22.4
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Investments Measured at NAV (Details) - NAV - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 12,329 $ 12,653
Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies    
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 6,730 $ 7,563
Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies | Minimum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 2 days 2 days
Hedge funds and hedge fund-related strategies | Maximum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 180 days 180 days
Commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments    
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 2,266 $ 2,228
Unfunded commitments $ 1,200  
Commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments | Minimum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 2 days 3 days
Commingled funds, private equity and private equity-related instruments | Maximum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 45 days 45 days
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments    
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 1,003 $ 877
Unfunded commitments $ 364  
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments | Minimum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 1 day 65 days
Fixed income and fixed income-related instruments | Maximum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 180 days 90 days
Real assets    
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 819 $ 773
Unfunded commitments 507  
Other    
Investments measured at NAV    
Fair value of investment measured at NAV $ 1,511 $ 1,212
Other | Minimum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 2 days 2 days
Other | Maximum    
Investments measured at NAV    
Redemption notice period 10 days 10 days
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Aircraft Purchase Commitments and Contract Carrier Minimum Obligations (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Aircraft purchase commitments  
Future commitments:  
2023 $ 2,610
2024 4,440
2025 4,330
2026 3,800
2027 2,570
Thereafter 1,210
Total 18,960
Capacity purchase agreements  
Future commitments:  
2023 1,590
2024 1,560
2025 1,610
2026 1,590
2027 1,560
Thereafter 2,690
Total $ 10,600
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Aircraft Purchase Commitments by Fleet Type (Details) - Aircraft purchase commitments
Dec. 31, 2022
aircraft
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 328
A220-300  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 60
A321-200neo  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 134
A330-900neo  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 18
A350-900  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 16
B-737-10  
Future Purchase Commitments  
Aircraft purchase commitments, minimum quantity required 100
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
aircraft
Jan. 31, 2023
Subsequent event    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Employee Pay Rate Increase   18.00%
Future aircraft purchase commitments    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Future aircraft purchase commitments | $ $ 18,960  
B-737-10    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Number of aircrafts ordered 100  
Number of aircraft options 30  
B-737-900ER    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Number of aircraft agreed to be acquired 4  
A330-900    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Number of aircraft agreed to be acquired 1  
A220-300    
Future Purchase Commitments    
Number of aircraft purchase rights exercised 24  
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Employees Under Collective Bargaining Agreements Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
employee
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 95,000
Percentage of employees represented by unions under collective bargaining agreements 20.00%
Loss contingency, possible loss portion not accrued | $ $ 700
Monroe refinery employees represented by United Steel Workers  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 200
v3.22.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Employees Under Collective Bargaining Agreements (Details)
Dec. 31, 2022
employee
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 95,000
Delta Pilots - Represented by Unions  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 15,040
Delta Flight Superintendents (Dispatchers) - Represented by Unions  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 450
Endeavor Air Pilots - Represented by Unions  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 1,750
Endeavor Air Flight Attendants - Represented by Unions  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate number of employees 1,800
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES - Components of Income Tax Benefit (Provision) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current tax (provision) benefit:      
Federal $ 0 $ 0 $ 94
State and local (1) (1) 3
International (4) (3) (5)
Deferred tax (provision) benefit:      
Federal (525) (130) 2,766
State and local (66) 16 344
Income tax provision $ (596) $ (118) $ 3,202
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent      
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit 3.00% (4.40%) 1.90%
Permanent differences 1.00% 4.90% (0.60%)
Valuation allowance 7.30% 9.10% (2.60%)
Other (1.10%) (0.80%) 0.80%
Effective income tax rate 31.20% 29.80% 20.50%
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets:      
Net operating loss carryforwards $ 1,395 $ 1,301  
