Originally Posted by e6bpilot

STL is what it is and will probably stay that way until the city comes to the realization that SWA is the only game in town and will be for some time. STL got burned big time by TWA, so I can't say that I blame them for being risk averse. There used to be a thriving community where the extra runway that they no longer need is located.
Their current plan is to demolish Terminal 2 and consolidate to terminal 1 and renovate it. I actually think that is a solid plan. It is a good connector station and a midway reliever airport. Overnights are cheap. It won't become a crew base.
BNA is just too close to ATL. Most of the growth there in the future isn't SWA related. Unless there is some sort of mini domicile or virtual base plan, I wouldn't be too bullish on it becoming a base either.
KCI I could actually see. Splits the difference between MDW and DEN. The city has made a huge commitment. Better customer experience for connectors. They can play it against STL.

I don't think SWA is opening another traditional crew base for at least 5 more years, if ever. I think the future is growing our network in conus, especially out west, followed by more slow network growth in profitable US markets.

I don't run an airline, though.