Please read the following table in Markdown format and then answer the question according to the table. Table cells in one row are seperated by '|', and different rows are seperated by '
'.

Table:
|  | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | Change | Change |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | 2017 | 2016 as Reported | 2016 Pre-acquisition Virgin America | 2016 Combined | $ Combined | % Combined |
| Wages | $1,468 | $1,022 | $224 | $1,246 | $222 | 17.8% |
| Medical and other benefits | 216 | 192 | 23 | 215 | 1 | 0.5% |
| Defined contribution plans | 103 | 67 | 22 | 89 | 14 | 15.7% |
| Pension—Defined benefit plans | 32 | 25 | — | 25 | 7 | 28.0% |
| Payroll taxes | 105 | 76 | 15 | 91 | 14 | 15.4% |
| Total wages and benefits | $1,924 | $1,382 | $284 | $1,666 | $258 | 15.5% |
Question:
How much did Alaska's wage expenses grow in 2017 compared to the previous year?
Answer:
17.8%