Condensed Statements Of Operations (unaudited) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Operating revenues:        
Passenger $ 202,181 $ 186,682 $ 594,071 $ 520,380
Non-ticket 140,136 102,032 396,049 276,887
Total operating revenue 342,317 288,714 990,120 797,267
Operating expenses:        
Aircraft fuel 122,016 104,985 350,974 293,219
Salaries, wages and benefits 54,413 45,148 160,556 133,514
Aircraft rent 37,536 29,220 106,469 86,009
Landing fees and other rents 19,060 13,966 51,240 38,628
Distribution 14,620 14,177 43,559 39,146
Maintenance, materials and repairs 14,211 11,010 37,254 25,903
Depreciation and amortization 3,815 2,059 10,012 5,296
Other operating 35,253 23,571 95,862 66,775
Loss on disposal of assets 0 4 482 39
Special charges (credits) (8,288) 18 (8,345) 2,379
Total operating expenses 292,636 244,158 848,063 690,908
Operating income 49,681 44,556 142,057 106,359
Other (income) expense:        
Interest expense 10 444 1,344 24,408
Capitalized interest (10) (444) (1,344) (2,519)
Interest income (171) (99) (766) (256)
Other expense 109 42 236 165
Total other (income) expense (62) (57) (530) 21,798
Income before income taxes 49,743 44,613 142,587 84,561
Provision for income taxes 18,859 16,956 53,693 32,104
Net income $ 30,884 $ 27,657 $ 88,894 $ 52,457
Net income per share, basic $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 1.23 $ 1.12
Net income per share, diluted $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 1.22 $ 1.11