How bad is it?

[MI_firefighter]

WIth the current airfare rates, I am thinking about driving down from the Detroit area for my early March trip. How bad is the drive and is it worth the extra money for the airfare?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Brian Noble]

Depends on how much your time is worth, and how you would attack the trip. I'm to the point where I just can't drive through the night---that's a young man's game, and I'm not young. So, from A2, I'd be looking at two full days of driving, vs a half-day to fly each way. I'm not sure where you live, but if you are anywhere near DTW, Southwest, AirTran, and Spirit all fly to MCO out of there and force Delta to compete on the route. Prices are a little higher this year than they were in past years, but it's not that much. If it comes to the point that my budget gets pinched, I'd rather skip a few TS meals or downgrade my lodging and still be able to fly.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Think about the weather too. Early March means snow storms are still possible. Remember that states south of Kentucky do not have the resources for snow removal and a mear 2 inches of snow can shut down a city.

 

[sam_gordon]

Think about the weather too. Early March means snow storms are still possible. Remember that states south of Kentucky do not have the resources for snow removal and a mear 2 inches of snow can shut down a city.

Heck, KENTUCKY doesn't have the resources for snow removal.

OK, they might be able to handle 4 inches... but after that...

 

[budbeerlady]

From Detroit I would look at Airtrans rates, we usually can fly nonstop from DTW to MCO for $159-179 plus baggage. I wouldnt torture myself with the long drive in the fun MI weather, with my luck that would be the week we have the last MI snowstorm.

 

[Brian Noble]

we usually can fly nonstop from DTW to MCO for $159-179 plus baggage

I would expect March to be a little more expensive, especially this year.

 

[grimley1968]

Heck, KENTUCKY doesn't have the resources for snow removal.

OK, they might be able to handle 4 inches... but after that...

Hey, I resent that!

But it's true.

 

[MI_firefighter]

Thanks for all the advice. I really think we will fly but I wanted to explore the driving option first. Who knows, maybe airfare will drop some.

 

[dzneelvr]

Sorry I'm jumping on this after your decision, but I'd leave a drive option to the months where snow and especially ice, are not even an issue. From our location, I had to add an extra day of drive time at each end of our vacation, plus we were basically "car-lagged" when we arrived at the resort the first day and needed nap time built in. That was in June. We hit bad rain through the Smokey Mountains and well into Georgia...and let me tell you the drive got pretty scary in the Mountains when you couldn't see and the semis were zigging and zagging I couldn't imagine that leg of the trip with snow and ice You've got time to save up some money. A flight is fantastic

 

[micheleq]

I just booked AirTran from DTW to MCO for President's Day week and it wasn't too bad considering it's a holiday. We usually fly Delta but AirTran had the best rates for non-stops. Keep checking and when you see a good deal, go for it! I know how exhausted I am after I drive from Detroit back to CT (12 hours), so if you can fly, do so. Good luck!

 

[Sandi]

I refuse to use 4 days of my vacation time driving (there and back). Just keep checking fares and, when you find something you can live with, book it. March and April are going to be more expensive due to Spring Breaks and Easter, but it's just part of the calculation. Occasionally Flint's Airtran rates are better than DTW, so keep that in mind, too.

If I had unlimited time, then I wouldn't mind driving. But not until retirement!