Alaska Airlines from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky to Missoula International Airport

Oh, what a profound joy it is to leave the civilized world of Cincinnati and hurl oneself through the atmosphere to, of all places, Missoula. I mean, really, who wouldn't leap at the chance to trade in their Starbucks latte and strip malls for fresh mountain air and whatever they do for fun in Montana?

Thanks goodness we have such a wealth of travel options these days. In the olden times, the choice was simple: covered wagon or stay at home. Now, we have the opportunity to spend hours pouring over flight schedules, comparing airfare prices, and frantically googling “how long can I survive without food in case of a layover in Denver?” It truly is the height of civilization.

Let’s talk about one of such progressive and traveler-friendly airlines – Alaska, which carries the pride of being named as America’s fifth-largest airline. And no, not just because it's situated top-left on all the American maps. By the way, here's a fun random fact about Alaska: it's home to America’s largest collection of glaciers. Much like its fleet of planes, these ancient behemoths don't move fast, but they do eventually get where they're going. Quite alike some of our direct flights from Cincinnati to Missoula.

Speaking of which, if you are a lover of those long, intimate layovers in random airport food courts, I'm afraid you're going to be sorely disappointed. Alaska Airlines, with their insufferable efficiency, insists on offering non-stop flights. The nerve! This ruthlessly cuts the flight duration from potentially 2 days of unexpected adventure down to a reasonable 5 hours of uninterrupted monotony. I guess more time for you to admire Montana’s skyline?

But hey, not to worry. Alaska happens to be one of those airlines offering “in-flight services.” Yes, you read it right. These over-achievers actually expect you to enjoy the flight. Binge-watch your Netflix or munch on your provided meals, because clearly, napping through the constant hum of the airplane engine and the quiet desperation of your fellow passengers isn't enough to keep you amused.

Now, sit tight (in that economy class seat), because here is when things get interesting. If you are one of those ‘planning’ types, you might be wondering about the best time to book these flights. Well, hold on to your frequent flyer miles, because I'm going to drop a truth bomb. The best time to book flights is when you have somewhere to go and money to pay for it. Yes, like those last-minute flights that you book whilst utterly unprepared for Montana’s glacial winds.

Speaking of money, did I mention their baggage allowance? Alaska, in another shocking display of customer service, allows you to bring luggage. Yes, they actually let you pack a bag, and sometimes even a second one for a nominal fee. Truly revolutionary.

You might be reading airline reviews to solidify your option, thinking it may offer some magical insight or the distilled wisdom of frequent travelers. In reality, it usually ranges from “the flight attendant was mean” to the lyrical confession, “I fell in love with the airline food” (clearly, the sign of a disturbed individual).

In conclusion, if one must leave Cincinnati and hurl oneself halfway across the country to Missoula without the benefit of a horse and wagon, Alaska Airlines seems as good an option to choose from. Smooth flights, mountain views, and the promise of a future encounter with a glacier -oh joy!