SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO
For the period ended Mar 31, 2026. Filed Apr 23, 2026.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2026 · Filed Apr 23, 2026
LUV$44.45+0.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-10-23.
0000092380-25-000140
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-03-31; filed 2026-04-23.
0000092380-26-000047
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 180 previous paragraphs and 105 current paragraphs.
49 unchanged; 41 reworded; 15 added; 85 removed; 5 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 21 previous and 9 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (15)
Current report
The Company recorded first quarter 2026 operating revenues of $7.2 billion, a first quarter Company record. This increase was driven primarily by additional ancillary revenues as a result of the Company's previously announced transformational initiatives, resulting in a year-over-year increase in operating revenues of $821 million. Despite the highly volatile fuel environment, the Company's Operating income and Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2026, on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, improved significantly compared to the same prior year period aided by the record first quarter revenue performance, partially offset by higher Salaries, wages, and benefits expense.
Current report
The Company is focused on executing its previously announced transformational initiatives, which were planned and designed to attract new Customers and improve both the Company's operational and financial performance. The Company began operation of assigned and extra legroom seating flights on January 27, 2026, which required retrofitting 780 aircraft in the months leading up to the change. In addition, the Company entered into a new partnership with All Nippon Airways, which will enable jointly operated itineraries connecting through the carriers' shared gateway airports in Honolulu, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, and Los Angeles. Since February 13, 2025, the Company has implemented and/or announced strategic partnerships with a total of seven carriers, through which Customers can book itineraries that connect the Company's vast domestic network to destinations around the world.
Current report
The Company delivered strong financial performance and significant margin improvement for first quarter 2026 despite significantly higher fuel costs. Results reflect continued progress on the Company’s transformational initiatives, resilient Customer demand during the quarter, and disciplined cost management. While the external environment remains uncertain, the Company remains focused on driving revenue, managing costs, and executing at a high level across the business.
Current report
The escalation of geopolitical developments in the Middle East has impacted the market prices of products that are derived from crude oil, including jet fuel. The Company’s first quarter Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense was $1.4 billion, or $2.73 per gallon, which was approximately $164 million higher than it had originally forecasted for the period. However, since the rapid rise primarily took place in March, the impacts to second quarter 2026 results and beyond could be more significant if prices remain elevated. The forward curve on April 16, 2026 implied a second quarter 2026 fuel cost per gallon, including related taxes, between $4.10 and $4.15. The Company currently expects to utilize approximately 555 million gallons of jet fuel during second quarter 2026.
Current report
To improve its financial performance, the Company has also intensified its network optimization efforts. In first quarter 2026, the Company announced plans to suspend operations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport and reduce staffing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport, effective June 4, 2026. A majority of affected Employees were offered the ability to bid for vacant positions across the Company's network and were able to remain employed by the Company.
Current report
On February 9, 2026, C. David Cush and Gregg A. Saretsky each submitted his resignation from the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective February 23, 2026. In connection with the resignations and in accordance with the Company's Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Board decreased the size of the Board to 11 members effective February 23, 2026.
Current report
On April 7, 2026, the Company's 34 Network Operations Control Customer Planners represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ("IAM") voted to ratify the tentative agreement reached on March 27, 2026, as part of the accretion process to join an existing IAM-represented collective bargaining unit. The newly ratified agreement becomes amendable in December 2027.
Current report
(a) Includes amounts reclassified from AOCI associated with hedges previously terminated. See Notes 3 and 4 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company's derivative instruments and AOCI, respectively.
Current report
Depreciation and amortization expense for first quarter 2026 increased$2 million, or 0.5 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a per ASM basis, Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 1.0 percent compared with first quarter 2025. On a dollar basis, this increase was primarily due to a $24 million increase driven by new assets for technology, ground equipment, and leasehold improvements being placed into service since first quarter 2025 and a $14 million increase as a result of the acquisition of 54 -8 aircraft being placed into service since first quarter 2025. These increases were partially offset by a $28 million decrease due to a change in estimate for the residual values of certain airframes and engine assets as a result of prevailing market conditions and an $18 million decrease due to certain Next Generation aircraft and engine assets being retired or becoming fully depreciated since first quarter 2025.
Current report
Other operating expenses for first quarter 2026 decreased by $53 million, or 4.9 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. Included within this line item was aircraft rentals expense in the amounts of $76 million and $87 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. On a per ASM basis, Other operating expenses decreased 6.5 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the largest component of the year-over-year decrease was a focused Companywide effort to reduce discretionary expenses, the largest of which was a significant reduction in external consulting spend due to the completion of various transformational initiatives since first quarter 2025.
Current report
(a) Includes amounts reclassified from AOCI associated with hedges previously terminated. See Note 3 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Current report
The Company continues to expect its 2026 net capital spending to be in the range of $3.0 billion to $3.5 billion based on its expectation of 66 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2026, with the remainder representing non-aircraft capital spending, partially offset by proceeds from sales of various capital assets. The Company continues to plan for approximately 60 aircraft retirements in 2026.
Current report
•the Company's expectations with respect to share repurchases;
Current report
•the Company’s focus areas, goals, opportunities, and initiatives, including with respect to continued progress on the Company’s transformational initiatives, driving revenue, managing costs, and executing at a high level across the business;
Current report
•the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to the Company’s delivery of WiFi and Starlink-equipped aircraft, airline partnerships, cabin design and seating, and the Company’s Co-brand Agreement with Chase;
Removed paragraphs (85)
Previous report
The Company recorded third quarter 2025 operating revenues of $6.9 billion, a third quarter Company record, despite year-over-year declines in load factor. This increase in operating revenues was primarily driven by revenue initiatives, the largest of which related to the Company's policy change for certain Customers' first and second checked bags that became effective May 28, 2025. This policy change excludes Business Select Customers, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members, and Active-duty military members who all continue to receive both their first and second checked bags free and Rapid Rewards A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers who receive their first checked bag free. This initiative led to a year-over-year increase in bag fee revenue, resulting in a year-over-year increase in Operating revenues of $79 million. Despite the third quarter record revenue performance, the Company's operating income and net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, decreased compared to the same prior year period. On a GAAP basis, operating expenses increased by $82 million, or 1.2 percent, driven by higher Salaries, wages, and benefits expense, partially offset by lower Fuel and oil expense.
