Alaska Airlines from Great Falls International Airport to Reno

There's nothing quite like sliding into a cozy little economy-class seat, positioned ever so conveniently just far enough away from the bathroom to catch wafting scents of airplane sanitizer every time the door opens. Or the thrill of being awakened in the middle of your red-eye flight by a rouge drink cart, driven by an eager airline steward who insists on refilling your tiny cup of ginger ale. That's right, folks: Flight travel, a truly untapped source of comedic material.

Speaking of untapped comedy and air-travel, allow me to regale you with the epic tale of the somewhat famous... somewhat noteworthy... vaguely known 'Great Falls-Reno journey', a trip that starts at Great Falls International Airport, Montana and ends in Reno, Nevada. A word to the wise traveler though—it’s a comedy of errors if you plan to fly directly on any Alaskan airline. Now, 'Alaska' and 'Reno' might be as weird to put together as pineapple and pizza (no judgement, Hawaiian lovers), but there is somewhat of a reason, somewhat of hilarity to it.

You see, Alaska - known for its rugged wilderness and snow-capped landscapes - was bought from Russia by the US for a grand total of $7.2 million back in 1867. That's right folks, for less than the price of a contemporary beachfront condo in Miami, the US acquired 663,000 square miles of pristine nature. Try getting a decent airfare for that

But let’s get back on point. Picture this: You’re primed for Alaskan airspace, psyched for seeing some prime Reno nightlife. You’re sitting on your less-than-comfortable, economy-class airline seat ready to take-off from Great Falls. You feel your pulse quicken as one-way journey into the unimaginative mysterious starts.

Since we're cheap, and love a good comedy show, there are no direct flights. You’ve got to make a stop or two. Or three. But who's counting? The more layovers, the better. After all, more opportunities to engage in light, comedic banter with that dour-faced TSA agent. Don’t forget to collect your frequent flyer points, which may eventually entitle you to a discounted cup of lukewarm coffee. Could it get any better?

It sure can, fellow traveler. Let’s talk in-flight services. Namely, the zero-waste policy carried by all Alaskan flights. It's aimed at recycling and composting, it's synonymous to our hopes of finding peace and quiet in a plane full of chatty Cathys. Both are noble causes. Both have mixed results.

Finally, after an exhaustion-filled series of connecting flights, you’ve made it to the Hillbilly Hawaii, the Sands of Nevada, our all-time favourite: Reno. You disembark laden with stories about every type of snorer known to mankind, a pair of swollen ankles and a strange craving for solid ground.

So, your round-trip journey might have been longer than the flight duration between Alaska and Russia. Your one-way flight might consist of more layovers than straight flights. You did however rack up some much-desired frequent flyer miles. But would you have it any other way? No way! That would take all the fun out of it!

Until then, here’s to all the cheap flights, the unexpected airfare dynamics, and the surprisingly jumping hospitality scene in Great Falls International Airport. Cheers!