I do the ATL-MSP commute...it really is as much of a nightmare as they say. Sometimes the first flight has a good chunk of seats, sometimes the last flight does too. It's hit or miss. Other days, it's all negative. You see a flight with 20 seats open? You will be number 40 on the list. Jumpseats are always taken.

Now for some better news. SWA is a nice option because all those double brested guys can't bump you out of the jumpseat. I honestly have been doing a two leg commute. Usually going through Madison or Omaha. Those range from 20-100 seats open with maybe a max of 2-6 guys on the list. Yes two legs aren't any fun but at least I can get home. Beats sitting at the airport all day watching the list snowball and ending up number 73 at the end of the day. Just have to get creative is all.