The "cattlecard" system may be a headache but it saves Southwest MILLIONS every year not printing boarding passes which in effect lowers their overall fares they charge their customers. Also, it is a fact that in every market Southwest expands to, the fares on other airlines decreases so they can compete with SouthWest! In otherwords, I am grateful that SouthWest Airlines exists...without them, everyone would see higher fares!!! and no I do not work for Southwest but have been flying them for over 15 years and have obtained many free tickets along the way...if you want boarding passes...then pay more...you'll be served more than peanuts..but you'll pay for it!!

Greg