Fly Southwest: CZM to Minot, North Dakota

Brace yourselves, stalwart travelers, as I dispense my great wisdom on your impending journey on the glorified bus of the sky - Southwest Airlines. You are soon to embark on a journey. And not just any journey, but one from the sunny undefined in Cozumel to a place certain to test your patience and the flexibility of your stomach, Minot. Steer clear of the snobbishly expensive 'direct flights', and enjoy the ride. Bless your valiant hearts.

Before we unravel the myriad delights of this venture, allow me to quell your immediate concerns. No, my dear adventurers, not all flights on Southwest come with complementary karaoke sessions from the in-flight staff. Though, depending on your perspective, that could be either a statement of relief or a devastating blow.

Faced with a tantalizing array of options from one-way to round-trip flights, deciding on your commute can be quite challenging. The sophisticated traveler might yearn for the constant thrill of the unexpected that comes with booking last-minute flights (and an empty bank account), but the cautious journeyman may prefer the less nerve-wracking option of booking in advance. Remember, friends, tortoise or hare, we all reach our destination in the end.

On the subject of reaching the destination, some would argue that layovers are the bane of air travel. Detractors, I say! What could be more enthralling than spending six unforeseen hours in an airport with amenities rivaling your average pizza parlor? Engage in a passionate debate with another fellow sufferer about the nature of 'Flight Cancellation Policy', or enjoy the privilege of reenacting ‘Tom Hanks in The Terminal’ while you wait in eager anticipation of your connecting flights. Every cloud has its silver lining - often quite literally in air travel.

Some would argue that the difference between economy class and first-class is akin to comparing apples and oranges. Or perhaps, comparing the comforts of your grandmother's recliner to a wooden stool. One cannot deny the allure of extra legroom, hot meals, and the honor of boarding the plane first (to yet wait for the rest of us). However, on Southwest, the mirth of the crew and competitive airfare can make economy class feel just as rewarding, if one overlooks the elaborate game of Tetris required to fit your carry-on in the overhead bins.

Yes, in-flight services may not offer gourmet five-course meals or rejuvenating facials, but they do promise you a wonderful game of chance with their beverage service. Will you receive the entire can of soda, or will it abruptly end at the brim of the plastic cup?

A word of advice to the last-time travelers and seasoned veterans alike; the 'best time to book' flights is a myth perpetuated by those with 'frequent flyer' status. Normal people like us simply book when we remember to, or when we realize that tomorrow is indeed the day of the much-planned trip.

Dear fellow journeymen, as you prepare your journey from the radiant greens of Cozumel to the frosty embrace of Minot, remember to cherish every minute of the adventure, every delay of your flight schedule and every smirk of the stewardess as they wheel past your isle for the third time ignoring your thirst-quenched pleas for water. It’s the journey that matters, not just the destination!

Safe travels, virtuous voyagers, until we meet again in some obscure terminal, waiting for a delayed flight, eating overpriced airport pizza.