Fly Southwest: VPS to McAllen, Texas

Oh, you lucky devil. You are planning on gallivanting from sunny Destin/Fort Walton Beach to scenic McAllen using none other than the epitome of economy airlines - Southwest. Well, aren't we all just a tad green with envy? Let's delve bravely into the wheres, whens, whys, hows, and very much crucial - how not to spend a fortune on said journey.

First off, let's wrap our discerning minds around the ‘flights’ situation. Southwest, true to its disarmingly down to earth name, is no elitist. Domestic flights are their forte. International flights? Pfft! Not their style. The linguistically-challenged rejoice! But don't despair yet if far-flung exotic lands call your name. Dabbling in the exciting game known as ‘connecting flights’ may just offer a way. Be warned though, ‘layover’ isn't everybody’s cup of tea, especially if you're time-starved or impatient. But they’re not without their charm. An unexpected city tour, anyone?

Moving on to the question of timing. Because that’s the crux, isn’t it? Ask anyone experienced in the volatile art of airfare and they’ll tell you – ‘best time to book’ is one elusive beast. Some would have you believe booking on a Tuesday at precisely 2:37 PM EST is the key. But that's a myth, a myth I tell you. Here's the real lowdown - there is no foolproof time. So wipe that nervous sweat off your forehead and book when you see a good deal. Your wallet, your rules.

Now, let's contrast two very popular and yet, oh so different choices of ticketing – the ‘one-way’ and the ‘round-trip’. It all boils down to commitment. Want to set roots down in McAllen? Go one-way, why not? Live life on the edge! Playing it safe? Round-trip it is, then. Southwest won’t judge. You see, their flight cancellation policy is surprisingly flexible. So even if you change your mind midway through the salsa dance at a Tex-Mex restaurant, there's a way out.

And, oh let’s not forget Southwest's notorious ‘baggage allowance’. Yes, it's generous. Yes, you can smuggle that extra pair of shoes. Or that beer mug you bought on a whim. It's all good as long as you're under the weight limit. But beware, Southwest is low-cost, not weight-blind. Breach the limit and prepare to shed those precious dollars. Or worse, that beloved beer mug.

Moving a tad towards luxury – should you bank your money on the seductive ‘business class’? Or play it humble with the ‘economy class’? Here's the suspense-busting scoop – there's no business class. Yes, you heard right. Southwest eschews unnecessary classist barriers like a bad habit. But they do have a quasi-premium offering. Say hello to the enigmatic ‘EarlyBird Check-In’. Shell out a few more bucks for a little more legroom. Worth it? Only your knees can say for sure.

Now, you might be thinking – Southwest? Really? Shining tributes about low-cost airlines are as uncommon as unicorns, after all. But let's clear the air here. With scores of positive 'airline reviews’, Southwest isn't your run-of-the-mill budget carrier. Free checked-in baggage, complimentary bevvies, and generous rebooking options? Don't mind if I do. So hold your head high as you stride into that Southwest boarding lane. You're in good (if not ritzy) company.

So there we have it, dear traveller. This was your crash course (sorry about the pun) in flying Southwest from Destin/Fort Walton Beach to McAllen. Have a good flight, won't you? And remember, no matter how cheap the tickets, send us a postcard? Safe travels.