Fly Southwest: MAF to Tri-Cities, Tennessee

Isn't it just peachy planning a vacation? Almost as enjoyable as a marathon visit to the DMV. Airplings galore, each with their own tantalizing promises of "cheap flights" and "premium economy class" as if maneuvering in a metal tube at 30,000 feet is somehow 'premium'. Now comes our knight in shining armor - Southwest, gallantly stepping forth from the murky depths of airfare uncertainty. Let's take a leisurely stroll down the Southwest airlines garden path from Midland to Tri-Cities, shall we?

You have a slew of options to choose from when you book with Southwest. There's the commonplace 'round-trip' for the old souls amongst us who still believe in butterflies and unicorns or the more daring 'one-way' for the thrill-seekers who love the spontaneity of life and aren't terrified to book last-minute flights. Conversely, Southwest also caters to the often-overlooked adrenaline junkies who crave a thrilling layover or the ones who prefer non-stop travel. Talk about being inclusive, eh?

Southwest, being the caring, socially responsible airline that it is, also offers a delightful cornucopia of 'in-flight services.' This includes everything from charmingly cold cocktails designed to give you frostbite to the musty pretzels that remind you of your grandmother's attic.

Never fret about the flight duration, my dear friends. Southwest's pilots are remarkably skilled at transcending the barriers of space and time. After settling into their oh-so-inviting economy class seats, you'll feel as though you're being whisked off at a mind-boggling pace. Before you know it, you'll be landing in the Tri-cities, astounded by the efficiency of their flight schedules.

One factor to consider when selecting your flights is, of course, is the baggage allowance. Southwest is considerate enough to provide the everyday, honest, hardworking traveller the allowance to lug around a 50-pound guilt trip. This, of course, is in the form of an overstuffed suitcase, generously bulging at its feeble plastic zippers. And, of course, an additional 'personal item.' An opportunity to let that fraying gym bag, that lamentable remnant of your New Year’s resolution to start working out, see the world.

Southwest's frequent flyer program is the cherry on top of this scrumptious aviation sundae. Racking up the miles with each flight, it is most comforting to imagine a kind scoreboard somewhere tallying your hard-earned miles. All done in a fair and just manner, with nary a computer in sight. ‘Coz who needs those pesky, hack-proof technologies disrupting our aviation fantasies?

Finally, for our swanky high flyers, there is the holy grail of airborne travel - first-class. It's no secret that Southwest is no slouch when it comes to making the more economically fortunate amongst us feel supremely at home. First-class travelers are courted with the allure of an extra three inches of legroom, a blanket woven from pure airline-grade polyester, and the undoubted prestige that accompanies the possession of a small detachable curtain.

It seems we have dissected most of the flying charades. So wipe off that furrowed brow, warm up your clicking finger, and say a dainty cheer for Southwest. Here is to hoping your quest for the best time to book your flight from Midland to Tri-Cities on Southwest is smoother than a newly waxed surfboard. Bon voyage!