Fly American from Rockford to Chicago

Oh, my jet-setting friends out there, brace yourself! Today, we are talking about the pilgrimage from the magical kingdom of Rockford, IL to the land of deep-dish pizzas, skyscrapers and broad shoulders - yes, you guessed it - Chicago, IL! But, requiem for a dream, we're not talking about an adrenaline fueled, testosterone surging, heart pounding road trip. We have our sights set high. Quite literally. We are planning on flying the friendly skies with American Airlines! Didn't see that coming, did you?

You see, flights between these two pearl cities of Illinois are more frequent than my neighbor's cat inviting herself into my apartment - and that happens quite often. Pay heed my friends, for "Flight schedule" is not a myth or folklore passed on from one frequent flyer to another, but a convenient reality. You'll find a plethora of direct flights, non-stop flights, and yes, cheap flights (Amen!) that will cater to the needs of the economy class, business class and misers alike.

The beauty of this journey? The flight duration is shorter than the time it takes me to decide whether to watch "Friends" or "The Office" on Netflix. Just when the flight attendant rolls up her cart asking, "Would you like the pretzels or the peanuts, sir?" you'd be landing at O'Hare or Midway, saying sayonara to Rockford for a while (Don't worry, it's a one-way flight. No commitments there).

Getting a one-way ticket isn’t the same as signing a peace treaty, but it certainly saves you from the horrors of clay-foot syndrome. You haven't experienced true terror until you've been greeted by the haunting specter of the check-in queue during rush hour at Rockford International. But with a one-way ticket in your hand, you’re free! As a bird. Or a plane.

So, fill your cup of wanderlust, buckle up, and make the best use of the generous baggage allowance the generous folks at American Airlines grant you. The airline reviews may vary, but as a person who considers "airplane food" gourmet dining, I assure you the in-flight services on this quick jaunt are pleasantly efficient. They get you from Rockford to Chicago faster than a sneeze, with as much 'achoo' in your attitude (we call it exuberance, darling).

Now sit back, grip the armrest, and put on those tiny airplane headphones as the captain flicks off that pesky seat belt sign. High above the billowing clouds, daydream about all the jazz, blues, and deep dish pizzas that await you in the Windy City. Just remember: if you happen to fly during peak meal times, donut (I mean, do not) drool when you smell the tantalizing scent wafting from the cabin's galley. Food first, sightseeing second. Plane rules.

So, fellow wanderer, it's high time you booked that ticket from Rockford to Chicago. And remember to maintain your mile-high wit with the Airline Miles Program! As they say - the best time to book a flight is when your heart says, "Pack your bags, buddy, it's time!" and your brain says, "Ah, heck! Why not?" Until then, may the airfare be ever in your favor!