Alaska Airlines from Portland International Airport to El Paso

You've probably heard it said that the joy is in the journey, not just the destination. And while this is all well and good when you're speaking metaphorically, it becomes a wee bit less convincing when your "journey" involves a tightly packed airplane seat, stale peanuts, and that one kid in row 16 who's figured out the seat recline button. But fear not, dear travelers, I’m here to tell you that your upcoming flight from Portland International to El Paso on Alaska Airlines might just be the exception to the rule.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clear the air about one thing. Unfortunately, when I refer to 'Alaska', I'm not talking about the state - home to the charming town of Chicken (where ironically, no chicken farms exist), or the fact that bears outnumber people there (which makes the commute to work a thrilling affair). No, 'Alaska' here, dear readers, is our proud, iron bird that's about to take you on a flight to remember.

Now, it's clear you're a savvy traveler. You're here reading this, so you’ve probably gone the extra mile to book a non-stop flight (a solid choice, commendable). There's nothing more soul-destroying than a layover that’s longer than the duration of "Gone With the Wind." Plus, the fewer times you have to do that mad dash through a foreign terminal, clutching your carry-on luggage, the better!

But let's steer back to your non-stop flight. Think about it, Portland to El Paso, no fuss, no detours. Just up in the air for a couple of hours, enough time to enjoy Alaska's in-flight services, which includes, but is not limited to, an entertaining safety demonstration featuring a squirrel operating an oxygen mask. Budget airlines might give you peanuts, but Alaska gives you...well, not peanuts at all. Far better - a smorgasbord of entertainment options to wile away your travel time.

Now, about the fares on these flights, everyone's favorite topic. There's a saying among the frugal globetrotters, "The best time to book is when the airfare is cheap." Enlightening, I know. But remember, Alaska offers frequent flyer miles, a perk often overlooked by the reason-led brain of your run-of-the-mill economy class traveler. So, don't be too hasty to dismiss that round-trip offer in favor for the tempting one-way. It could open the door to a world of half-priced toasters and discount car rentals!

And what plane ride discussion would be complete without a nod to Alaska's baggage allowance? If there's one thing that bears (almost as hard as the idea of another 13-hour layover) on a traveler's mind, it's baggage restrictions. Well, rest easy, my friend. Alaska is not just about majestic mountains and ice-cold winters. It’s about giving you space - for your hiking boots, your surfboard and even your 17 different outfit changes.

So, my traveling comrades, as we descend into El Paso, it’s clear to see that this was never just about going from point A to B. Navigating the world of flights - direct flights, cheap flights, last-minute flights - it’s an adventure in itself. It’s deciphering airline reviews, grasping flight cancellation policies, and knowing the difference between business class and ... well anything else that’s not business class.

Come to think of it, one might argue that the joy really is in the journey. You didn't think you’d hear that from the likes of me, did you? But remember, just because we endured it with a smile doesn’t mean that kid in row 16 gets away with any more seat reclining. Stand strong, friends, stand strong.