Previous report
The Company's net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis, decreased compared to the same prior year period. While operating revenues and expenses remained relatively flat, year-over-year, interest income decreased by $220 million driven by lower cash and investment balances. The
Previous report
Company's operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, on a GAAP basis, decreased compared to the same prior year period primarily due to higher Salaries, wages, and benefits expense and Landing fees and airport rentals. These decreases were partially offset by lower Fuel and oil expense coupled with higher passenger revenue, driven primarily by an increase in bag fee revenue. Operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, on a non-GAAP basis, excluded pre-tax charges of $122 million, most notably $62 million related to severance and related professional fees associated with the Company's reduction in workforce in the first quarter 2025.
Previous report
2025 Outlook
Previous report
The following tables provide select financial guidance for fourth quarter 2025 and full year 2025, and select full year 2025 and 2026 targets.
Previous report
(a) Available seat miles ("ASMs" or "capacity"). This guidance includes approximately 2 points of additional capacity since July 2025 from the impact of shifting extra legroom seating retrofits of Boeing 737-700 ("-700") aircraft to January 2026, which delays the removal of six seats from each of these aircraft.
Previous report
(b) Operating revenue per available seat mile ("RASM" or "unit revenues"). Fourth quarter 2024 RASM excluded special items related to a breakage revenue adjustment. Please see the Company's Earnings Press Release furnished on January 30, 2025, for additional information.
Previous report
(c) Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profit sharing ("CASM-X" or "unit costs"). The Company's GAAP and non-GAAP results for fourth quarter 2024 included a $92 million gain from a sale-leaseback transaction. Excluding the impact of expected book gains from fleet transactions in the fourth quarter of both years, the Company anticipates fourth quarter 2025 CASM-X to be in the range of flat to up 1 percent, year-over-year.
Previous report
(d) See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information on special items. In addition, information regarding special items and economic results is included in the accompanying table Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Measures (also referred to as "excluding special items").
Previous report
(e) Projections do not reflect the potential impact of fuel and oil expense, special items, and profit sharing because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods, especially considering the significant volatility of the fuel and oil expense line item. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
Previous report
(f) Based on market prices as of October 15, 2025. Fuel cost per gallon includes fuel taxes and fuel hedging net premium expense of $0.07 per gallon related to terminated fuel derivative contracts. See Note 3 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous report
(g) Earnings before interest and taxes, excluding special items ("EBIT"), a non-GAAP financial measure, also excludes gains or losses from fleet transactions. Projections do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
Previous report
The Company expects fourth quarter 2025 unit revenues to be in the range of up 1 percent to 3 percent, compared with fourth quarter 2024 unit revenues, excluding special items, on capacity up approximately 6 percent year-over-year, a sequential improvement from third quarter. This guidance range assumes demand strength remains at current levels through the end of the quarter. It also reflects the planned acceleration from the Company's initiatives, the recent observed impact of the government shutdown, and the approximate 2-point year-over-year increase in fourth quarter capacity since July. This 2-point capacity increase is a result of shifting the extra legroom retrofit of the -700 fleet to January, as described below. The Company expects to deliver an all-time quarterly record revenue performance in the fourth quarter.
Previous report
The Company continues to expect to achieve its $370 million cost reduction target this year. The Company anticipates fourth quarter 2025 CASM-X to be in the range of up 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent, or flat to up 1 percent when excluding the impact of expected book gains from fleet transactions in the fourth quarter of both years, on capacity up approximately 6 percent, all on a year-over-year basis. Unit costs continue to be driven primarily by the continuation of inflationary pressures, including those associated with labor contracts ratified in 2024. The Company remains focused on driving efficiencies to offset overall inflationary cost pressures and achieve its multi-year cost reduction targets.
Previous report
The Company is evolving rapidly, implementing its previously announced transformational initiatives, which are expected to meet the needs of current and future Customers, improve financial performance, and drive Shareholder value. During third quarter 2025, the Company:
Previous report
•Launched Getaways by Southwest, an in-house packaged vacations product creating more opportunities for Customers to book their vacations
Previous report
•Transitioned to new fare products, Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice (formerly Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus), in conjunction with sales of assigned and premium seating on July 29, 2025, for travel beginning January 27, 2026;
Previous report
•Announced free WiFi sponsored by T-Mobile for all Rapid Rewards® Members beginning October 24, 2025;
Previous report
•Announced a new partnership with China Airlines, which is expected to launch in early 2026, creating the first trans-Pacific airline partnership for Southwest;
Previous report
•Expanded the existing partnership with Icelandair, which began connecting Customers on dual-carrier itineraries through gateway airports Baltimore/Washington, Denver, and Nashville in February 2025. Beginning July 14, 2025, Icelandair and Southwest added connecting service through Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham, providing more access between Europe and cities across the Company’s network; and
Previous report
•Announced a new partnership with EVA Air, a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group, that jointly will operate itineraries between North America and Asia connecting through the carriers' shared gateway airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, and Chicago.
