Southwest runs a very tight ship. They have cut their costs and often provide special ticket prices. They are one of the most solvent airlines these days. They have turned a profit during each of the last few years. They have developed a niche market that weathers adverse conditions well. I fly them intermittantly, and thought folks would find it rather amusing that Gore would be flying on type of airline. Most of us would think of him on some private jet or at least flying first class on a major airline.
Another thing about the airline, aren't passengers required to line up for boarding (first come first serve until the plane is filled)? I have no problems flying SW (although sitting facing towards the back of the plane at times is certainly odd) but I would advise getting to the gate early if you fly SW out of Las Vegas because there always seemed to be full flights.