Fly Southwest: BWI to Punta Gorda, Florida

Oh, what a truly enchanting prospect it is to catch a flight from the grand historical city of Baltimore to Punta Gorda, the gem of Florida’s southwestern coast, on Southwest Airlines. It’s a journey that screams 'roller coaster', but without the loop-the-loops and more of the economy class seat tilting back by two whole inches. Now, isn't that the epitome of comfort? Not to mention the baggage allowance - a whole two bags can go free into the cargo hold. It's as if Christmas came early!

Now you may think, "oh, I will just grab a red-eye flight or a last-minute flight and save some money". It's a tempting thought. Picture yourself walking into BWI Airport, onto your Southwest Airlines flight with nothing but a hop, step, and a skip. But here's a flash of reality - Southwest doesn’t have any red-eye flights out of Baltimore or last-minute flight deals. It's almost as though they don't appreciate the romanticism of spontaneous travel decisions. It's a pity!

Instead, you might be asked to take one of these connecting flights. Yes, you read that right. Picture the excitement of taking off and landing, not once, but twice or maybe even thrice. You might have a layover in an enchanting place like Chicago, Nashville or Houston. It's basically a bonus trip on your way to the sunny bliss of Punta Gorda. That layover might just be time enough to sample some fine fast-food airport delicacies too! What's a trip without an assorted culinary adventure, right?

As for the airfare, never you mind about that. Who needs cheap flights when the investment of a few extra dollars guarantees you exclusive interactions with your co-passengers' armpits and elbow jostles for the armrest? Yes, economy class does get cozy. And, of course, there's the in-flight services - oh, the in-flight services! Nothing like catching up on sitcom reruns on a tiny, mildly static screen that folds down from the ceiling, like a gift from the aviation gods themselves. Go get that additional mileage program stamped while you're at it!

Now the best time to book, you ask? What a peculiar question! It's as though you're planning to bring some predictability into this whole unpredictable adventure. Well, if you insist on being all organized, then it's wise to book around 3-4 months in advance. Postpone it and risk the thrill of non-stop refreshing of the airline's website for those elusive flight deals, nervously clicking through the seemingly never-changing flight schedule. Who knew anticipation could be such a thrill?

Oh and then, there's the flight duration. For those wishing to spend more time on the plane than at the beach, those connecting flights offer rich opportunities to truly come to terms with your decision to travel at all. After a few hours, every cry of a baby feels like a symphony to your ears. Could you call it a journey if your knees weren't imprinted with the seat design of the next row?

Now, if you're still here and haven't run off in sheer excitement to pack your bags, it's time to set your wings on Southwest. Who knows, you might just crack the code to enjoying this middle seat, economy class, connecting flight adventure. Safe travels!