Previous report
These strategic moves add to the initiatives already underway at Southwest, including the implementation of assigned seating and extra legroom options. The move to assigned and extra legroom seating requires incorporating new technologies and procedures. In April 2025, the Company received necessary approvals and certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") to begin extra legroom seating retrofits on Boeing 737-8 ("-8") and Boeing 737-800 ("-800") aircraft. Such retrofits began during second quarter 2025 and are expected to continue through the rest of the year. As of October 23, 2025, the Company has completed retrofits of more than 400 aircraft for extra legroom seating. In July 2025, the Company received necessary approvals and certifications to begin retrofitting its Boeing 737-700 ("-700") aircraft, and the work is expected to begin in January 2026 and be completed prior to January 27, 2026, when assigned seating begins.
Previous report
The Company has announced its intention to commence new service at multiple locations in an effort to grow its network and provide more destinations for Customers. These locations include:
Previous report
•Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas beginning early 2026;
Previous report
•McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee beginning March 5, 2026;
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•Princess Juliana International Airport on St. Maarten beginning April 7, 2026;
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•Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California beginning April 7, 2026; and
Previous report
•Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska beginning in the first half of 2026.
Previous report
On July 31, 2025, the Company announced the resignation of Rakesh Gangwal from his position as independent Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") due to additional time commitments unrelated to the Company. Mr. Gangwal remains on the Board and serves as Chair of the newly formed Fleet Oversight Committee, designed to assist in the oversight of the Company's aircraft fleet acquisition strategy. Additionally, the independent members of the Board appointed Doug Brooks as independent Chair of the Board effective August 1, 2025.
Previous report
On September 3, 2025, the Company and Transport Workers of America Union Local 557 ("TWU 557"), representing the Company's approximately 216 Flight Instructors, reached a tentative agreement on a three year extension of their collective bargaining agreement from 2027 to 2030. The vote to ratify the tentative agreement with the Company failed, and the Company is continuing negotiations with TWU 557.
Previous report
In February 2025, the Company implemented a reduction in workforce that provided for the reduction of approximately 1,750 Employee roles, or 15 percent of corporate positions. As a result of the reduction in workforce, the Company incurred a one-time expense of $62 million during first quarter 2025 and estimates 2025 savings of approximately $210 million and 2026 savings of approximately $300 million. Separations were substantially complete by the end of second quarter 2025. See Note 11 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous report
Fleet Information
Previous report
As a result of The Boeing Company's ("Boeing") delivery delays, the Company has previously replanned its capacity and delivery expectations multiple times and will continue to closely monitor the ongoing aircraft delivery delays with Boeing and further adjust expectations as needed.
Previous report
The Company now expects full year 2025 capacity to be up roughly 1.5 percent, year-over-year, including the capacity increase associated with shifting extra legroom seating retrofits of -700 aircraft to January 2026, which delays the removal of six seats from each of those aircraft. This shift is expected to maximize revenue potential during the holiday travel period and still meet the Company's operate date milestone of January 27, 2026 for assigned and extra legroom seating, as the Company's Technical Operations Team has streamlined the timeline to complete this work.
Previous report
The Company updated its fleet planning assumptions to 53 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2025, from its prior estimate of 47, as Boeing continues to ramp up production. The Company continues to plan for 55 aircraft retirements in 2025, which includes the sale of one -800 aircraft in third quarter 2025 and the expected sale of four -800 aircraft to occur in fourth quarter 2025.
Previous report
The Company ended third quarter 2025 with 802 Boeing 737 aircraft, including 281 -8 aircraft. During third quarter 2025, the Company retired 16 aircraft (15 -700 aircraft and the sale of one -800 aircraft) and took delivery of eight -8 aircraft. As of October 23, 2025, during 2025 the Company has exercised a total of 22 and 2 -7 options for delivery in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Company's order book with Boeing as of October 23, 2025, consists of a total of 516 MAX firm orders (272 -7 aircraft and 244 -8 aircraft), less 36 -8 deliveries to date in 2025, for the years 2025 through 2031, including 63 MAX aircraft that were contractually committed for 2024, but were not received, and 156 MAX options (-7s or -8s) for the years 2027 through 2031.
Previous report
(a) Includes amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income associated with hedges previously terminated. See Note 3 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous report
During second quarter 2025, the Company terminated its remaining portfolio of fuel hedging contracts to effectively close its fuel hedging portfolio and does not intend to add additional fuel derivatives to its portfolio. As of September 30, 2025, the Company did not have any outstanding fuel derivative contracts to hedge its future fuel consumption. See Note 3 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. As such, the Company will be fully exposed to fluctuations in jet fuel prices, which are expected to remain volatile. See Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 for additional risk factors.
Previous report
As a result of applying hedge accounting in prior periods, the Company has amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") that will be recognized in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the periods the originally forecasted transactions occur. See Note 4 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on AOCI. The following table displays the Company's deferred amounts in AOCI as of September 30, 2025, and the future periods in which these items will be recognized in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (in millions):
Previous report
Depreciation and amortization expense for third quarter 2025 decreased by $44 million, or 10.0 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a per ASM basis, Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 11.3 percent compared with third quarter 2024. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the decrease was primarily due to accelerating depreciation for fewer -700 aircraft planned for early retirement in 2025 compared to 2024. This decrease was partially offset by the acquisition of 39 -8 aircraft and new assets for technology being placed into service since third quarter 2024.
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Reworded paragraphs (41)
Previous wording
Relevant comparative operating statistics for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 are included below. The Company provides these operating statistics because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare the Company’s performance against its results for the prior year period, as well as against the performance of the Company’s peers.
Current wording
Relevant comparative operating statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 are included below. The Company provides these operating statistics because they are commonly used in the airline industry and, as such, allow readers to compare the Company’s performance against its results for the prior year period, as well as against the performance of the Company’s peers.
Previous wording
(b)An available seat mile is one seat (empty or full) flown one mile. Also referred to as "capacity," which is a measure of the space available to carry passengers in a given period.
