[mschout]

I used to fly SWA quite a bit, but the past few years they are often more expensive than American for the same routes out of my area (DFW), or, require connections when I could get a direct flight on American for the same price or less. Unless I'm flying with a lot of bags, its generally cheaper lately on another airline. I did love SWA's open seating and hope this change doesn't stick, but they no longer seem to have the cost advantage over the other carriers going for them. I fear if this change goes through, its only a matter of time before they start charging for checked bags and then they will be no different from any other airline.