Fly Southwest: MKE to Los Angeles, California

If you've decided to embark on a flight from Milwaukee to Los Angeles, and you want to achieve this with Southwest, this analytical guide is designed to meet your needs. We'll be dividing this journey into multiple sections, covering everything from flights and airfare to in-flight services, passenger classes, and flight cancellations.

Southwest, based in Dallas, Texas, is one of the world’s largest low-cost carriers and is especially well-regarded for its robust domestic flights network. This spans 103 cities across the United States and ten additional countries. Among that list, of course, is the route from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Booking your flight involves figuring out the airfare, and whether you want a one-way or round-trip ticket. Contrary to popular belief, round-trip tickets aren't always the better deal. One-way tickets can provide value, flexibility, and even cheaper options depending on when and where you are traveling. A good strategy, typically, is comparing the round-trip fare against two one-way fares for the same dates and city pair.

When it comes to flight selection, Southwest offers a mixture of non-stop and connecting flights on this route, allowing for flexibility based on your schedule and budget. Non-stop flights will get you to your destination faster, with the flight duration typically being around four hours. Connecting flights, however, may be cheaper but will invariably take longer due to the layover involved.

Another dimension to weigh is the class of travel. Southwest, though a budget airline, offers various classes: Business select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away. Business Select is the premium class, offering maximum points, priority boarding, and free premium drinks. Anytime offers flexibility with changes and cancellations. The Wanna Get Away Class is the most wallet-friendly, but it lacks the flexibility of the former two classes.

Regardless of the class, Southwest has a generous baggage allowance policy, with passengers entitled to two free checked bags. This could result in significant savings, especially for those traveling with heavy luggage or for an extended period. Remember to check your bags' dimensions and weight to avoid any surprise fees at check-in.

In-flight services can significantly enhance your flying experience. Southwest offers WiFi access, allowing you to stay connected throughout your flight. Additionally, you can watch dozens of live TV channels, free streamed movies, or listen to your favorite playlist to make your journey more enjoyable. You'll also have access to snacks and beverages to keep you refreshed throughout your flight.

Lastly, it's crucial to understand Southwest's flight cancellation policy. If your plans change, Southwest allows you to cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure. If you’ve booked Anytime or Business Select fares, you could receive a refund. But if you’ve selected Wanna Get Away fares, you can use these funds for future travel.

To conclude, your journey from Milwaukee to Los Angeles, via Southwest, involves more considerations than merely booking a ticket. From direct flights to business class, baggage allowance, and in-flight services, your flying experience can vary significantly depending on your choices. An understanding of these decisions could make your trip more enjoyable while optimizing your budget.