Which is cheaper: flying or driving?
By Gordon Powers, Sympatico / MSN Finance
Even ardent travellers are likely to find their summer excursions hampered by rising gas prices, which are once again averaging more than a dollar a litre. 83% vacationers are changing their travel plans because of the economy — either deciding to take trips at off-peak times or to make their summer vacation more of a staycation.
But if you’re one of the few still hoping to get away, which is cheaper: flying or driving? Although the car rental folks may see it otherwise, unless you’re rolling 3+ deep you might actually come out ahead flying, says the Associated Press. That’s because, compared with driving, taking a plane can prove to be faster, cheaper, and cleaner – as well as safer.
But is this as true on our side of the border?
Clearly, pinpointing the economic sweet spot in the transportation puzzle depends on several factors, including whether there’s actually any low-cost airline competition to be found, what type of vehicle you’re driving, the cost of gas, the wear and tear on your car, and how many people are hitting the road. And then there are all the airport security delays that didn’t exist a few years ago – as well as the environmental impact.
Driving offers a distinct advantage for larger families when it comes to airfares, while additional bodies translate into only a small increase in fuel costs. But what about the value of your time, particularly if you’re traveling solo or as a couple? Plus, no traffic jams. No wrangling over directions. No GPS fadeouts. No switching drivers. No fighting over who gets to plug in which iPod ....
How about you? Where’s the cut off? Do you drive, fly or use a combination of the two?
Posted by: Richard Smith | Jul 3, 2021 8:48:35 AM
Driving is way cheaper. If you fly you still have to rent a car and put gas in it. We are a couple who travel quite often and when we compare the costs it is far cheaper to drive. Example a flight for two to Hamilton from Winnipeg return even at a cheap rate ($179) is over $931 once all the taxes etc. have been added. Then add an economy car for two weeks is $753 more. Then you have gas for the two weeks at say $100. The total without food is $1,784. If you drive and take two nights each way it is $400 for the room (actual much cheaper), allow for $100 per day for food (actually cheaper) and gas up at 4 times each way at $40 per tank. The total cost is $1,120. If you have the time you can see the sights take your time and have a great vacation. The idea is to have a vacation. You dod not need to get there in one day. There are lots of things to see on both sides of the border. Have a great trip.
Posted by: James lewis | Jul 7, 2021 1:54:27 PM
I don't necessarily agree or disagree with Richard Smith's analysis - but do the math yourself for your own circumstances. Compare the cost of flights, car hire if you need one (cheaper with some affiliations and if you have a gold card), gas, food versus the cost of driving (hotels, food, car costs (wear and tear, gas for travel and at your destination) plus trading off time at your final destination vs time spent en route. Also look at the cost per day by averaging total cost over the number of days genuine holiday. For North American travel ( in Europe it can be FAR cheaper to fly from one country to anothel), sometimes I have decided to drive, sometimes to fly and hire a car depending on the costs of flights/gas/hotels at the time of travel, how long it takes to get to my final destination and sights en route.