Fly Southwest: PWM to Norfolk, Virginia

Hey there, prospective flyer! If you're planning a little jaunt from the gorgeous, flourishing city of Portland to Norfolk's picturesque charm, Southwest Airlines has got your back. Let’s take a meander through everything you need to know before you embrace the skies and touch down in Norfolk.

First off, the right fare is critical to align with your travel agenda. A variety of airfare options are at your disposal, divided essentially into two categories: business class for those desiring the corporate comfort, and economy class for budget-conscious flyers. These come in handy especially when booking last-minute flights when options might be sparse. The good news is, Southwest often has flight deals that can lighten the burden on your wallet.

If you're a frequent flyer with Southwest, their fantastic mileage program, Rapid Rewards, is the cherry on top. Every dollar spent on Southwest flights earns points, and these points can be cashed in for more flights (international or domestic), hotel stays, car rentals, and even merchandise. It's like a pleasant back pat for choosing Southwest!

When it comes to choosing between direct flights and connecting flights, there's a couple of things to consider. Direct flights are quicker, getting you from Portland to Norfolk in just a short flight duration. However, if you don’t mind a little layover, connecting flights could be a more cost-effective option. And remember, a layover can be a fantastic opportunity to explore an extra city on your way!

Okay, let's talk baggage allowance. One of the selling points of Southwest is the generous luggage policy permitting two checked bags for free! So go ahead, pack that extra pair of shoes, there's room. But keep in mind, bags are subject to weight and size limits, so don’t go too wild!

Now, onto the not-so-fun stuff – Flight cancellation policy. Southwest is pretty flexible here. If you change or cancel within 24 hours of booking, there are no fees! Any flight cancellations after that can convert to travel credit for a future trip. So, you’re not losing your money entirely.

Flight schedule mishaps can cause serious travel disruptions. But Southwest, with its dedication to punctuality, has been sitting pretty on the Department of Transportation's most on-time major airlines list. So, you can expect a downtime of enjoying Southwest's in-flight services, featuring free inflight entertainment, snacks, and drinks, without much worry about a delay.

Finally, what's the best time to book? Typically, the sooner the better as airfare tends to increase the closer you get to your flight dates. Also, keep an eye on Southwest's biannual sales, as these can significantly lower the price tag on your trip.

In the larger scheme of things, airline reviews are crucial to evaluate before booking. And Southwest Airlines has consistently aced customer satisfaction surveys and ratings. The airline's combination of friendly service, spacious cabins and free-checked-bag-policy, among others, frequently earns high praise from passengers.

So there you have it! As you get ready for your round-trip or one-way ride from Portland to Norfolk, rest assured that Southwest has got all the bases covered. All that's left to do is to kick back, relax, and enjoy the journey!