Current wording
(b)An available seat mile is one seat (empty or full) flown one mile. Also referred to as "capacity," which is a measure of supply or the space available to carry passengers in a given period.
Previous wording
(h)Calculated as passenger revenue divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "passenger unit revenues" or "PRASM," this is a measure of passenger revenue production based on the total available seat miles flown during a particular period.
Current wording
(h)Calculated as passenger revenue divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "passenger unit revenues", this is a measure of passenger revenue production based on the total available seat miles flown during a particular period.
Previous wording
(i)Calculated as operating expenses divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "unit costs" or "cost per available seat mile" or "CASM," this is the average cost to fly an aircraft seat (empty or full) one mile, which is a measure of cost efficiencies.
Current wording
(i)Calculated as operating expenses divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "unit costs" or "cost per available seat mile" or "CASM," this is the average cost to fly an aircraft seat (empty or full) one mile, which is a measure of cost efficiency.
Previous wording
The Company reports its results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The Company also provides certain non-GAAP financial measures which the Company's management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance, and the Company believes provides additional insight to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results, as noted in the following tables. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
Current wording
The Company reports its results in accordance with GAAP. The Company also provides certain non-GAAP financial measures which the Company's management also utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance, and the Company believes provides additional insight to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results, as noted in the following tables. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
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Third Quarter 2025 Transformational Initiative Highlights
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First Quarter 2026 Transformational Initiative Highlights
Previous wording
The Company has also continued to enhance its onboard offerings, with improvements such as faster WiFi, in-seat power, and larger overhead bins, and work is well underway on a refreshed cabin design, including new, more comfortable RECARO seats. The first -8 aircraft with an updated cabin has been delivered and entered service on October 16, 2025.
Current wording
The Company's strategic initiatives have resulted in significant earnings improvement to its financial results. During the quarter, the Company experienced upsell revenue opportunities from close-in bookings, which are more closely affiliated with business and price-flexible Customers, as well as growth in business and leisure Customer segments driven by the Company's more-attractive new product offerings. The Company has also continued to enhance its onboard offerings, with improvements such as in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and upgraded WiFi, including the planned integration of at least 300 Starlink-equipped aircraft into the Company's fleet by the end of 2026. Work is well underway on a refreshed cabin design, including new, more comfortable RECARO seats. As of April 22, 2026, 84 aircraft retrofitted with RECARO seats have been placed into service.
Previous wording
In third quarter 2025, the Company returned $439 million to Shareholders through $189 million in dividend payments and a $250 million accelerated share repurchase program, which was launched in September 2025 and completed in October 2025. The Company has $1.75 billion remaining under its $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below and Part II, Item 2 - Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for further information on the Company's share repurchases.
Current wording
In first quarter 2026, the Company returned over $1.3 billion to Shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below and Part II, Item 2 - Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for further information on the Company's share repurchases.
Previous wording
Total operating revenues for third quarter 2025 increased by $79 million, or 1.1 percent, year-over-year, to achieve an all-time third quarter Company record of $6.9 billion. Passenger revenues for third quarter 2025 increased by $63 million, or 1.0 percent, year-over-year, driven primarily by the increase in bag fee revenue. Other revenues for third quarter 2025 increased by $17 million, or 2.9 percent, year-over-year. Third quarter 2025 RASM was 15.25 cents, finishing 0.4 percent higher than third quarter 2024. The unit revenue increase was primarily due to a 2.1 percent increase in yield as a result of an increase in bag fee revenues. These were partially offset by a 1.4 point year-over-year decline in Load factor.
Current wording
Total operating revenues for first quarter 2026 increased by $821 million, or 12.8 percent, year-over-year, to achieve a first quarter Company record of $7.2 billion. Passenger revenues for first quarter 2026 increased by $780 million, or 13.4 percent, year-over-year, driven primarily by additional ancillary revenues as a result of the Company's transformational initiatives, including the implementation of bag fees for most fare products beginning in second quarter 2025, and the operation of assigned and extra legroom seating for travel beginning on January 27, 2026. Other revenues for first quarter 2026 increased by $38 million, or 6.6 percent, year-over-year. First quarter 2026 RASM was 17.24 cents, finishing 11.2 percent higher than first quarter 2025. The unit revenue increase was primarily due to an 11.5 percent increase in yield as a result of broad-based demand strength across the network and initiative contributions, including an increase in ancillary revenues, along with a 0.2 point year-over-year increase in Load factor.
Previous wording
Operating expenses for third quarter 2025 increased by $82 million, or 1.2 percent, compared with third quarter 2024, and capacity increased 0.8 percent over the same prior year period. The vast majority of the dollar increase was due to higher Salaries, wages, and benefits expense and Landing fees and airport rentals expense, partially offset by a year-over-year decrease in Fuel and oil expense. Historically, except for changes in the price of fuel, changes in Operating expenses for airlines have been largely driven by changes in capacity, or ASMs. The following table presents the Company's Operating expenses per ASM for the third quarter of 2025 and 2024, followed by explanations of these changes on both a dollar and unit basis.
Current wording
Operating expenses for first quarter 2026 increased by $268 million, or 4.0 percent, compared with first quarter 2025, and capacity increased 1.5 percent over the same prior year period. The vast majority of the dollar increase was due to higher Salaries, wages, and benefits expense and Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense. The following table presents the Company's Operating expenses per ASM for the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, followed by explanations of these changes on both a dollar and unit basis.
