Alaska Airlines from St. Louis to Pittsburgh International Airport

Here we are, poised to delve into the marvelously comedic saga of flying from St. Louis to Pittsburgh on Alaska Airlines. Here, where the pursuit of 'cheap flights' becomes a jousting match with airlines, and 'connecting flights' cascade into a perilous ballet.

Prepare for the grandeur of the 'flight duration' which looms up like a merciless yet tantalizing trivia question. It is a wondrous journey that is packaged between two flights – a non-stop flight from St. Louis to Seattle, the bedazzling home base of Alaska Airlines, and then another straight shot from Seattle to Pittsburgh. No layovers to spoil the fun; just pure, unadulterated airtime that gives you the same exhilarating rush that the early explorers must have felt on unknowingly discovering America, just with less scurvy and more in-flight service.

The 'round-trip' airfare, the shining jewel of our flying escapade, deserves a chapter on its own. Contrary to popular belief, Alaska Airlines does not accept payment in dog sleds, gold nuggets or physical demonstrations of the ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The bills need to be paid in the same old-fashioned currency we've all come to know and tolerate. However, their pricing model, much like an adolescent relationship, is exhilaratingly unpredictable.

Faring at a more than decent average on airline reviews, there's a rumor that flights to Pittsburgh are handpicked by the miles-fanatic Yetis living in Alaska's Denali National Park. This park, by the way, has enough land area to accomodate the entirety of Switzerland. Yes, that Switzerland. The one with the chocolates, the cheese, and the banking secrecy.

When we talk about the best time to book, we enter the realm of crystal balls, tarot cards, and the Farmer's Almanac. Because honestly, who knows? But practice has it that Tuesday is the trick. On that day, airlines traditionally look at their planes, sigh deeply, and say, "Yeah, we should probably let people pay less for these."

Once onboard, we throw ourselves into the world of 'in-flight services'. Now imagine, if airplanes were high schools, 'First-class' would totally be the glamorous cheerleaders and 'Economy class' would surely represent the misunderstood nerds. But, fret not. Regardless of the class you choose, Alaska Airlines treats all customers equally, like a generous dealer at a poker table. Biz class passengers may get more legroom, but everyone gets to participate in the grand airborne lottery. A thrilling game of, "Which suitcase did we leave behind this time?" It's all part of the experience!

The miles program or 'frequent flyer' reward is a charming old tradition. Not unlike getting a punch card at your local coffee shop, except the outcome is a bit more satisfying than a free latte. Accumulating enough miles may land you in the synonymous 'premium economy', where you are showered with legroom so generous you might feel borderline royal.

Oh, and don't even get us started on the 'flight cancellation policy'! Part Shakespeare tragedy, part slapstick comedy, believe it when we say - cancelling a flight with Alaska Airlines can be more exciting than the flight itself. But Alaska graces us with a reasonable policy under the veil of humor, so remember to pack a sense of funny along with your baggage allowance.

This, dear traveler, is the carnival of flying from the glamorous hoopla of St. Louis to the disco lights of Pittsburgh International. Do give Alaska Airlines a whirl, and who knows – maybe next time, we will be sharing a good laugh over the strange absence of penguins in the state of Alaska!