Capital loss carryforward 50 480  
Pension, postretirement and other benefits 1,467 2,089  
Investments 1,106 314  
Deferred revenue 2,334 2,288  
Lease liabilities 2,376 2,452  
Other 682 494  
Valuation allowance (1,176) (833) $ (460)
Total deferred tax assets 8,234 8,585  
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Depreciation 5,110 4,463  
Operating lease assets 1,624 1,676  
Intangible assets 1,121 1,097  
Other 78 55  
Total deferred tax liabilities 7,933 7,291  
Net deferred tax assets 301 1,294  
Net state deferred tax assets $ 325    
Net federal deferred tax liabilities   $ 24  
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Net deferred tax asset $ 301 $ 1,294  
Valuation allowance 1,176 $ 833 $ 460
U.S. federal      
Income Taxes      
Operating loss carryforwards 5,400    
Operating loss carryforwards beginning to expire in 2029 $ 1,500    
v3.22.4
INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Valuation allowance activity    
Valuation allowance, beginning $ 833 $ 460
Tax provision 155 26
Equity investment activity 188 347
Valuation allowance, ending $ 1,176 $ 833
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Capital stock, shares authorized (shares) 2,000,000,000      
Common stock, authorized (shares) 1,500,000,000 1,500,000,000    
Common stock, par value (USD per share) $ 0.0001 $ 0.0001    
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares) 500,000,000      
Treasury stock weighted average cost per share (USD per share) $ 29.73 $ 28.87    
Number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan (shares) 163,000,000      
Shares available for future grant 17,000,000      
Equity compensation expense $ 150 $ 149 $ 119  
Compensation cost not yet recognized $ 83      
Outstanding stock option awards (shares) 6,200,000 6,200,000 5,400,000 3,900,000
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (USD per share) $ 50.40 $ 50.41 $ 52.37 $ 49.57
Number of exercisable stock option awards (shares) 5,100,000      
Restricted stock awards        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Unvested restricted stock awards (shares) 3,100,000 2,900,000 2,200,000 2,600,000
Stock options        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Term of award (in years) 10 years      
Performance awards        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares available for future grant 700,000 1,500,000 2,200,000  
Performance period (in years) 3 years      
Performance awards | Minimum        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Potential performance award payments as percentage of target level 0.00%      
Performance awards | Maximum        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Potential performance award payments as percentage of target level 200.00%      
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Shares available for future grant 1,300,000      
Performance period (in years) 3 years      
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Potential performance award payments as percentage of target level 0.00%      
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Potential performance award payments as percentage of target level 300.00%      
PSP Warrants | Payroll Support Program        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Number shares called by warrants (in shares)   11,100,000    
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION - Warrants (Details)
shares in Millions
Dec. 31, 2022
$ / shares
shares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]  
Number of Warrants (in shares) 11.1
Payroll Support Program (PSP1)  
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]  
Number of Warrants (in shares) 6.8
Exercise Price (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 24.37
Payroll Support Program Extension (PSP2)  
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]  
Number of Warrants (in shares) 2.4
Exercise Price (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 39.73
Payroll Support Program 3 (PSP3)  
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]  
Number of Warrants (in shares) 1.9
Exercise Price (usd per share) | $ / shares $ 47.80
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares
shares in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Restricted Stock      
Outstanding, beginning (in shares) 2.9 2.2 2.6
Granted (in shares) 1.9 2.3 1.4
Vested (in shares) (1.6) (1.4) (1.6)
Forfeited (in shares) (0.1) (0.2) (0.2)
Outstanding, ending (in shares) 3.1 2.9 2.2
Restricted Stock, Weighted-Average Grant Price      
Outstanding, beginning (USD per share) $ 45.66 $ 54.06 $ 51.28
Granted (USD per share) 42.45 39.93 56.84
Vested (USD per share) 46.31 51.15 51.95
Forfeited (USD per share) 45.51 44.01 56.11
Outstanding, ending (USD per share) $ 43.43 $ 45.66 $ 54.06
v3.22.4
EQUITY AND EQUITY COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares
shares in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Stock Options      
Outstanding, beginning (in shares) 6.2 5.4 3.9
Granted (in shares) 0.0 1.0 1.6
Exercised (in shares) 0.0 0.0 (0.1)
Forfeited (in shares) 0.0 (0.2) 0.0
Outstanding, ending (in shares) 6.2 6.2 5.4
Stock Options, Weighted-Average Grant Price      
Outstanding, beginning (USD per share) $ 50.41 $ 52.37 $ 49.57
Granted (USD per share) 0 39.78 58.89
Exercised (USD per share) 0 0 44.05
Forfeited (USD per share) 52.87 49.61 0
Outstanding, ending (USD per share) $ 50.40 $ 50.41 $ 52.37
v3.22.4
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance, tax effect $ 1,184 $ 1,764 $ 1,549
Beginning balance 3,887 1,534 15,358
