Fly Southwest: VPS to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The world of air travel can sometimes feel like a city-wide Sudoku puzzle that's been filled in by monkeys. It's a tangled web of layovers, connecting flights, and occasional moments of despair when the flight schedule appears on the screen. Every so often, though, the gods of airfare look down on us in our plight and offer some respite. This time, their divine intervention takes the form of Southwest's service from the so-called 'paradise' of Destin/Fort Walton Beach to the kitschy allure of Myrtle Beach. A match made in...well, not heaven, but a decent middle ground.

As we depart from the sun-soaked shores of Destin/Fort Walton Beach (which is essentially two places masquerading as one), the Southwest experience unfolds like a fine dining menu. They serve up the main course of ‘low cost’ alongside a side of copious legroom and baggage allowance enough to bring your portable beach house. The in-flight service brings smiles even in Economy class, which is wilder than seeing a dog walk on its hind legs.

When it comes to flights themselves, oh boy do you have options. Direct flights are as rare as a flight attendant without a forced smile, but don't let that deter you. One-way or round-trip, Southwest has it covered. In between the episodes of mindless chair-kicking from the kid behind, and your random encounter with perhaps the only passenger who insists on using the overhead light during a red-eye flight (arguably a true sociopath), at least you’re comforted by the thought that you didn’t break the bank to witness this delightful slice of humanity.

Home to one of the world’s strangest collection of beach themed mini golf courses, Myrtle Beach is a fitting destination for those of us just seeking to put our feet up and enjoy the peculiarities of human existence. Cheer up, we’ve seen worse – remember, we had to make sense of the convoluted intersection that is Destin/Fort Walton Beach.

Of course, booking your flight can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Yet, cheap flights often pop up when you least expect them, like a surprise birthday party you didn't want. Don't worry though, whether you're a meticulous planner or a last-minute wildcard, Southwest has flight deals that’s friendly to your wallet. Yet, we recommend that you employ a fair degree of strategy when you book. If you want to play the game, the accepted wisdom is to book on a Tuesday, because, well, no one really likes Tuesdays, do they? A flight booked on a Tuesday is a flight it seems even the universe wants to forget, allowing you to snag it at a bargain.

The key to a successful journey with Southwest is managing expectations. If you were dreaming of first-class sections, champagne on tap, and darn chandeliers (if that’s your idea of classiness), you're on the wrong airline. Adjust your monocle, put down your faux diamond-tipped cane, and enjoy the simple, honest, straightforward experience that Southwest offers. In-between your connection flights, don’t forget to admire the understated charm of the airports – so bland, the blankness will have you contemplating the meaning of existence.

So, if you're looking to wing your way from the schizophrenic duality of Destin/Fort Walton Beach to the eccentricity of Myrtle Beach, take Southwest. The journey will be worth it if you can master the art of ‘going with the flow’. Maybe you’ll stumble upon the secret to air travel. If you figure it out, do share with the rest of us. We could all use a laugh as we fold ourselves into tiny seats, and negotiate the cryptic flight cancellation policy.

Embrace the sublime absurdities, and happy flying!