By air or by car? Near or far, driving still costs less

Even if gas prices hit $5 a gallon this summer, hitting the highway for a family vacation will still cost less than flying, according to the Car Care Council.

“Even with gas prices considerably higher than last year, the cost of driving is a much better deal compared with going by air,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. In addition, “rising ticket prices, fewer daily flights, fuller planes, limited baggage, fewer non-stops and longer layovers between connecting flights doesn’t paint a pretty picture of flying.”

Based on a family of four traveling 1,000 miles round-trip, the council compared the cost of flying vs. driving. Here’s what they found:

By air: A family of four traveling by air will spend an average of $1,508 for tickets, based on 2010 third quarter information from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Add to this cost checked baggage fees, transportation to and from the airport, and/or parking.

By vehicle: If gasoline prices were $5 a gallon, the cost for a family of four traveling by SUV would be about $350. This number includes the cost of gasoline plus tire wear and maintenance based on the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) vehicle operating costs.

In addition to the direct cost savings, the Council points out the advantages of driving over flying:

• Leave when you want from where you want.
• No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines.
• No weather delays. (Well, fewer weather delays.)
• Pack whatever and as much as you want.
• Stop and stretch any time.
• More and better meal options.
• No rental car or taxi expenses.
• More legroom and overall comfort.
• No strangers sitting next to you.
• Convenience and ease of taking your pet with you.
• Better able to enjoy the ride.

It’s only fair to acknowledge that many people fly because of how fast it is. But for a 1,000-mile round trip, the time savings is less of a factor. One weather delay or mechanical issue, and your time savings is nil.

The Car Care Council is a consumer education organization that manages the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign to promote the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.