Alaska Airlines from New York to Los Angeles International Airport

Oh boy, so you've decided to go from one corner of the continent to the other, but instead of choosing to do it the easy way – a cross-country road trip filled with scenic vistas like driving through the Mojave, a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, or getting lost in a Nebraska corn maze - you've chosen the thrilling experience of flying. Because who wouldn't want to breathe in some recycled cabin air, while vacuum-sealed in a metal tube soaring through the sky at 500 miles per hour? Brace yourself for this exhilarating adventure from New York to Los Angeles international airport on Alaska. Yes, that's right 'Alaska', the airline not the state.

And here's an absolutely necessary fact that you'll appreciate knowing as you prepare for your journey - the state of Alaska has over 3 million lakes! Fascinating, isn’t it? Although not directly related to your flight, it’s important to be reminded that the airlines take their name from a state where water literally overwhelms land! Maybe born as a mark for them to tirelessly cover ground...or should we say air?

So, let’s plunge in. First thing's first, when planning this airborne endeavor, look for "direct flights." These are the flights that won’t have your body begging for mercy after hopping on and off multiple planes. Remember though, ‘direct’ doesn't mean ‘non-stop’, it just means you won’t need to change planes. But sit tight, keep yourself hooked to the in-flight services of Hollywood movies or a terribly engrossing rerun of an ‘80s sitcom, while the aircraft halts at some random airport to pick up fellow masochists.

Hey, but if you're more of a sucker for punishment, go ahead and opt for 'connecting flights'. These not only give you the leisure of stretching your legs during the layover but also add the thrill of wondering if you'll miss your connecting flight while you're actually in mid-air... so adventurous!

Oh! And let's not forget the fare. Looking for 'cheap flights' isn't just a hobby, it's an art. The airfare can swing more wildly than your mood while cramped in the 'economy class'. Timing is everything. To secure the best deals, some people insist on booking way in advance. Others swear by ‘last-minute flights’. We’ll leave that gamble to you.

A huge plus of booking an airline ticket is that it usually comes with a ‘baggage allowance’. Yeah, right! Like you thought you’d have to wear the same underwear for a week. But beware, exceeding this allowance is a sin and you might end up paying more for your excess baggage than your ticket. So, pack with caution or dare to risk the outrageous excess baggage fees. They can cost you a small fortune.

Kudos to you if you belong to Alaska Airlines 'Mileage Program'. This 'frequent flyer' system will feed you points for each mile you fly, turning your travel-induced pain into glorious gain. And if by any lucky chance you have hoarded enough points, you can even upgrade to 'First-class'. Yes, that almost-mythical place at the front of the plane where glasses clink, legroom exists and passengers smile genuinely. Ah, the life of luxury within the flying metal tube!

Last, but certainly not least; Do not forget the ‘Flight Cancellation Policy’. Because despite all the sarcasm, flying isn’t the worst thing. No, that’s being stuck in an airport because your flight got cancelled. So, check, double-check and triple-check the flight cancellation rules, because you never know when you’ll need an escape plan.

In conclusion, your journey from New York to LA via Alaska airlines, whether round-trip or one-way might be a combination of sweet torture and momentary ecstasies. But hey, isn't that part and parcel of the travel experience?