Drive or Fly? I can't decide!!!!

[Casey's Mommie]

My dh and I are going to DL in September for our 5 year anniversary. It will be fun, but a little sad since we aren't taking our dd who will be turning two in August.

We are going Friday, September 5 through Tuesday, September 9. We are taking 1/2 a day on Friday, Monday and Tuesday off of work. The original plan was to fly friday afternoon and back home Tuesday late afternoon/early evening.


The Dilemma:

The cheapest way to do it is to fly out of Oakland into Ontario. Then we have to take a shuttle van from Ontario to our hotel.

On the way back it's cheaper to fly from SNA airport which is closer so the shuttle is a lot cheaper.

Flights/shuttles would cost $373. If we left at around 3 on Friday we could probably be at our hotel at 6.

If we drive the total gas would be around $150. We can't leave until 1 so that would mean not getting to the hotel around 8.

It's easier/cheaper to drive, but it we would get more disneyland time if we fly.

What would you do?

Thanks!!!

 

[janc]

I vote for more time at DL. I would fly. For me right now in my life my time is more important than my money.

Plus who knows what gas prices will be doing come Sept. I couldn't believe it when I saw Costco had gas for 4.13 a gallon today. Just last week it was 3.83 there.

 

[dmked]

I would drive...it is $200 cheaper, but like the PP said who knows how high gas will be come September! Also consider where you are staying, do they charge for parking? If you are taking off Monday and Tuesday, you could have dinner somewhere in DTD, go to DL all day Sat, Sun, Mon and most of Tues. That is plenty of time, I would save the $200 because that's a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere!

 

[samkj]

Go to Jetblue.com. You can get flights for $39 from San Jose to Long Beach. Total with taxes $198 plus $44 for shuttle, grand total of $242.

 

[SFBayDon]

My recent trip involved 2 late flights over 30 minutes late. With the luggage restictions it may be better to drive and catch up on your favorite podcast(s).

Having a car is also helpful as long as your hotel does not charge for parking

 

[NWPrincess]

I noticed that Alaska Airlines had some recent sales for flights from NoCal to SoCal for about $70 each way. I would check each week for their weekly online sales (especially as it gets closer to the Fall). I would also sign up for Southwest's DING on your computer. When there is a special, it will DING (we got flights in 2006 for $35 one way).

The great thing is you always have the drive to fall back on, so you can play it by ear, see if you can get a good deal with Alaska, JetBlue or Southwest (also try Virgin Airlines--I think they have some specials) and if nothing good comes, you can always drive. Although, you may want to book your hotel then at a place where you can change plans/cancel nights (try to get the Ent. Rate at the HoJo in Sept and you can cancel up to two days before you leave).

Just my two cents.

 

[kaoden39]

As one mother of a DD named Kacy to another I am facing the same dilema. I am leaning toward driving because we aren't going to be at Disneyland the whole time. So that might help you decide.

Michele

 

[Sleepless Knight]

It looks like flying vs. driving saves you a total of 2 hours. If there is a delay of any sort, you could wind up losing that extra 2 hours and paying more to boot. I'd take the savings from driving(even with gas) and put it towards something special for the anniversary and/or a gift of sorts for the little one who won't be along

 

[Casey's Mommie]

Thanks for your opinion everyone! I think we decided to drive.

 

[joeysmommy]

I vote for flying.

With gas at $4.22 (that's what I paid at Costco- Bay Area today) by September who knows how much it could be.

$150 might cover your gas one way from the Bay Area, depending on what type of car you have.

I also am on the fence in the same dilemma drive or fly. I'm leaning toward flying since flights on Jetblue are $54 each way OAk to LGB.

Also, if driving you will be pretty tired once you get there.

 

[Leofoenget]

Drive. I always vote for cheaper with a family. Have you checked out flying American? They are pretty cheap these days. I am in San Jose so I am in your area. I got round trip san jose to sna in sept for $120 may be up to $140 now not sure. That's only $280 as long as you dont check any bags. Hotwire a car that should be real cheap.

 

[Casey's Mommie]

I vote for flying.

With gas at $4.22 (that's what I paid at Costco- Bay Area today) by September who knows how much it could be.

$150 might cover your gas one way from the Bay Area, depending on what type of car you have.

I also am on the fence in the same dilemma drive or fly. I'm leaning toward flying since flights on Jetblue are $54 each way OAk to LGB.

Also, if driving you will be pretty tired once you get there.

The problem really isn't the cost of the flights, it's the cost of the shuttles. They are almost the same price as the flight itself!

I did the gas cost estimator thing on AAA. It estimated at $4.20/gallon w/ my type of car it would be a total cost of $150 round trip. Gas prices may certainly go up, but it still isn't going to come close to what it would if we were flying.

Also, with the car I won't be worried about my last day about "catching the shuttle". When we're done we'll just hop in the car and go.

Again, thanks everyone for their opinions! I really do appreciate it.

 

[CindyH]

I like driving - since I'm such a control freak, it gives me more say in where and when we stop.

I live in Marin County as well. Takes already 45 minutes to get to Livermore, isn't that a bummer!

 

[Casey's Mommie]

Yeah, it's a real bummer just getting to 5 from Marin... but it's ok, cuz the drive down is so exciting because you end up at Disneyland!

 

[jeniferjuniper]

Another one from Marin, we always drive. You don't save much time flying, and I just like the flexability of having a car and making up my own schedule. Last time we went, we had every intention of leaving at 2:00 pm, and didn't get out 'till 7:00.