Previous wording
Operating expenses per ASM for third quarter 2025 increased by 0.4 percent compared with third quarter 2024, primarily due to an increase in Salaries, wages, and benefits expense, which exceeded the year-over-year increase in capacity, partially offset by a decrease in fuel price per gallon. Operating expenses per ASM for third quarter 2025, excluding Fuel and oil expense, profit sharing, and special items (a non-GAAP financial measure), increased 2.5 percent, compared with third quarter 2024, primarily due to contract-driven wage rate inflation in Salaries, wages, and benefits expense in 2025. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
Current wording
Operating expenses per ASM for first quarter 2026 increased by 2.6 percent compared with first quarter 2025, primarily due to an increase in Salaries, wages, and benefits expense, which exceeded the year-over-year increase in capacity. Operating expenses per ASM for first quarter 2026, excluding Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense, profit sharing, and special items (a non-GAAP financial measure), increased 2.3 percent, compared with first quarter 2025, primarily due to contract-driven wage rate inflation in Salaries, wages, and benefits expense in 2026. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
Previous wording
Salaries, wages, and benefits expense for third quarter 2025 increased by $149 million, or 4.9 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a per ASM basis, third quarter 2025 Salaries, wages, and benefits expense increased 4.4 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the majority of the increase was due to net step/pay rate increases and related benefits for certain workgroups.
Current wording
Salaries, wages, and benefits expense for first quarter 2026 increased by $195 million, or 6.3 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a per ASM basis, first quarter 2026 Salaries, wages, and benefits expense increased 4.7 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the majority of the increase was due to contractual step/pay rate increases and related benefits for the Company's workforce.
Previous wording
Fuel and oil expense for third quarter 2025 decreased by $86 million, or 6.1 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a per ASM basis, third quarter 2025 Fuel and oil expense decreased 7.0 percent. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the decrease was primarily attributable to lower jet fuel prices. The following table provides more information on the Company's economic fuel cost per gallon, including the impact of fuel hedging net premium expense and fuel derivative contract settlements:
Current wording
Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense for first quarter 2026 increased by $107 million, or 8.6 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a per ASM basis, first quarter 2026 Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense increased 7.3 percent. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the increase was primarily attributable to increased jet fuel prices, mainly due to increases during the month of March, particularly due to recent market disruptions and geopolitical events. The following table provides more information on the Company's economic fuel costs per gallon, including the impact of fuel hedging net premium expense associated with previously terminated fuel derivative contracts:
Previous wording
The Company's third quarter 2025 available seat miles per gallon ("fuel efficiency") increased 2.4 percent, year-over-year, primarily due to operating more -8 aircraft, the Company's most fuel-efficient aircraft, as a percentage of its fleet. The continued deliveries of MAX aircraft are expected to remain critical to the Company's efforts to modernize its fleet.
Current wording
The Company's first quarter 2026 available seat miles per gallon ("fuel efficiency") increased 2.4 percent, year-over-year, primarily due to operating more -8 aircraft, the Company's most fuel-efficient aircraft, as a percentage of its fleet. The continued deliveries of MAX aircraft are expected to remain critical to the Company's efforts to modernize its fleet.
Previous wording
Maintenance materials and repairs expense for third quarter 2025 decreased by $36 million, or 10.7 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a per ASM basis, Maintenance materials and repairs expense decreased 10.8 percent compared with third quarter 2024. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the decrease was due to fewer routine heavy checks for airframes compared to the same period in 2024 as a result of timing for required checks.
Current wording
Maintenance materials and repairs expense for first quarter 2026 decreased by $33 million, or 11.3 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a per ASM basis, Maintenance materials and repairs expense decreased 11.4 percent compared with first quarter 2025. On a dollar and per ASM basis, the decrease was primarily due to a decrease in -700 engine shop visits.
Previous wording
Landing fees and airport rentals expense for third quarter 2025 increased by $55 million, or 11.2 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a per ASM basis, Landing fees and airport rentals expense increased 10.1 percent, compared with third quarter 2024. On a dollar and per ASM basis, approximately 40 percent of the increase was primarily attributable to an increase in airport rental expense throughout the network driven by the higher rates charged by airports for leased space, 30 percent of the increase was primarily due to receiving fewer favorable settlements and credits from various airports, and 25 percent due to higher landing fees throughout the network driven by higher rates.
Current wording
Landing fees and airport rentals expense for first quarter 2026 increased by $50 million, or 9.6 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a per ASM basis, Landing fees and airport rentals expense increased 7.9 percent, compared with first quarter 2025. On a dollar and per ASM basis, approximately 65 percent of the increase was attributable to an increase in airport rental expense throughout the network driven by the higher rates charged by airports for leased space, approximately 25 percent of the increase was due to higher landing fees throughout the network driven by increased usage of the heavier -8 aircraft as well as higher rates, and the remaining increase was primarily due to receiving fewer favorable settlements and credits from various airports in 2026.
Previous wording
(b) See Note 3 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Current wording
Interest expense for first quarter 2026 increased by $8 million, or 17.4 percent, compared with first quarter 2025, primarily due to various debt financing transactions executed since first quarter 2025. See Note 10 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous wording
Interest income for third quarter 2025 decreased by $87 million, or 71.9 percent, compared with third quarter 2024, primarily due to lower cash and investment balances and a lower average interest rate in the Company's total investment portfolio.
Current wording
Interest income for first quarter 2026 decreased by $61 million, or 72.6 percent, compared with first quarter 2025, primarily due to lower cash and investment balances and a lower average interest rate in the Company's total investment portfolio.
Previous wording
The Company's effective tax rate was 21.0 percent in third quarter 2025, compared with 24.0 percent in third quarter 2024. The year-over-year decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to a third quarter 2024 deferred tax liability adjustment combined with a decrease in third quarter 2025 non-deductible expenses.
Current wording
The Company's effective tax rate was 20.4 percent in first quarter 2026, compared with 22.3 percent in first quarter 2025. The year-over-year decrease in the tax rate was primarily due to higher tax benefits recognized from restricted stock units that vested during first quarter 2026 compared with first quarter 2025.
