You are absolutely right. Unfortunately all I can do is assume, know what I know today, and make a decision that is best for my family based on what I know today and what I think it will be like tomorrow.

I just keep coming back to the simple fact that with so much uncertainty I should just pick the airline that will provide my family with the best quality of life and that airline is Southwest pretty much due to the fact I can drive to work and have pretty good control over my schedule at all seniorities.