So, what do I do when I am sad (after I am done crying, of course)? I spend money!
In this case, our trip flights - which quite frankly I sorta thought I had already done.
Just as well I waited though. We got JetBlue w/1 bag per person for a smidge cheaper than SouthWest. Even if we end up paying for 1 extra bag between the four of us, we still come out ahead ... and it's JetBlue! Bigger seats, assigned seating, unlimited snacks and soft drinks, and individual tv sets.
Direct flight each way, flying out of good old Buffalo.