Hi vthok,
i had three trips with American West the last five years and didnīt have any problems at all. Flight was always in time (well, we had good weather).
The only little problem was that my suitcase was 3kg over their maximum and I have to remove items from my suitcase to my hand luggage at check-in. Why? I donīt know, I really donīt think that there is a difference for the weight ballance of the plane, but well you do what youīre told to.
I canīt tell you anything if there is a "cheaper" airline. I always have to fly with them, because it was the only airline having nonstop flights.
Greetings from Germany, Oliver