I thought that in the beginning of 2003 (5 years ago) when the stock market was at the very bottom from the last recession. I was wrong! Currently Southwest's stock is slightly lower than it was at the beginning of 2003. Boeing, however, was at $32 a share and is now at about $90. Southwest has just kind of stood there.

I personally would not tie my money up in Southwest stock. I think they are a good company that will continue to be successful, but for some reason, that does not always translate into rising stock prices. (Southwest has made well over 1 BILLION dollars since 2003, has been the most successful airline, and future prospects look good, yet their stock is still flat)