Alaska Airlines from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Flying has always been one of those expeditions marred with a myriad of considerations. Strategic planning is paramount to ensure a seamless transition from one's current location to the desired destination, in this case, from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport via Alaska. Naturally, the critical questions that come up involve the flight duration, layovers, or even the possibility of non-stop flights. To pave the way for an enriching travel experience, it is in your best interest to analyze and approach these components meticulously.

Let's begin by dissecting the nature of flights available. The frequency and availability of direct flights against connecting flights from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis via Alaska vary. The distinguishing factor between the two - direct flights provide a non-stop flight experience while connecting flights may necessitate a brief layover.

At this point, an interesting digression presents itself – Alaska, the airline's namesake, is the United States' largest state by total area. It is also the only state that enters the eastern hemisphere, thereby technically making it both the farthest northern and western state. Now, back to our dissection of flight options. While non-stop flights can cut short the transit time, connecting flights could introduce an opportunity to refresh or briefly explore a new city.

One's choice between one-way and round-trip flight options is another point requiring a detail-driven evaluation. A round-trip ticket could secure a better airfare deal considering airlines often offer a discount on this format. Conversely, two one-way tickets provide flexibility in flight schedule but runs the potential risk of attracting a higher cost.

Next, there arises the question of flight deals. Often, last-minute flights can either be extortionately priced or surprisingly cheap, depending on the airline's filling situation. The best time to book might be months ahead, but occasionally, an unexpected deal may pop up closer to the departure date.

To make the journey comfortable, airlines offer different travel classes with varying degrees of comfort and privileges. While Economy Class is the most affordable, the step-up Premium Economy, Business class, and the luxurious First-class offer progressively enhanced in-flight services. Frequent flyers might also accrue benefits under an airline's mileage program.

Then, there's the question of baggage allowance. With different airlines having varying policies, a meticulous analysis of each airline's rules surrounding baggage weight, dimensions, and any additional charges is essential.

Lastly, an examination of an airline’s flight cancellation policy and reviews is beneficial. This can give an insight into the possible outcomes in case of unforeseen circumstances and the overall flight experience of previous passengers, respectively.

In conclusion, traveling, be it domestic flights or international flights, is anything but a haphazard affair. It requires a careful breakdown and analysis of all possible aspects. From the airfare and flight duration to the nature of the flight and the inherent policies of the airline - everything demands an in-depth scrutiny. Adopting such an analytical approach helps to not only seize the best deal, but also to craft an enriched and memorable travel experience.