Fly Southwest: PWM to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

As a frequent traveler, I find myself continually drawn towards the interplay of logistics and personal preference that accompany the flight booking process. With ever-evolving variables such as airfare, connecting flights structure, the strategic advantage of a one-way versus round-trip ticket purchase, and fluctuating baggage allowance, finding the optimal route is a task that requires both advanced understanding and minute attention to detail.

Southwest, surprisingly, has a knack for smoothing out some of these creases in the commute from the undefined in Portland to Oklahoma City. Particularly noteworthy, from a clinical perspective, is their transparent and liberal approach towards baggage allowance that eases the typical anxieties and unpredictabilities around it. The allure of two free checked bags is substantial, as anyone wrestling with the logistics of packing can attest to, promising a straightforward evaluation of your personal luggage requirements versus cost.

Examining patterns in airfare, my experiences suggest that the best time to book flights on this route depends not only on anticipated travel dates but also the day of the week one is booking. Southwest's airfares, like many other airlines, appear to fluctuate in a predictable cyclical pattern tied to the days of the week, peaking mid-week and providing discounts towards the weekend. While this pattern is not guaranteed, a savvy traveler can utilize these cyclic trends to maximize airfare value.

While the prospect of cheaper flights is inherently attractive, Southwest's real feather in the cap is perhaps their flight cancellation policy. It stands apart in its provision of more flexibility compared to most competitors. Thus, even if a last-minute change in schedule arises, there's little reason to panic about being saddled with punitive cancellation fees. The peace of mind that accompanies such initiatives is invaluable.

Another relevant aspect is the flight duration. Despite the lack of non-stop direct flights from Portland to Oklahoma City, stopover options offered are fairly convenient. More so because Southwest does seem to understand that layovers are, more often than not, involuntary necessary evils for most passengers. Their options are strategically timed at destinations that aren't infamously crowded or straining.

Lastly, the airline's Frequent Flying program, known as "Rapid Rewards," adds an extra layer of appeal. Considering that connecting flights are usually a given for this route, a loyalty program that offers a relatively faster accrual of miles could result in decent returns. The perception of an airline isn't just built on a single journey but from an aggregation of all the meticulous details that amply demonstrate their understanding and catering to the passenger's needs at every step of the way.

In the face of the countless airline reviews available online, it is critical to remember that each flight experience is unique. Your journey's quality is determined by a myriad of factors like your personal expectations and preferences to external uncontrollable variables like weather conditions or traffic enroute. Southwest is no exception to this truth. In conclusion, while no singular answer exists to the 'best flight' conundum, it can be argued that if you prioritize flexibility, a greater baggage allowance, and a thoughtful frequent flyer program, Southwest might prove to be a worthy contender in the well-sketched route from the undefined of Portland to Oklahoma City.