I've never had that type of experience at Southwest. Ever. It's my choice airline for domestic but I can see how it's not for everyone. I like the early-bird-gets-the-worm approach to their seating, and I print my ticket before I leave because.......
And you checked "a" bag in? On a domestic flight? If I can't carry-on on a domestic flight, then I cut down my packing so I don't look like a woman taking my closet.
When the two are combined, you only need to show up ~:30 minutes before a domestic flight assuming security isn't a mess.
Southwest is a fantastic business and a competent airline. The business-hacker in me gets thrilled by all the little refinements one can see in the Southwest process.
Things that let them offer better service significantly more affordably than their competitors. Processes to make due with fewer attendants, for example.
All I know for certain is that I can fly a 1.5 hour Southwest flight, check my bag for free (if I so desire), get a free soda (or 2), and a free snack.
This is really off-topic, so I apologise to everyone, but I really have to point this out to my American 'Net neighbours:
The expression is "to make do", not "to make due". Ask anyone from an English-speaking country that doesn't pronounce "due" and "do" the same (ie, not in North America).
I checked my bag so I wouldn't have to buy 3 ounce plastic bottles.
I still check my bag, even though I "know better", because unpacking at the checkpoint is a big pain. I don't think I carry anything on that doesn't have to be taken out of my backpack.
And you checked "a" bag in? On a domestic flight? If I can't carry-on on a domestic flight, then I cut down my packing so I don't look like a woman taking my closet.
When the two are combined, you only need to show up ~:30 minutes before a domestic flight assuming security isn't a mess.