Originally Posted by dinanm3atl

So I'll be honest and up front. As of now I don't really even think calling up Southwest and asking for their status even an option. I've flown Southwest twice... both because I needed the cheapest possible one-way for myself and a friend to buy a car. Drive it home.

What I love about AirTran. I live in Atlanta so lots of direct flights. Great Elite status benefits. I used to fly Delta and never got an upgrade. Ever. AirTran I get it 90% of the time. Free exit rows. Etc.

So those that have dual used or have more experience with Southwest is it worth giving it a shot? I see they will give the basic Status "A-List" but that seems to basically get nothing. Not guaranteed A boarding zone. So no exit row. Maybe on an Aisle somewhere.

So someone can sell me? Or is it a lost cause? I am a traveling photographer so I check a bag and then bring on a maximum roller size camera bag. If I get on late due to their boarding process putting that below the plane is not an option... so early boarding is super important.