American Airlines has round-trip flights from Dallas (DFW) to Cincinnati, Atlanta, or New Orleans (CVG, ATL, MSY) for $138, NONSTOP. Most flights between September and March. Extended weekends available. Origin/Destination reversible. Cincinnati and Atlanta have dates over Christmas are available.
A Carry-on bag and also a personal item is allowed for free on American. You can avoid paying for seat selection by accepting the randomly assigned seat at the gate.