Fly Southwest: CHS to City of Syracuse, New York

Well butter my biscuits, you certainly won't be simply whistling Dixie if you're looking to take Southwest from the pristine shores of undefined in Charleston to the bustling city of Syracuse. Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a rip-roaring, metaphorical journey through the clouds with my peculiar blend of humor and wisdom. Now, if you're feeling brave, you could always cross your fingers and toes in hopes of snatching one of those elusive last-minute flights. But let me warn you, my friend, it's about as risky as marrying your cousin. You'd be wiser to ride a rattlesnake.

Instead, let's talk 'cheap flights,' the kind that make your wallet sing with joy. You might be wondering when the best time to book is. Well, allow me to hereby bestow upon you a golden nugget of wisdom: Tuesday afternoons, my friend. That's right, while the rest of the world is battling post-lunch drowsiness at the office, you'll be gleefully snagging up the best flight deals faster than a roadrunner on rocket fuel.

Now, the big question: to go for the humble one-way ticket, or the classier round-trip? It's true, folks, appearances do matter. Show up with a round-trip ticket and you'll stride up to that check-in desk looking as regal as a peacock in a Parisian hat shop. Not to mention, your bank account won’t feel like it just got mugged in a dark alley.

Utility-wise, you'd be laughing into your complimentary in-flight nuts if you consider the baggage allowance granted. Travelling light might make you look like a minimalist hipster, but the sight of your laundry bag doing laps in the carousel sure isn’t pretty. Nothing screams "I am organized" louder than neatly packed suitcases that rival Tetris blocks in terms of their geometric perfection. So frankly, I’d say embrace the baggage allowance, folks.

Should you decide to redeem frequent flyer points (bravo, economy maestro!) take heed that your points can sometimes go down easier than a mint julep on a hot Southern summer's day. Therefore, watch out like a hawk! Accumulating and preserving miles on your mileage program can get you free airfare someday. So reassure yourself, every flight is a step (or wing flaps) closer to a free-holiday-in-Hawaii day!

The connecting flights and layover stories could be your mini-adventures within the grand scheme of things. It's like stopping for some refreshing lemonade while you're jogging. You're not there yet, but you're closer than you were before, so rejoice! You're off to meet the Wizard in your sparkling red (or blue, in Southwest's case) slippers.

Remembering that you're on your way to a land filled with giant pretzels, purple grapes, and brave knights in pinstriped suits should help put a little pep in your step. After all, your direct flight is nothing less than a chariot airlifting you from the comfort of your home to the brazen wilds of Syracuse. It's all adventures and wonders here, folks. Grab that round-trip ticket, keep a bead on your frequent-flyer miles, and remember: Southwest ain't your grandmother's front porch swing, it's a good ol' Southern hoot!