Of course, all airlines are into the nickel-and-diming routine to boost income and exec salaries. The new SW charge, called Early Bird Check-In, will get you to a seat to grab before all those lined-up ABCD passengers behind you can scramble aboard.

The extra cost will be from $30 to $50, depending on length of the flight. Your travel4seniors.com editor still believes SW is the most economical way to fly within the USA. However, before making reservations on any airline, do your online homework to get the best possible ticket prices, including taxes, extra fees and other sneaky add-ons.