Everyone knows flying can be a hassle these days but it does get us to our destinations faster than driving .... or does it? Given some of my last few trips I am not sure. Take for example my recent flight from Grand Junction, CO to Kansas City. It was supposed to be about 4 hours with one stop. It took over 10 hours with delays and that did not even count driving home from the airport. I could have rented a car and driven home in about 8 hours and saved some money as well.
I am confident the domestic airlines have to realize that their competition is not each other but people using other forms of transportation. We visit Hilton Head Island every year and drive. Family and friends often say we are nuts! Well we have the comfort of our minivan, kids have movies, adults have leg room, and I do not need to fight the person in front of me about reclining their seat! The flight to Savannah with one stop is about 6 hours (with no delays though Atlanta - yeah right!), add in driving to the the airport, getting there 1 hour early, renting a car, and then driving to Hilton Head you are at about 9 - 10 hours. For just a few hours more and driving we save hundreds of dollars and have the comforts of home.
Today you can take a cruise within a days drive of most major cities. You can sail from Galveston, New Orleans, Charleston, Boston, and New York. You can visit Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. In today's stressful times and the fact you can 'drive' to exotic ports cruising is a vacation that will give a lifetime of memories at a great value.
So the next time you are booking that flight for your family take the time to do the math of cost and time (include the almost certain delays and hidden fees) for your complete journey. You might be surprised that if you drive it will save you tons of cash and get you to your destination not much past your 'fly' time.
Happy Cruising !
No comments:
Post a Comment