How to Decide Which Is Cheaper: Driving or Flying This Summer
Now that we are in the third summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, some people who were uncomfortable traveling in 2020 or 2021 have decided to do so this year. Unfortunately, a combination of factors including high gas prices, a shortage of rental cars, rising airfare and reduced flights mean that summer 2022 travel won’t be cheap. (Or pleasant.)
When planning a trip, one of the most important decisions we have to make is how we get to our destination, which for most Americans means either a plane or a car. But which mode of transport is more profitable now?
Here are a few factors to consider when figuring out whether it will be cheaper to fly or drive this summer.
Number of people walking
It helps break down travel costs by price per person, Scott Keys, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights , recently told the Washington Post . Let’s say you’re heading to Nashville and the round-trip airfare is $300 and gas will only cost $250 (and you have your own car).
If you’re traveling alone (and look solely at airfare versus gas and no other factors), flying will be cheaper than driving. But if you’re traveling with someone else (or additional people), driving is likely to be the more affordable option.
What do you do when you get there
What is on your agenda once you arrive at your destination? If you stick to one area that is walkable or has decent public transportation in the first place, you can get away without having to rent a car for the duration of your trip.
But if your plans include exploring a location that requires a car to get around and you prefer to fly rather than drive to your destination, you may need to rent a car upon arrival. Be sure to include the cost of car rental (and gas) in your estimated expenses.
The value of your time and mental well-being
In addition to the monetary cost, also consider the value of your time and mental well-being.
For example, spending time at a crowded airport waiting for a flight that could eventually be canceled will cause you so much stress that you find it hard to relax for the rest of your trip? Or would driving technically be cheaper than flying, but take three times as long?
Not everyone has the luxury of considering the value of their time and well-being, but if you do, it’s not something to ignore.