Totally agree that they are not the cheapest all the time. Should be considered if you travel with more than one checked bags per person..or..if you might potentially cancel or change the flight. Money will be banked for a year.

If I would use SWA I wouldn't mess around and just suck it up and pay the $20 or so for early check-in...no issues with seat choice. IF not and you get C boarding anything goes...should not really be a shock to potentially not have seats together