<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ALASKA AIR
GROUP INC. SECOND QUARTER 2000 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 119900
<SECURITIES> 159700
<RECEIVABLES> 104800
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 59700
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 605900
<PP&E> 2150600
<DEPRECIATION> 549900
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2297700
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 760700
<BONDS> 294000
0
0
<COMMON> 29200
<OTHER-SE> 845600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2297700
<SALES> 1042500
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1042500
<CGS> 1046000
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1046000
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 15800
<INCOME-PRETAX> (600)
<INCOME-TAX> (200)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (400)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> (56900)
<NET-INCOME> (57300)
<EPS-BASIC> (2.17)
<EPS-DILUTED> (2.17)
</TABLE>