Alaska Airlines from Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo to Nashville International Airport

So you're thinking of flying from Ixtapa to Nashville? Mind you, nothing unusual, just an everyday hop across the continent. And of course, you’ve chosen Alaska Airlines. A decision so brilliant, your intellect must surely be of cosmic proportions.

When it comes to the journey you will trod, wise ones like you typically start looking for the best airfare, say, four weeks before the desired flight date. And why might you ask? Well, it’s simply the 'best time to book'. Isn’t advanced planning marvellous?

Be sure to use Alaska Airlines ‘Mileage Plan’ frequent flyer program. Don’t roll your eyes at me, my dear jetsetter. Just think about it. You get rewarded for sitting in a compressed cylinder of pulsating steel soaring tens of thousands of feet above ground at mind-numbing speeds. Holy salmon spread, it’s practically money for nothing and the miles for free. Looks like Alaska Airlines does have a sense of humor.

And speaking of sense of humor, let's take a moment to delve into the delightful realm of the ‘Premium Economy’ experience. Ever dreamt of inch more legroom, a reclining seat and a complimentary glass of stale champagne and calling this luxury? Oh, those ambitious sky-gazers at Alaska Airlines do too. But hey, let’s not be too hard on them. They have levied all their creativity to maximize your comfort within the constraints of a budget-priced ticket. A truly commendable feat of imagination.

Now, your flight schedule will likely involve a layover or even a connecting flight depending on your date of travel and how the stars align that day. Oh, the sheer thrill of it! The opportunity to explore another airport. The vibrancy, the neon lights, the whiff of artisanal coffee, the harsh airport seats against your tired body. If a sense of adventure doesn’t awaken in you at this point, then frankly my dear, you might as well be flying from your living room couch.

Let’s not forget the much hyped ‘in-flight services’. Because nothing screams ‘quality customer service’ like 30,000 feet in the air in cramped conditions. And the delectable meals served in quaint plastic trays! Oh, it’s simply too much joy for one soul to bear.

You must be thinking, what a doozy this is going to be. However, amidst this soaring excitement (pun intended), let’s ply you with a fun fact about the state that lends its name to your air carrier, Alaska has the longest coastline in the US totaling 6,640 miles which is more than all other U.S. states combined. Now wouldn't that be a fun conversation starter on your flight?

Nothing, however, beats the sense of anticipation when booking these flights. Will you book a one-way and let serendipity determine when you return? Or will you play it safe and book a round-trip, knowing full well when your journey comes to an end? Aha! The great mysteries of travel planning could teach Agatha Christie a thing or two.

A final piece of advice to you my intrepid globetrotter: remember to read up on Alaska Airlines’ ‘flight cancellation policy’ because our in-your-face airy-fairy sarcasm aside, we all know that when it comes to air travel, unpredictability is pretty much the only certainty.

So, buckle up! Or don’t. Feel free to take a cue from Lewis Carroll’s ever-curious Alice who enjoyed her free-fall down the rabbit hole with wisdom that can only come from a child, ‘After such a fall as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling down stairs!’