It depends. Southwest Airlines works when it does work. The airline will wipe the slate clean and start over first of the year. The current mass of individuals stranded aren't going to wait around for Southwest Airlines to find a solution so the current situaiton isn't relavant to future situations. The luggage will continue to be a disaster for months. The other airlines did outperform Southweat Airlines but the other airlines did have significant issues.

But when to book future travel is good question. The "Herb turned over in his grave" sale starts January 1...