Hey, I think SWA is just peachy, and when I have to actually buy a ticket with my own $$$, I'm just like the great unwashed and bargain hunt for the cheapest fare. Sometimes its SWA, sometimes it's someone else. The flight experience is more or less the same everywhere in coach, especially if you travel a lot and could care less about "original" interpretations of the preflight briefing from the FA's or the extra 1/2 inch of leg space.

But if money wasn't an object, I'd certainly spring for the most comfortable seat and the most pampering possible when choosing an airline flight. I'd have to say that SWA probably wouldn't make the cut . . no first class, no assigned seats, etc. etc.

As for SWA's reaction: I think they're extremely savvy to realize that there are some passengers you do NOT want to upset if at all avoidable. Journalists. Politicians. Famous people. Movie writers/directors who could "dis" your product in future films.

I'm impressed at the speed they caught onto this and appear to have rushed to mitigate any hurt feelings. ZERO sarcasm on this; the PR department at SWA has it's you-know-what together.