Previous wording
(c) Represents Employee severance payments and related professional fees resulting from the workforce reduction in February 2025 ($53 million in Salaries, wages, and benefits and $9 million in Other operating expenses). See Note 11 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Current wording
(b) Represents Employee severance payments and related professional fees resulting from the workforce reduction in February 2025 ($53 million in Salaries, wages, and benefits and $9 million in Other operating expenses).
Previous wording
The Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These GAAP financial statements may include (i) unrealized noncash adjustments and reclassifications, which can be significant, as a result of accounting requirements and elections made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging and (ii) other charges and benefits the Company believes are unusual and/or infrequent in nature and thus may make comparisons to its prior or future performance difficult.
Current wording
The Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These GAAP financial statements include (i) unrealized noncash reclassifications, as a result of accounting requirements and elections previously made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging and (ii) other charges and benefits the Company considers unusual and/or infrequent in nature and thus may make comparisons to its prior or future performance difficult.
Previous wording
Because management believes special items can distort the trends associated with the Company’s ongoing performance as an airline, the Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a supplemental presentation of results that exclude the impact of special items in order to enhance consistency and comparativeness with results in prior periods that do not include such items and as a basis for evaluating operating results in future periods. The following measures are often provided, excluding special items, and utilized by the Company’s management, analysts, and investors to enhance comparability of year-over-year results, as well as to industry trends: Total operating expenses, non-GAAP; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense and profit sharing; Operating income, non-GAAP; Adjusted Operating income, non-GAAP; Other gains, net, non-GAAP; Income before income taxes, non-GAAP; Provision for income taxes, net, non-GAAP; Net income, non-GAAP; Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP; Operating expenses per ASM, non-GAAP, excluding Fuel and oil expense and profit sharing (cents); EBIT, non-GAAP; and Return on invested capital, non-GAAP.
Current wording
Accordingly, the Company also provides financial information in this filing that was not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for the information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company provides supplemental non-GAAP financial information (also referred to as "excluding special items"). Management believes special items can distort the trends associated with the Company’s ongoing performance. Therefore, management utilizes non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company’s financial performance, anticipate future operating results, and assess trends without the impact of items that can vary significantly from period to period. The following measures are often provided, excluding special items, and are utilized by the Company’s management, analysts, and investors to enhance comparability of year-over-year results, as well as to industry trends: Total operating expenses, non-GAAP; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense and profit sharing; Operating income (loss), non-GAAP; Income (loss) before income taxes, non-GAAP; Provision (benefit) for income taxes, net, non-GAAP; Net income (loss), non-GAAP; Net income (loss) per share, diluted, non-GAAP; and Operating expenses per ASM, non-GAAP, excluding Aircraft fuel and related taxes expense and profit sharing (cents).
Previous wording
The Company’s GAAP results in the applicable periods may include other charges or benefits that are also deemed "special items," that the Company believes make its results difficult to compare to prior periods, anticipated future periods, or industry trends. Financial measures identified as non-GAAP (or as excluding special items) have been adjusted to exclude special items. For the periods presented, in addition to the items discussed above, special items include:
Current wording
For the periods presented, special items include:
Previous wording
Charges associated with tentative litigation settlements regarding paid short-term military leave to certain Employees and an arbitration award in favor of the Company's Pilots relating to a collective-bargaining matter;
Current wording
Charges associated with tentative litigation settlements regarding paid short-term military leave to certain Employees;
Previous wording
Expenses associated with professional advisory fees related to the Company's implementation of its comprehensive transformational plan;
Current wording
Expenses associated with professional advisory fees related to the Company's implementation of its comprehensive transformational plan; and
Previous wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $287 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared with $113 million provided by operating activities in the same prior year period. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared with $14 million used in operating activities in the same prior year period. Historically, operating cash inflows are primarily derived from selling tickets for future flights and providing air transportation to Customers. The vast majority of tickets are purchased prior to the day on which travel is provided and, in some cases, several months before the anticipated travel date. Operating cash outflows are related to the recurring expenses of airline operations. The operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were largely impacted by the Company's net results (as adjusted for noncash items, primarily Depreciation and amortization), a $103 million profit-sharing contribution for 2024 pursuant to the Company's Retirement Savings Plan, and a $117 million decrease in Air traffic liability driven by a decrease in flight points earned and more flight credits redeemed by Customers. The operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were largely impacted by the Company's net results (as adjusted for noncash items, primarily Depreciation and amortization), the approximately $1.9 billion paid to Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and Cargo Agents as bonuses upon the ratification of the labor contract agreements with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association ("SWAPA"), Transport Workers of America Union Local 556 ("TWU 556"), and the Transport Workers Union Local 555 ("TWU 555"), respectively; and a $98 million decrease related to the purchase of fuel derivative instruments, which is included within Other, net operating cash flows in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. These decreases were partially offset by a $421 million increase in Air traffic liability driven by higher ticket sales. Net cash provided by operating activities is primarily used to finance capital expenditures, repay debt, provide Shareholder returns, and provide working capital.
Current wording
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with $860 million provided by operating activities in the same prior year period. Historically, operating cash inflows are primarily derived from selling tickets for future flights and providing air transportation to Customers. The vast majority of tickets are purchased prior to the day on which travel is provided and, in some cases, several months before the anticipated travel date. Operating cash outflows are related to the recurring expenses of airline operations. The operating cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2026, were largely impacted by the Company's net results (as adjusted for noncash items), a $97 million profit-sharing contribution related to 2025 results pursuant to the Company's Retirement Savings Plan, and a $1.1 billion increase in Air traffic liability driven by seasonal bookings for future travel. The operating cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were largely impacted by the Company's net results (as adjusted for noncash items), a $103 million profit-sharing contribution related to 2024 results pursuant to the Company's Retirement Savings Plan, and a$660 million increase in Air traffic liability driven by seasonal bookings for future travel. Net cash provided by operating activities is primarily used to finance capital expenditures, repay debt, provide Shareholder returns, and provide working capital.
