Fly Southwest: BLI to Palm Springs, California

You know what they say about travel – the journey is just as important as the destination. And talking about journeys, I present to you Southwest Airlines – a remarkable option if you're contemplating on swapping Bellingham's refreshing rain-spattered hikes for Palm Springs' breathtaking sun-drenched oasis. But let's chat this on a seat-tilted-back, tray-table-stowed level.

For those of us who are "frequent flyer" fanatics, Southwest's legendary hospitality quite literally takes the cake, and they might even toss you a packet of peanuts for good measure. Let's talk airfare, or more to the point, the part where your bank account takes a transponder hit. Well, lucky for us all, Southwest is renowned for their "cheap flights" offering, ideal for those spontaneous "last-minute flights" situations. So when you've got an edge-of-your-seat type of itch to head to Palm Springs, Southwest has kindly had a word with your wallet, and they're on board. Get it?

Gone are the days when "direct flights" were as elusive as a free inflight pillow, which Southwest, by the way, does offer. From Bellingham to Palm Springs, the Airbus A320 will slingshot you smoothly into your vacation faster than you can say "mileage program”. With a commendable "flight schedule", those dreaded "layover" moments are steer clear from your itinerary, unless, of course, you'd like a quick stop to build an impressive collection of airport fridge magnets. You do you, fellow traveler.

So you're strapped in, and the cabin crew, with a smile brighter than Palm Springs 'July afternoon, recites the safety measures like a well-rehearsed airline haiku. Might I interest you in a riveting conversation about "baggage allowance"? Yes, I hear you say? Superb! Every Southwest passenger is entitled to and promised 2 free checked bags! (Yes, you heard it right, FREE!). So rest easy, knowing your favorite hat plus the 'just-in-case' ones will be appeasingly spinning on the baggage carousel upon landing.

Now, Southwest Airlines is no ordinary airbus, my friend. It resembles a flying Archie comic book, bringing a delightful twist to "business class" with an experience that is a notch above "economy class" but without the price tag. The seats? Expect leather upholstery that would make Ross Geller's trousers jealous. Space? There's more legroom than a giraffe could handle! As for "in-flight services", plug in your device into their power outlets, connect to the complimentary (yes, FREE again!) in-flight WiFi and voila! You're now ready to fill your feed with envy-evoking mid-air selfies.

Sure, a round-trip on Southwest's air-chariot won’t include the classic 'Ferrari-at-take-off' feel of first-class. But hey, with their jovial, committed, and passenger-first kind of service, who needs caviar when you've got heart-shaped stirrers in your free coffee, right? It's like flying on a cloud, with clown shoes on. Pass the napkin, please, I might just shed a tear of joy.

To wrap it up, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty - the "flight cancellation policy". Spontaneous trips are all fun and frolic until you have to cancel, and the penalty makes your bank balance resemble your high-school algebra grade. But, but, but... Southwest saves the day yet again! They don't charge any extra fee for cancellation, thus preserving your coffers for future escapades to the whimsical world.

Despite being businesslike in their dealings, Southwest Airlines sure knows how to put the 'fun' in 'frequent flyer'. So I say: Bring on the peanuts, fasten your seatbelts, and let Southwest take you on a journey you'll remember long after you've rubbed the sand out of your shoes in Palm Springs. Safe travels, folks!