Exactly. The early boarding fee is kinda offset by the two free checked bags. While SWA is not one of my top two airlines (JB for most flights and Delta for International) I would not hesitate to fly with them. Decent flight experience and usually a friendly crew.
....and the standing for 30 minute thing is way in the past. EVERYONE gets a boarding number and get in line when your group (A,B or C) is called. If you want to board early (I do) it's your choice.
It is also number three in best US airlines behind Delta and Alaska....note: the same survey had JB below AA so take it with a huge grain of salt.
Top 10 US Airlines link