Previous wording
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $428 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared with $458 million provided by investing activities in the same prior year period. Net Cash used in investing activities totaled $687 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared with $334 million used in investing activities in the same prior year period. Investing activities in both years included Capital expenditures and changes in the balance of the Company's short-term and noncurrent investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, Capital expenditures were $1.8 billion, compared with $1.6 billion in the same prior year period. Capital expenditures increased, year-over-year, largely due to an increase in average delivery payment balances for scheduled future aircraft deliveries during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same prior year period.
Current wording
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $445 million during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with $623 million provided by investing activities in the same prior year period. Investing activities in both years included Capital expenditures, as well as proceeds from the sale of various capital assets, and the prior year also included changes in the balance of the Company's short-term and noncurrent investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, gross Capital expenditures were $630 million, and the Company had $192 million proceeds from sales, compared with $527 million gross Capital expenditures, and $26 million proceeds from sales in the same prior year period. Capital expenditures increased, year-over-year, largely due to an increase in average delivery payment balances for scheduled future aircraft deliveries during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to the same prior year period. Proceeds from sales increased, year-over-year, due to the timing of various aircraft and engine sales in the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to March 31, 2025.
Previous wording
Net cash used in financing activities was $432 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared with $210 million used in financing activities for the same prior year period. Net cash used in financing activities was $5.5 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared with $437 million used in financing activities for the same prior year period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company paid $399 million in cash dividends to Shareholders related to the first, second, and third quarter 2025 and fourth quarter 2024 declarations. Additionally, the Company expended $2.5 billion to repurchase the Company's outstanding common stock through authorized share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The repurchases of common stock amounts in the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows may differ from the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity due to the timing of excise taxes incurred and subsequent payment on share repurchases, net of issuances. The Company may engage in early debt repurchases from time to time at its discretion; however, any early future repurchases are not included in the Company's current maturities of long-term debt unless otherwise disclosed. During second quarter 2025, the Company repaid both the Convertible Notes and the PSP1 Payroll Support Program loan in the amounts of $1.6 billion and $976 million, respectively. See Note 10 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Convertible Notes, PSP1 Payroll Support Program loan, and future debt maturities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company paid $431 million in cash dividends to Shareholders and the Company repaid $27 million in finance lease obligations.
Current wording
Net cash used in financing activities was $876 million during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with $858 million used in financing activities for the same prior year period. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company paid $93 million in cash dividends to Shareholders related to the fourth quarter 2025 declaration. The first quarter 2026 dividend declaration of $89 million was paid in April 2026. Additionally, the Company expended $1.25 billion to repurchase the Company's outstanding common stock through accelerated share repurchase programs (each, an "ASR") and open market share repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2026. The repurchases of common stock amounts in the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows may differ from the unaudited Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity due to the timing of excise taxes incurred and subsequent payment on share repurchases, net of issuances. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company entered into the Term Loan Credit Agreement with a third-party bank, providing for the $500 million senior secured Term Loan Credit Facility that was drawn in full on the closing date. The Term Loan Facility matures in full on March 11, 2029. Additionally, during first quarter 2026, the Company made the decision to prepay the PSP3 Payroll Support Program in advance of the fifth anniversary date in April 2026. As a result, the balance as of March 31, 2026, was classified as Current maturities of long-term debt in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 10 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The Company may engage in early debt repurchases from time to time at its discretion; however, no other potential early future repurchases are included in the Company's Current maturities of long-term debt unless otherwise disclosed as of March 31, 2026. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company paid $107 million in cash dividends to Shareholders related to the fourth quarter 2024 declaration and the Company repurchased $750 million of the Company's outstanding common stock through authorized share repurchases.
Previous wording
The Company completed its September 2024 $2.5 billion share repurchase authorization in second quarter 2025, repurchasing $1.5 billion of its outstanding common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program. The Company received a total of 46,623,010 million shares under the second quarter 2025 accelerated share repurchase program, which was completed in August 2025. On July 23, 2025, the Board approved a $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization of the Company's common stock, which is expected to be completed over a period of up to two years. The Company repurchased $250 million of its outstanding common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program entered into in third quarter 2025 under its current $2.0 billion authorization, which also impacted net cash used in financing activities. The Company received a total of 7,777,764 million shares under the third quarter 2025 accelerated share repurchase program, which was completed in October 2025. These purchases were recorded as treasury share repurchases for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Subject to certain conditions, repurchases may be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in open market or private, including accelerated repurchase transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions.
Current wording
On July 23, 2025, the Board approved a $2.0 billion share repurchase authorization of the Company's common stock. The Company repurchased $750 million of its outstanding common stock through an ASR in January 2026 (the "January 2026 ASR Program") under its current $2.0 billion authorization. The Company received a total of 17,965,193 shares under the January 2026 ASR Program. The Company also repurchased $400 million of its outstanding common stock through an ASR from January to March 2026 (the "First Quarter 2026 ASR Program") under its current $2.0 billion authorization. The Company received a total of 7,970,589 shares under the First Quarter 2026 ASR Program. Following the completion of the First Quarter 2026 ASR Program, during the period from March 13, 2026 through March 19, 2026, the Company repurchased $100 million of its outstanding common stock on the open market. The Company received a total of 2,494,040 shares of its common stock through the open market repurchases. See Part II, Item 2 for further information on the Company's share repurchases. These purchases were recorded as treasury share repurchases for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Subject to certain conditions, repurchases may be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in open market or private, including accelerated repurchase transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions.
