"Offering customers the option to improve their boarding position on day of travel is one more way we can offer the travel experience that best fits their needs, " said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines vice president of marketing, sales and distribution, in a press release.

CNN: Southwest charges extra to board first

On the Texas coast, it's boarding up and decision day, according to one city spokeswoman.

NPR: Texas' Coastal Regions Brace for Hurricane Rita

In the midst of an on-going recession, parents are still investing in independent school education (private day and boarding schools) for their children in grades K-12.

FORBES: Affordability of Independent Day and Boarding Schools

In the independent day and boarding school arena, Mitchell and NAIS President, Pat Bassett, are noted authorities on affordability.

FORBES: Affordability of Independent Day and Boarding Schools

Dog-boarding site Rover.com has new developers make live updates on the firm's website on their first day of the job.

WSJ: Companies Try to Make the First Day for New Hires More Fun