Fly Southwest: CHS to Richmond, Virginia

Oh, the joys of flying. Nothing quite compares to the roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs one experiences on a journey. One minute you are floating on cloud nine, exhilarated at the prospect of new adventures; the next, you are drowning in despair, your heart thumping in your chest like a hummingbird’s wings, wondering if your journey will end up being the plot of the next outrageous Hollywood disaster film. Welcome to the world of aiRfArE iSsUes and "unexpected" layovers with Southwest.

From quaint, undefined Charleston to the bustling heart of Richmond you’re about to set off on one heck of a journey. Probably. Eventually. When Southwest finally decides to dismiss those "minor" technical issues and "slight" weather problems.

For a lucky few, a direct flight will bear them through the heavens with the grace of a swan. For others, a layover in some forsaken location with a name that sounds like a sneeze is their doomed fate. Why take a direct flight when you can enjoy the thrill of sprints through endless airport terminals just a little longer?

Even with the flight schedule glistening on the screens like a precious gem in an Indiana Jones movie, don’t let it dupe you. Is there really such a thing as ‘on time’ in the air travel industry? I would argue, my fellow travelers, that those are as real as unicorns and leprechauns. When it does depart... surprise! It’s a red-eye flight. But don’t worry, you’ll sigh with pleasure as the stunning sunset cleanses your flight rage with its radiating glow...only if you are lucky enough to get a decent window view, of course.

To ease your aching wallet, Southwest offers an intriguing selection of cheap flights, one-way, round-trip, non-stop, connecting flights but do note, fellow wanderers, that ‘cheap’ is coronary-inducing code for ‘you’re getting nothing more than a glorified deck chair in the sky’ and 'first-class' is not even a concept round these parts.

Expect a battle for the armrest and the in-flight services of soda, peanuts, and an immutable grin from the flight attendant, her "joy" almost as synthetic as the spoons they provide.

As for your baggage allowance, be sure to keep your travel essentials to a bare minimum: wallet, passport, earplugs, sanity… After all, it's not like you are going on an extended vacation, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles, far from your home and all its conveniences… No, wait...

But behold! There's a silver lining to all this! The miraculous Frequent Flyer Program! Collect points each time you gracefully glide through the unpredictable maze of airfare issues, flight cancellations and pseudo-in-flight services. Rack up enough and you’ll find yourself gloriously rewarded with... drum roll please... a pre-packaged meal! Or still better, a free flight to the same chaotic journey AGAIN!

Alas, one must remember it is all part of the vibrant tapestry of travel, the sweet and sour sauce of exploration, and Southwest, bless them, they provide the heartburn to our platter, the turbulence to our tranquility. Buckle up, fellow adventurers, for no tapestry is complete without a few bumps in the air.