Fly Southwest: PIT to Providence, Rhode Island

Oh, do sit down, buckle up and join me on a whimsical journey through the wily wonders of preparing for a flight from undefined in Pittsburgh to Providence on our good friend, Southwest Airlines. There’s nothing quite like a friendly round-trip adventure in the sky, now is there?

First things first, let’s chat about flights. Yes, those metal-winged beasts soaring across our skies with a delightful nonchalance. Southwest, dear reader, is the proud seller of what we've all been praying for - cheap flights. Quite the unicorn in today’s economy, right? Just like finding a needle in a haystack or a decent Wi-Fi connection in the middle of a crowd, finding cheap flights can be a real joy-killer. But fret not! Southwest, in all its benevolence, has decided to stoop down to our level and offer us commoners fair airfare. How endearing.

Which brings us to the dreaded question regarding ‘Direct Flights’ versus ‘Connecting Flights’. To the untrained traveler, one-way direct flights may seemingly be enough to inspire sonnets about its simplicity, but allow me to disillusion you. We travel to experience, right? So, why rob yourself off the unique blend of chaos and adventure offered by connecting flights? Sure, being stuck in a congested airport wondering if your luggage made it to the layover might not be pleasing but consider it as the universe’s adorable attempt at playing ‘hide & seek’.

Though, if one might want to act prudish, Southwest non-stop flights are at your call and beckoning. The airline holds a rather amusing cancellation policy as well. If for some godforsaken reason you need to cancel your flight, claps for you! You have just earned yourself a full refund. Apparently, among corporate airlines, ‘customer-friendly’ policies aren't mythical creatures.

If the aforesaid scenes of adventurous ‘hide & seek’ or non-existent cancellation fees don't get your adrenaline pumping, their Frequent Flyer program is sure to make your hearts skip a beat. Their 'Rapid Rewards' program, it seems, is not just a catchy marketing gimmick, after all. Register, fly and voila, a cornucopia of rewards awaits you. All hail the Mileage Program!

Comparing the Economy Class with the Business Class is like comparing apples with oranges while aboard a flying saucer. The term ‘Economy’ might sound as inviting as a month-old sandwich, but in truth, it is a neat and functional provision. A cushy ride for those of us without a money tree in our backyards. Now, if you're one of those fortunate souls blessed enough to spare no expense, Southwest's ‘Business Select’ will feed your ego and comfort your backside with equal aplomb.

The airline also has the audacity to allow two checked baggage free of cost! It’s as if they believe air travel need not be an earth-shattering experience for your bank balance. Oh, the audacity! As travelers, aren’t we more accustomed to dreadfully exorbitant baggage allowances?

So, toss that careful planning right out the window. Jump feet first into the enlightening experience of a spontaneous, last-minute flight and bless yourself with the fabulous odds and ends that Southwest has to gift you. And remember to hold on to your sense of humor while you're at it. The Southwest journey is all about heart. Yes, they do have the legal right to use the phrase, as much as it grates on the nerves.

So here we are, done chatting about the exhilarating experience that awaits you from undefined in Pittsburgh to Providence on Southwest Airlines. Ready to embrace the sky? Well, then get booking, you sky-seeking thrill-lover, you!