High airfare vs. gas prices

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I have to go to FL this summer and just can't make up my mind whether to drive or fly. After playing around on Kayak.com, my best case scenario for flying (one ticket to FL, three tickets returning, plus rental car) is $665; assuming gas to be $5/gallon and two nights' hotel (one night each way), driving would be about $700. Are there any frequent or savvy travelers out there who think one might end up a significantly better deal than the other?

 

[CarolMN]

How valuable is your time? Do you like to drive? What about the other 2 passengers - how do they feel?

If it were me, I'd book now and fly, but I couldn't stand 4 days in a car - no matter who my companions were, LOL! (And I also wouldn't want to "waste" 4 days of vacation time.

Best wishes -

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

What about Southwest?

With the prices being so close, I would probably vote for flying because once you take into consideration time spent and wear and tear on the vehicle plus meals on the road.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I'm a teacher, so theoretically, I have all summer to get there and back - time is not a major factor. We drove last year and have no issues with it, though I prefer flying just because it does feel better to get to the destination more quickly. Unfortunately, Southwest is not an option for us - factoring in the driving time and hotel costs to travel to an airport with lower fares cancels both the savings and the time advantage. It really does feel like six of one and a half dozen of the other! I suppose if worse comes to worst, I can dither until the last minute and have the decision to drive "forced" on me... In the meantime, though, thanks! And I still welcome any other insights I may have overlooked!