To answer your question, I would not avoid AS as I think highly of their flight operations department, and I have spent a bunch of time in their training center, so I think they have the 800 figured out. I have never flown AirTran.

I do think that SWA is still trying to figure out how to best use the 800. AUS-DCA service starts this Sunday and originally I think it was supposed to be an 800 but it is now served by a 700. It will be interesting to see how the loads work out on this route. It starts with one flight per day - a turn-around, and I am guessing, but not sure, that the ground services will be contracted out. It will also be curious if the local politicos, lobbyists, etc. take this non-stop flight or do they continue to connect thru DFW on AA since they can most likely get F seating (Lloyd Doggett is an example here as AA gives him the special service and escort).

Maybe the 800 was seen as the ideal for service out of Love field when it opens up - just a thought. But now that SWA is the launch customer for the Max, and with it's fuel saving improvements, the 800 may be less desirable with lower after-market values. Maybe this is one reason why SWA deferred deliveries on the 800. After all it is a 10 year old airplane.

Whatever happens, they need to figure out a way to dispose of the armor plated 300's and 500's before the front entry door blows out (ref latest AD from the FAA).

And, although not 800 related, it will be fun to see how Spirit does against SWA flying Dallas-Houston. This should sharpen the differences between the two business models. I would like to see Mikey leave to pursue other opportunities and for Gary to take early retirement to spend more time with his family, and for HDK to return to straighten things out and reset the culture. Wishful thinking on my part...