Originally Posted by
TravelerMSY
This is the first time I've encountered someone willing to pay more to fly Southwest over a legacy. Other than companion pass holders.
I do it all the time when Delta is the other option for many reasons, first and foremost to get a guaranteed seat.
I even do it on occasion when AA, US, or UA is the other option, either to get a nonstop, a better airport, or because I'm iffy on whether the trip will really happen.
In the case of the OP, it's simply a trade-off of cost vs. risk (assuming he does not have AA status).