Thanks for all your input. From what I can gather the benefits of each airline are

Southwest - 1) more free tickets, 2)greater flexibility for changes, 3) elite security line,

Alaska - 1) MVP status , 2)chance for upgrade, 3) greater number of flights from SEA, 4) better partners, 5) assigned seating

From our prespective, the elite security line is important. Each time we have been in seattle, the regular lines have been really long. For a trip that she will be doing quite often, saving a hour would be great. Which begs the question, since everyone at WN is a member of their frequent flyer program, doesn't that defeat the purpose of a "elite line".

With regards to the other benefits, it's tough to decide. With rewards based on miles (AS), people with many short haul flights don't get as many advantages as those who fly fewer long haul flight. The unfortunate thing, is that we fly UA for many of our international flights. I'd hate to give up our status there. (She doesn't have premier exec and thus could not be matched to MVP gold). However, it would be nice if my wife could upgrade once in a while on her many trips to the east bay. Thanks again for your help.

[This message has been edited by convert (edited Mar 22, 2004).]