Fly American from Owensboro to San Diego

You've got your bags packed, your spirit of adventure inflated to future travel influencer proportions, and Owensboro, KY in your rearview mirror. You've set your sights due west to experience San Diego’s salty sea breezes, abundant sunshine, and tacos. We're here to help you navigate the great yonder of airfare, flights, and possibly, if you're feeling particularly opulent, an upgrade to first-class or business class. Yes, settle in, it's time to talk airline shenanigans, my fellow globetrotter!

The flavor of the day? Our muse is no other than the red, white, and blue adorned American Airlines. You wouldn't want to make the sprawling journey from our dear Kentucky to sunny California without a mile-high chariot, would you? And, let's clear this up right away, ‘direct flights’ and ‘non-stop’ are as similar as a kid's recliner to a La-Z-Boy. Non-stop gets you there faster, but direct might add a bit of adventure with a layover. So, tie your shoelaces and hold on to your luggage tags lest they take you on an unintentional round-trip!

A non-stop flight would zip you cross-country in about five hours. Direct flights, on the other hand, may throw in a layover or two. Houston, Dallas, or Charlotte could beckon you to dip your toes into their vibrant ethos. You’re traveling across the country, might as well give your social media followers a taste of different airports! But remember, each stop could add from two to five hours to your flight duration. You’ve been warned.

If you're a savvy frequent flyer soaring the skies in first-class, chances are your baggage allowance would bring a gilded tear to even a Kardashian’s eye. Economy class, however, follows the golden rule of 'less is more'. So, if you have an insatiable desire to carry your entire wardrobe on vacation, an upgrade might be in order.

Another pointer to bear in mind, your bank account might do a happy jig if you book at the best time to book flights. Usually, this means a Tuesday or Wednesday, about three weeks in advance. Ignore this piece of advice and you may end up on last-minute flights, paying through your nose. But then, adrenaline junkies might find the idea of spontaneous travel alluring.

American Airlines in-flight services are a force to be reckoned with. Adorned with WiFi for those of us who are surgically attached to our devices, a galaxy of movies for the cinema enthusiasts, and snacks to calm grumbly bellies. But, don't spend your time in the skies only eating peanuts and playing Solitaire. Rather, sample San Diego's mystical aura through the window, floating amongst the puffs of cumulus and an ocean of cerulean blue.

One last nugget about the flight cancellation policy: It's flexible when the airline cancels, but shows its teeth when you do. So channel your inner Gandalf and say, 'You shall not cancel’! You may end up paying more than what your cheap flights originally cost!

Not to douse your flying enthusiasm with a bucket of sobering reality, but airline reviews do matter. American Airlines comes with an inferno of mixed reviews; equal parts elation and frustration. Well, flying half across the continent should come with a dash of drama, shouldn't it?

So pack your fedora, sunglasses, and SPF, and get ready to say a sun-kissed hello to San Diego. Here's to finding Indiana Jones' lost luggage, surfing the clouds, and collecting unforgettable memories a mile high!