Previous wording
On July 22, 2025, the Company exercised the accordion feature under its amended and restated revolving credit facility (the "Amended Credit Agreement"), increasing the size of the facility to $1.5 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had access to $1.5 billion under the Amended Credit Agreement, which expires in August 2028. See Note 10 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. There were no amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement as of October 23, 2025.
Current wording
The Company has access to $1.5 billion under the Amended Credit Agreement, which expires in August 2028. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 there were no amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement. See Note 10 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2025, the Company carried a working capital deficit of approximately $5.6 billion, in which its current liabilities exceed its current assets. This is common within the airline industry and is primarily due to the nature of the Air traffic liability account, which is related to advance ticket sales, unused flight credits available to Customers, and loyalty deferred revenue, which are performance obligations for future Customer flights, do not require future settlement in cash, and are mostly nonrefundable. See Note 5 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2026, the Company carried a working capital deficit of approximately $6.5 billion, in which its current liabilities exceed its current assets. This is common within the airline industry and is primarily due to the nature of the Air traffic liability account, which is related to advance ticket sales, unused flight credits available to Customers, and loyalty deferred revenue, which are performance obligations for future Customer flights, do not require future settlement in cash, and are mostly nonrefundable. See Note 5 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous wording
The Company believes it has various options available to meet its capital and operating commitments, including unrestricted cash and short-term investments of $3.0 billion as of September 30, 2025, and anticipated future internally generated funds from operations. The Company continues to have a large base of unencumbered aircraft and primarily aircraft-related assets with a net book value of approximately $16.8 billion. In addition, the Company continues to maintain investment-grade credit ratings by all three major credit agencies (Moody's, S&P Global, and Fitch).
Current wording
The Company believes it has various options available to meet its capital and operating commitments, including unrestricted cash of $3.3 billion as of March 31, 2026, and anticipated future internally generated funds from operations. The Company continues to have a large base of unencumbered aircraft and other related assets with a net book value of approximately $16.5 billion. The Company regularly evaluates its capital structure to efficiently manage financial risks, liquidity access, and cost of capital. The Company may consider, from time to time, additional financing arrangements, including secured or unsecured debt, as appropriate. In March 2026, the Company entered into the Term Loan Facility, which is secured by a grant of a security interest in certain aircraft and related assets with a minimum collateral coverage ratio requirement. In addition, the Company continues to maintain investment-grade credit ratings by all three major credit agencies (Moody's, S&P Global, and Fitch).
Previous wording
As of October 23, 2025, for the years 2025 through 2031, the Company has firm orders with Boeing for 516 aircraft (less 36 -8 aircraft received to date in 2025), and options for an additional 156 aircraft. The contractual order book as of October 23, 2025 does not include the impact of delivery delays and is subject to change based on ongoing discussions with Boeing and their production capability. See Note 9 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Current wording
As of April 23, 2026, for the years 2026 through 2031, the Company has firm orders with Boeing for 473 MAX aircraft (258 -7s and 215 -8s), less 10 -8 aircraft received to date in 2026, and 144 MAX options (-7s or -8s). The contractual order book as of April 23, 2026, does not include the impact of delivery delays and is subject to change based on ongoing discussions with Boeing and their production capability. See Note 9 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Previous wording
•the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to improving financial performance, driving Shareholder value, capital allocation, capital deployment, infrastructure investments, leverage, and Shareholder returns;
Current wording
•the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to improving financial performance, Shareholder returns, capital structure, capital allocation, capital deployment, infrastructure investments, debt repurchases, and additional financing arrangements, including secured or unsecured debt;
Previous wording
•the Company’s labor plans and expectations including with respect to the Company’s reduction in force;
Current wording
•the Company’s labor plans and expectations, including with respect to reducing staffing at certain airports;
Previous wording
•the Company's assessment of market risks; and
Current wording
•the Company's assessment of financial and market risks; and
Previous wording
•the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, and fuel availability on the Company's business plans and results of operations;
Current wording
•the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, and fuel availability on the Company's business plans and results of operations, including with respect to fuel price increases and supply chain constraints related to geopolitical conflict;
Previous wording
•the impact of consumer perception, consumer uncertainties with respect to government shutdowns or trade policies (including the imposition of tariffs), economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), socio-demographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results;
Current wording
•the impact of geopolitical conflict, consumer perception, consumer uncertainties with respect to government shutdowns or trade policies (including the imposition of tariffs), economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), socio-demographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results;
Previous wording
•the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives;
Current wording
•the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives;
Previous wording
•the Company's dependence on Boeing, Boeing’s suppliers, and the FAA with respect to the Company's fleet plans and deliveries, capacity and operational plans, assigned and extended legroom seating plans, and other operational plans, strategies, and goals;
Current wording
•the Company's dependence on Boeing, Boeing’s suppliers, and the FAA with respect to the Company's fleet plans and deliveries, capacity and operational plans, and other operational plans, strategies, and goals;
Showing the first 40 of 41 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (5)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and the Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional detail regarding non-GAAP financial measures.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Landing fees and airport rentals expense for the first nine months of 2025 increased by $170 million, or 11.6 percent, compared with the first nine months of 2024. On a per ASM basis, Landing fees and airport rentals expense increased 10.9 percent, compared with the first nine months of 2024. On a dollar and per ASM basis, approximately 50 percent of the increase was due to an increase in airport rental expense throughout the network driven by higher rates charged by airports for leased space, 25 percent of the increase was due to higher landing fees throughout the network driven by higher rates, and 25 percent was due to receiving fewer favorable settlements and credits from various airports.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Interest income for the first nine months of 2025 decreased by $220 million, or 56.1 percent, compared with the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to lower cash and investment balances and a lower average interest rate in the Company's total investment portfolio.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The following table displays the components of Other (gains) losses, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: