I wanted to head down to Austin from Dallas for a weekend. Someone said I might want to check the airfares rather than driving. As long as you can get to/from the airport, it IS cheaper than driving. Dallas Love Field -- The main terminal building definitely brings back memories of the golden age of travel. Check-in was a non-issue after pre-printing my boarding pass at the office. It wouldn't have mattered anyways. At 5pm on a busy Friday, it was extremely busy, but extremely efficient. The concourse is extremely busy, and the structure shows it's age. But it was extremely clean and simple. For Southwest's operations, it just works. My last trip to Austin was to an old grotty place that I understand has been properly dealt with. The new airport on the other hand was almost as nice as YVR. But seeing how Southwest runs their operation, I can see how they make money. Or better said, I see how they don't loose any. They do use a bit of yield management to fill planes with variable fares. It's been said thousands of times before, but their entire operation is all about point to point. Connection is not the goal, it is a side benefit. I was surprised how well the first-come-first serve seating works. In comparison to assigned seating, where no one else can take your seat.. and there is no desire to get in your seat quickly, SouthWest ensures that you can board a lot of people on a plane quickly.. everyone's trying to grab a preferential seat. The leather seats were nice too. Matthew