Alaska Airlines from Columbus to Missoula International Airport

Ahem! Grab your jetsetter monocles and don your adventure-fedoras, folks. We're flapping our globe-trotting wings on a fantastical flight from Columbus to Missoula International Airport, with the coveted carrier leading the way, Alaska Airlines. "Alaska Airlines?" you ask. Yes indeed, Bigfoot and Ice Road Truckers’ favorite! Buckle up, we’re about to wing it... with style.

Before hoisting off, let's address the "when" and "where" with a hint of the ole mighty dollar in mind. The best time to book your flights can be akin to predicting Grandma's secret meatloaf recipe. Yet, in most scenarios, choosing to fly mid-week can often snag you those bargain-basement prices coveted by sensible wallets the world over.

Airfare discounts loom larger if you can give the Saturday night stay a whirl. However, going one-way is like riding a unicycle, thrilling, nails the wallet less and results in fewer loops. Take a round-trip, you're on a bicycle, it's safer, a tad more and you know, two legs are better than one, or so most ostriches report.

Non-stop direct flights from Columbus to Missoula? Well, as scarce as hens' teeth my friend. You might have to endure a layover or two. Think of layovers as life’s little pit-stops, a chance to stretch your legs, or better yet, a brief rendezvous with an overpriced airport sandwich. Sprinkle in the magic of connecting flights and you're on a multi-city adventure, zipping from gate to gate like a seasoned travel-hermit crab.

Jonesing for last-minute flights? Tell your nerves to hold its horses. You could strike gold with flight deals or end up parting with your vacation fund for a sliver of a cramped middle seat. It's a thrilling game of roulette, only with airfare, a smaller ball, and no actual table.

Riding in economy class? Fear not, for Alaska Airlines apparently treats all their passengers like runway models. Possibly no caviar or foot rubs but hey, the in-flight services are said to make you feel quite the jet-setter. Baggage allowance? Checked bag weighing-olympics aside, 'one personal item and a carry-on' is the standard mantra across domestic flights.

Donning a business suit and eyeing the front of the plane with a sigh? Fear not, good sir/ma’am! Alaska Airlines’ first-class service offers the jet lifestyle without having to sell a kidney or two. Or choose premium economy, for just enough legroom and fancy to make you feel upgraded, but not quite included in the mile-high champagne club.

Now to the fun part. Ever dreamt of being a frequent flyer? Well, here's an insider tip: Alaska Mileage Program is akin to the urban legend, Pegasus. It takes you places, all with the power of points. Alright, not actual flying horses, but it's the next best thing.

We mustn’t forget the knee-slapper in this flight fairy-tale: "Why Alaska Airlines?" Well, this particular airline has an uncanny resemblance to its namesake state. Did you know that if New York slept, Alaska could watch over it the whole night? Alaska is the land of the midnight sun, with sunlight that sticks around like that guest from your last house party. But never fear, you won't need to pack an eye-mask for your flight!

Now, as we loop back, remember there are occasions when the universe conspires against us, and flights are cancelled or delayed, it's simply the Murphy’s law of travel. However, Alaska Airlines has a flight cancellation policy that's about as comforting as a warm blanket on a chill night. It won’t make you want to scream into the abyss, or at least, not as much.

A little bird told us that you, our reader, are all about the thrill of the adventure. Here’s to many happy landings between Columbus and Missoula, preferably less of the in-between turbulence. Bon Voyage, folks!