Changes in value, tax effect (330) (484) 384
Changes in value (net of tax effect) 1,089 1,593 (1,252)
Reclassification into earnings (net of tax effect) 240 315 203
Reclassifications into earnings, tax effect (72) (96) (169)
Ending balance, tax effect 782 1,184 1,764
Ending balance 6,582 3,887 1,534
Deferred income tax expense in AOCI that will not be recognized until obligation is fully extinguished 755 755 755
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance (7,130) (9,038) (7,989)
Ending balance (5,801) (7,130) (9,038)
Pension and Other Benefits Liabilities      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance, AOCI before tax (8,355) (10,843) (9,563)
Changes in value 1,419 2,077 (1,652)
Reclassifications into earnings 312 411 372
Ending balance, AOCI before tax (6,624) (8,355) (10,843)
Other      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax      
Beginning balance, AOCI before tax 41 41 25
Changes in value 0 0 16
Reclassifications into earnings 0 0 0
Ending balance, AOCI before tax $ 41 $ 41 $ 41
v3.22.4
SEGMENTS - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Number of operating segments | segment 2    
Operating revenue $ 50,582 $ 29,899 $ 17,095
Intersegment Sales/Other | Exchanged products      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Operating revenue $ (3,475) $ (2,293) $ (1,472)
v3.22.4
SEGMENTS - Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue $ 50,582 $ 29,899 $ 17,095
Operating income (loss) 3,661 1,886 (12,469)
Interest expense (income), net 1,029 1,279 929
Depreciation and amortization 2,107 1,998 2,312
Restructuring charges (124) (19) 8,219
Total assets 72,288 72,459 71,996
Net fair value obligations, end of period (226) (497) (156)
Capital expenditures 6,366 3,247 1,899
Operating Segments | Airline      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue 45,605 26,670 15,945
Operating income (loss) 2,884 1,888 (12,253)
Interest expense (income), net 1,029 1,279 929
Depreciation and amortization 2,107 1,998 2,312
Restructuring charges (124) (19) 8,219
Total assets 69,355 70,417 70,548
Net fair value obligations, end of period 0 0 0
Capital expenditures 6,217 3,188 1,879
Operating Segments | Refinery      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue 10,706 6,054 3,143
Operating income (loss) 777 (2) (216)
Interest expense (income), net 12 7 1
Depreciation and amortization 93 95 99
Restructuring charges 0 0  
Total assets 3,039 2,099 1,448
Net fair value obligations, end of period (226) (497) (156)
Capital expenditures 149 59 20
Intersegment Sales/Other      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Interest expense (income), net (12) (7) (1)
Depreciation and amortization (93) (95) (99)
Total assets (106) (57)  
Intersegment Sales/Other | Sales to airline segment      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue (1,976) (492) (214)
Intersegment Sales/Other | Exchanged products      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue (3,475) (2,293) (1,472)
Intersegment Sales/Other | Sales of refined products      
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)      
Operating revenue $ (278) $ (40) $ (307)
v3.22.4
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING - Restructuring Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Grant payments received through payroll support program $ 4,500 $ 3,900  
Asset impairment charges     $ 4,400
Restructuring charges (124) (19) $ 8,219
Number of employees participating | employee     18,000
Retired aircraft      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Cumulative net book value of retired aircraft 220 340  
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Restructuring charges   3,400  
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs | Special termination benefits      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Special termination benefits   1,300  
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs | Separation payments and healthcare benefits      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Cash payments disbursed to participants 440 575 $ 720
Voluntary early retirement and separation programs | Unpaid vacation and other benefits      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Cash payments disbursed to participants   $ 250  
Reserve against outstanding receivables from LATAM, Grupo Aeromexico, GOL, Virgin Atlantic and others      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Reserves against outstanding receivables $ 7   $ 100
v3.22.4
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND RESTRUCTURING - Charges by Category (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total Restructuring Charges $ (124) $ (19) $ 8,219
Fleet retirements      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total Restructuring Charges (48) 40 4,409
Voluntary programs and other employee benefit charges      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total Restructuring Charges (79) (17) 3,409
Receivables and other      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total Restructuring Charges $ 3 $ (42) $ 401
v3.22.4
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net income/(loss) $ 1,318 $ 280 $ (12,385)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (shares) 638 636 636
Dilutive effect of share-based awards (shares) 3 5 0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (shares) 641 641 636
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (USD per share) $ 2.07 $ 0.44 $ (19.49)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (USD per share) $ 2.06 $ 0.44 $ (19.49)