Fly Southwest: MKE to Rapid City, South Dakota

Well, well, well! Look who's got their scarf tied, passport in hand, and suitcases at the ready. You, my adventurous friend, have set your sights on the exhilarating journey from the domain of cheese, our good ol' Milwaukee, to the untamed prairie buffalo land of Rapid City! Wait, what's that? You're flying Southwest, you say? Buckle up, kiddo, because we're about to blaze through the wild blue yonder!

"But why Southwest?", I hear you asking. Aw, come on, don't play innocent with me. You want the best airfare, the most jazzy in-flight services, and some say, the friendliest, funniest sky stewards this side of the equator. Picture this: you’re soaring through those voluminous clouds, kicking your feet up at 38000 feet high, enjoying the world beneath while a flight steward presents a comedy bit that even Kevin Hart would be envious of. Now, ain't THAT a vision?

Start off your journey with a round-trip ticket. There's something appetizingly efficient and yet giddily adventurous about booking a round-trip. It's a statement of purpose, a declaration that "I'm off to see Rapid City, catch some sights, maybe bump into a buffalo or two, and then I'll be back!” It also saves you from the turmoil of booking last-minute flights - which, let's be honest, often feel like a sprint in a public auction sale.

Speaking of booking, when is the best time to book, you ask? Ah, my unseasoned traveler, let’s journey into the obscure land of perfect timing. For cheap flights, booking about 1-2 months in advance is the safe bet. For the thrill seekers who like living on the edge, one week in advance could get you some deliciously low prices, but be warned my friend, the risk of a no-seat scenario is akin to stealing a sandwich from a grizzly bear's picnic basket.

But what's this? You’re a first-class, suit-wearing, diamond-swilling high-roller ey? Well, have no fear, because Southwest's got you covered. Float in the zero gravity of luxury with the extra legroom, priority boarding and in-flight services that'll make you feel the king of the skies. Why, you may just forget you're in the sky and confuse it with your living room, minus the old pizza boxes, of course.

Now let's get practical, shall we? Consider these words: ‘Direct flights’, 'Non-stop'. They sound pretty similar but ignore this at your own peril! A direct flight could mean the aircraft will make pit-stops to drop off or take on passengers (but you remain seated). Non-stop? Just as it sounds, no pit-stops, just you, and the cabin crew zipping right to your destination. Fact bomb dropped!

Bear in mind though, Southwest's baggage allowance rules. Economy class is allowed one carry-on and one personal item, with checked baggage for a nominal fee. Overpacking could transform your bags into makeshift dumbbells – and why would you want to work out when you could be having a fun flight?

As a top tip, join Southwest's frequent flyer program. Every mile up in the air can get you closer to discounts, seat upgrades, or even a free ticket! Collect them as though you are Mario jumping for those golden coins.

Whether you're going for a business trip or a wild buffalo chase, Southwest's got your back from Milwaukee to Rapid City. Onward, fellow voyager! The sky's the limit - quite literally, in this case.