Guess who finally discovered this magical thing called water? Yep, and suddenly I'm not a zombie anymore! Look, I'm not about to become one of those "hydration enthusiasts" with their fancy water bottles, but I can't deny the results. No more face-planting into my keyboard in the afternoon.

But in classic me-fashion, I went overboard.

After making my eighth trip to the bathroom, I was wondering if I should just set up a desk in there.

One of these days, I'll figure out this whole "moderation" thing. Maybe.

Let's talk about budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. While I have mixed feelings about these carriers, there are certain situations where they make perfect sense due to their low prices. I'm not seeking any sponsorships - I just want to share my honest thoughts.
 

Here's when I recommend using these airlines:

• Short Trips: Stick to flights under three hours. Since these airlines don't have strong partnerships with other carriers, you'll want to stay relatively close to home. From my base in Philadelphia, destinations like Boston, DC, or Savannah are ideal - if delays happen, I can still find my way back home.
   
• Light Packing: These airlines work best when traveling with minimal luggage. Paying for checked bags without promotions defeats the purpose of choosing a budget airline.
   
• Quick Weekend Getaways: Perfect for those short trips where you just need to get in and out.
   
• Domestic Travel Only: Avoid international flights - the last thing you want is to be stranded in another country. Plus, these airlines have limited international routes anyway.
   
• Morning Flights: Book early departures so you have options if something goes wrong. Late-night flights are risky - if there's a problem, you might get stuck overnight. And trust me, reaching customer service can be challenging.
   
• Familiar Destinations: These airlines work great when flying to places where you already have clothes and supplies, like visiting family. You're basically just transporting yourself.
   
• Flexible Schedule: If you can work from anywhere and aren't on tight deadlines, these airlines become a more viable option.
   

Remember, it's not about whether these airlines are good or bad - it's about your preferences and risk tolerance. I use them when the situation makes sense, similar to choosing between driving or taking a bus. Sometimes, the bus is just the smarter choice but not often. 😜

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

What's the longest flight you've ever taken on a budget airline, and would you do it again?