Fly Southwest: FLL to Peoria, Illinois

So, you've decided to take the plunge. Not literally, of course. No, you're not opting for the charmingly low-tech, distinctly non-21st-century experience of old-fashioned locomotion. You're hopping on a plane from the sunny shores of the undefined in Fort Lauderdale to the beating heart of Illinois, Peoria, no less. Bravo! Giddy with anticipation, you're probably tickling your digital devices in a desperate search for that goldilocks mix of economy class comfort, respectable baggage allowance, and flight schedule that lands you in Peoria not in the middle of the lunar night. Well, I am pleased to report you've come to the right place. So sit back and let us guide you through this labyrinth of airfare websites, last-minute flights, and surprisingly complex frequent flyer mileage programs.

Let's get the ugly beast out of the room. No, there are no direct flights from Fort Lauderdale to Peoria. Well, not unless you're the president, or good at haggling with private jet owners. For the rest of us mere mortals, it's either you brave a layover or you stay home. Laughably, Southwest seems to think that we'd all enjoy spending several hours lounging around various American airports, as they offer no shortage of one-way connecting flights. They must know we're suckers for overpriced airport coffee and hypnotic monotones of flight announcements.

Let's move on to the all-important topic of money, the necessary evil to oil the wheels of our aviation dreams. Searching for cheap flights is an art form demanding patience, persistence and the ability to harvest the fruits of the Southwest website without smashing your computer in frustration. How many times have you seen what seems to be a flight deal so good that you can almost taste the in-flight peanuts, only to have it slip through your fingers as you fumble to enter your middle name occupying an unholy amount of squares on the booking page? Ah, the sweet torture of modern travel.

Do you remember the good old days when buying a ticket also meant 15 kg worth of packing freedom? Well, in the age of shrinking budgets and expanding waistlines, Southwest have generously decided to offer two free checked bags. Mind you, if you decide to push your luck and bring a third bag, you'll be paying the price, quite literally. Something about generating alternative revenue streams and keeping air fares competitive. Well, at least Southwest has graciously decided not to monetize the air we breathe on board...yet!

If you're a member of the elite circle of frequent flyers, Southwest kindly offers you a mileage program so convoluted it would make a tax accountant's head spin. But fear not fellow traveler, for there are specific forums where these mile-maniacs trade in esoteric knowledge. Who knew that you could use your miles to buy a blender, eh?

In conclusion, or perhaps in lieu of your sanity, Southwest gives you a decent offer. You get to fly from undefined Fort Lauderdale to Peoria without breaking the bank or your back, indulge in a layover adventure or two, and exploit the multitude of digital ways they have to make your flying experience... exciting (to put it delicately). A mere note of caution: the best time to book is apparently a fiercely guarded secret, based on the chaotic rhythm of the tides or some equally reliable science. So good luck with that!