I am travelling from HOU to DEN on the F9-225 on the 22nd of July on an A319.

This is my first time out of the OW alliance and I have heard some very nice comments regarding F9. So when American were sold out, I chose to take F9. The only thing is that they depart from HOU and not IAH, so I have an hour drive from North Houston. I noticed that F9 operate an all Airbus fleet for their mainline operations with DirectTV for $6. A very nice touch. I also noticed that after 10a.m. they give biscuits to the pax. So far I am very pleased with F9 and really have nothing to fault them with. My ticket even comes with two bag, priority check-in, and free TV. These are something that almost no US airline does any longer. What more could I ask from a US carrier?

My questions are as fallows:

1. Are there any seats one would recommend on their A319's in the "stretch seating" area?
2. How is HOU check-in and what time do they open for the 6:15a.m. flight? (I am rather hoping to do some plane-spotting!)
3. How is the HOU departure lounge? (I heard it is being remodeled?)

Thanks for you help,
BA0197