Alaska Airlines from Austin Bergstrom International Airport - South Terminal to Burbank

If there were such a thing as a "highway in the sky," then one might consider the route from Austin Bergstrom International Airport - South Terminal to Burbank as the I-35 of air space. It’s a route replete with excited tourists, anxious businesspersons and families that start their holidays by bickering over armrests. All aboard with Alaska Airlines in the pursuit of air concurrency.

While some prefer direct flights with their cost-to-time ratio carefully calculated with five decimal precision, others relish the suspense of connecting flights, where they precariously balance on the cliff-edge of missing the second leg. Of course, this is where the algebraic wonder of flight duration becomes essential. And whether you’re a sham frequent flyer (yes, that’s you with your four miles from your solo once-a-year round-trip) or an actual one, praying at the alter of mileage programs, Alaska Airlines knows how to cater to you.

Affectionately known as the airline airline, because why say something once when you can say it twice, Alaska Airlines offers an eclectic mix of in-flight services. For those cosying up to their spreadsheets in first-class, flight attendants trained in the dark arts of silent miming offer a wide range of silent snacks, whispering absolutely nothing in your ears, so as not to disturb. Meanwhile, in economy class, passengers can enjoy the same in-flight meal for every flight for an entire calendar year as part of the 'Familiar Treats' program. Because nothing says ‘surprise’ like a ham and cheese sandwich that you’ve had seventeen times already. You do get the added joy of a secret cookie though.

In an audacious attempt to revolutionize air travel and combat the dreaded jet lag, Alaska Airlines pioneered the red-eye flight, enabling passengers to work, sleep, and eat at severely inconvenient hours, all at the same time. And in the spirit of true one-upmanship, the business class experience was born. After you've handed over your mortgage in exchange for your ticket, you'll be invited to partake in a flurry of luxuries that include, but are not limited to, being able to use the restrooms without standing in line, and the privilege of enjoying a newspaper that doesn't fold out like a map of Macedonia.

A surprising highlight of the Alaska Airlines experience is their flight cancellation policy. In the event of a cancellation, you will be cheerfully escorted off the plane and provided with an exclusive, complimentary, and – dare we say – fashionable, survivor’s hat. This assures that you're the most equipped person at the bar recounting your heroic air journey. Or, at the very least, the one with the best headgear.

But in all seriousness, as someone who spends many days of the year crunched in confined spaces with fluctuating air pressure levels, I can confidently say that flying with Alaska Airlines has its unparalleled perks. And considering our rambunctious journey from Austin to Burbank, you should consider booking your airfare for a joyous spin aboard this airline.

Finally, here's an unrequired yet interesting fact about the state that gives the name to our favourite airline: Alaska is home to over 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields. This makes for some fascinating in-flight conversations, for anyone who's up for a chat about eruptions at 30,000 feet.

So, from Austin Bergstrom International Airport - South Terminal to Burbank, the real question remains: Is a flight – with all its quirks, intricacies, and minor inconveniences – merely a means to an end, or an adventure in itself as you traverse the highway in the sky? With Alaska Airlines, I firmly believe it is the latter.