Fly or Drive

[Sirius]

Fly:
Least Expensive fare: $184 x 2 = $368 (Anyone know anything about Independence Air?)
Time: 2 hours
arrive POR: 5pm
depart POR - 2pm

or for almost $500 arrive in the AM (10ish) and depart in the PM (4ish)

Drive:
Time: 11 hours x 2
Distance: 670 miles x 2
Cost: $110 or more in gas + food + ? (RT)

It's almost a wash for me.

Which would you do?

 

[Lora]

We have a breaking point for flying over driving. Our trip is more like 22 hrs. one way (not counting stops). If we get a fare for around $200 pp (there are 4 of us), we consider flying. We like to have a car while on vacation, so many times we'll rent a car for part of the time. Of course, that adds to the expense.

Sorry I can't help you with the airline. I've never heard of it.

 

[Sirius]

Thanks for the input. I think we are leaning towards driving. I think it'll be fun since we've never done it.

 

[sue1013]

I wouldn't drive if it cost me nothing. Looks like you'd have at least a 9 hour drive. We did drive once never again. Driving to me is very boring and makes me tired. I'd much rather start my vacation off in a good mood.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I didn't vote because I currently live in Western Kentucky and we do both about equally. It just depends on who is going, how long we are going, etc. For example, last fall dh and I went to WDW for 4 days. Well, flying was a no-brainer for us. We had a Delta flight out of Louisville early, early on a Saturday morning and returned late Tuesday night. At the end of May, we took the 3 children for 8 days (which actually turned into 10); so we drove. It was less expensive to drive (although not much given SW's internet fairs at the beginning of May),and it gave us more flexibility with the kids. If you have the time, it's not a bad drive at all. Dh and I are now doing the same debate for another long weekend trip for ourselves. We haven't much time, but the airfares from here are ridiculously high.

 

[Densgirl]

We drive from just south of Boston and the trip is 22-24 hrs if we drive straight through. My DH likes to drive. For him that is part of the vacation. He loves to drive and HATES to fly. Well, actually he just thinks he does he's never even tried it. My brother and I are flying for the first time in 10 yrs this September though. If it was me I'd probably choose flying.

 

[SuzEm]

I've always driven from Nashville - until this year and flew SW. Got their $39 one way fare for each of us, so it was actually cheaper to fly. After experiencing getting there in 2 hours versus 12 - I may never drive again! We weren't worn out getting there - or getting home - and we had more time in the parks!

 

[Christine]

I can't believe you can't get a better rate than $184 on Independence from Tennessee. I got $118 RT on Indepence from DC.

 

[Sirius]

I can't believe you can't get a better rate than $184 on Independence from Tennessee. I got $118 RT on Indepence from DC.

That's the cheapest rate I've seen out of TYS to MCO in years. It's around $250 on Delta and it just goes up from there.

 

[Christine]

That's the cheapest rate I've seen out of TYS to MCO in years. It's around $250 on Delta and it just goes up from there.

That's terrible. I might consider driving at that rate. Eleven hours is YUCKY but definitely doable in one day. I've driven from DC before and it was about 13 hours. Not great. I think I'd plan on driving and keep checking the airfare.

 

[cranbiz]

I fly sometimes and drive sometimes. I'm coming from southeastern MA and it's anywhere from 19 hours to 24 hours. If i'm going with the entire family, I'll drive almost every time, but if it's just me and DW we fly.

In your situatuation, do you need a car when there? If so, then you need to factor in a rental also.

I have flown Independence before and they are a great airline to fly on, The CRJ's load quick and you can gate check your carry on's and pick them up right away. I have not flown on the A319's yet, but understand that they have seat back TV's. Do you have a direct flight to MCO or do you have to change planes at IAD?

Changing planes at Dulles may significantly increase your travel time. I would most likely drive in your situation if you have to change at Dulles and need a rental when you get there.

If you decide to fly, sign up at Flyi.com and become a member of their club. They have been known to have some great sales for members.

 

[Sirius]

That's terrible. I might consider driving at that rate. Eleven hours is YUCKY but definitely doable in one day. I've driven from DC before and it was about 13 hours. Not great. I think I'd plan on driving and keep checking the airfare.

I think that's what I'll do. It's just under 4 months until our trip. Maybe between now and 21 days out I'll hit a really good fare. (We need a "fingers crossed" smilie.)


I guess I'll just wait.