Fly Southwest: MHT to City of Syracuse, New York

If you're planning on swapping the gloomy English weather in Manchester for the picturesque autumn foliage of Syracuse, then I bet my last frequent flyer mile you'll want to take Southwest Airlines. Their in-flight services are as smooth as a baby's bottom and affordable too. And who doesn't like cheap thrills, er…I mean cheap flights?

Hold on to your boarding pass, and buckle your seatbelt because we are taking a humorous, turbulence-free ride in the world of Southwest Airlines. It’s time to pack lightly, as Southwest provides a generous baggage allowance, so no need to squeeze your entire wardrobe into a carry-on the size of a lunchbox just to avoid extra fees. But we're diverting; let's get back to our itinerary.

If you are flexible with your departure date, the fare could be cheaper - perhaps enough to treat yourself to a luxury, oversized, completely unnecessary hat from duty-free at the airport. When is the best time to book your ticket, you ask? First thing you need to remember: timing, my dear traveler, is like your old aunt's fruitcake at Christmas. It's everything. Despite the popular belief, booking a year in advance won’t necessarily save you a small fortune. Indeed, ideal airfare can vary depending on the time and day you book the flight.

Don't even think about last-minute flights, unless you want your wallet to weep tears of regret. The best time to book flights at a reasonable price is generally 6-8 weeks before departure, except during popular holidays. And remember, Tuesdays are usually cheaper than Fridays. It’s almost like Southwest is telling you to take a longer vacation. How thoughtful!

You might currently be wrestling with the age-old traveler's conundrum - One-way or round-trip ticket? Typically, the round-trip ticket bestows better deals and savings upon the wise traveler than a one-way ticket. But then again, maybe Syracuse will charm you so fully you'll want to settle down and grow old with her. So hold your horses before you hastily jump into the round-trip basket.

While direct flights are a dream, they can sometimes be as elusive as a unicorn. The solution is a delightful layover. Yes, you heard it right, "delightful" is not a word often associated with layovers, but when you are flying with Southwest, layovers aren’t an ordeal. The airline's hub airports have an array of amenities for you to kill time. WiFi, places to eat, shops to browse, and seats to relax—it’s basically a mini vacation before your real vacation!

In case of a sudden change of circumstances, fear not. Southwest Airlines has a super flexible flight cancellation policy that doesn't leave you hangin’ high and dry. If you need to change or cancel the flight, the airline offers credit for future flights which can be used within a year of the initial purchase date. So no matter how severe your dog’s home-alone syndrome is, Southwest has got you covered.

Lastly, let’s not forget the glorious Mileage Program offered by Southwest Airlines, aptly titled, "Rapid Rewards," which sounds more like an adrenaline-fueled game show than a frequent flyer program. How can one resist the tantalizing lure of earning points with each air mile, points that could potentially crown you with a free flight in the future?

In conclusion, as you plan your voyage from Manchester to Syracuse, remember that Southwest’s legendary customer service, coupled with affordability, overarching flexibility, and robust reward system, make for an unbeatable travel experience. Happy journey!