Cheaper to Fly or Drive? AAA Arizona Has the Answer

Phoenix, Ariz. May 16, 2007 – If relentless gas prices have travelers wondering what the most economical route to their summer vacation may be, AAA Arizona has the answer. After comparing the costs of driving to flying for several popular destinations, the auto club discovered that driving might still be the cheapest way to travel this summer. 

”Now that gas prices have shot past the $3 mark, many summer travelers may be wondering what their cheapest mode of transportation will be,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Our research found that single travelers might be better off purchasing a plane ticket since they would otherwise be forced to pay for fuel and do all of the driving on their own. 

Travelers considering flying should also take into account whether or not they will need a vehicle to get around once they arrive at their destination, and factor in any costs associated with renting one. Families on the other hand, will still save money by driving as opposed to purchasing multiple plane tickets”

To show a range of travel costs, AAA picked four popular destinations to determine their costs in different modes of transport. The auto club used Phoenix as its starting point and www.fuelcostcalculator.com to estimate round trip fuel costs for 2007 models of a 30/38 miles per gallon sedan to represent a party of two and a 17/23 miles per gallon sport utility vehicle to represent a family of four. Airfares were taken from Southwest Airlines and include taxes.

Here’s what AAA found:

Travel Mode	Phoenix to San Diego	Phoenix to Las Vegas	Phoenix to Albuquerque	Phoenix to Denver
Roundtrip in Sedan	$71.72	$58.00	$91.06	$176.68
Roundtrip in SUV	$104.32	$84.36	$132.44	$256.98
Airfare for one	$118.80	$118.30	$117.30	$138.80
Airfare for Two	$237.60	$256	$234	$277.00
Airfare for Four	$475.20	$513	$470	$555.00
Roundtrip Distance	700 miles	592 miles	922 miles	1,796 miles
Travel Time by Car (1-way)	5.25 hours	5.5 hours	6.75 hours	13 hours
Travel Time by Air (1-way)	1 hour	1 hour	2 hours	2 hours

“While driving still appears to be the most economical way for families to travel this summer, vacation-goers can save money this summer whether they decide to fly or drive,” said Gorman.

“There are several ways to cut vacation costs without cutting into fun.” 

AAA Arizona recommends the following money-saving vacation tips:

• If you decide to drive, budget your fuel costs in advnace. Use AAA’s Fuel Price Finder to find the cheapest gas along your route and www.fuelcostcalculator.com to determine what your roundtrip fuel costs will be based on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Travelers who use the online mapping tool, Internet TripTik® can also plot the cheapest gas stations along their route as well.

• If you decide to fly, book as early as possible to get the best airfares.

• Consider traveling during off-peak hours, when major airport hubs are less busy such as the early morning or late afternoon.

• Bring your own food. You can bring enough to feed the family for one or more meals a day to cut back on the costs of eating out.

• If you run out of snacks, suncreen or any other necessity, replenish your supply from a grocery store as opposed to a convenience store.

• Bring your own stroller so you do not have to rent one daily.

• Purchase traveler’s checks and try to bring enough cash to avoid the use of ATM machines and surcharges.

• AAA members can also save by taking advantage of AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program. Members who show their AAA card to over 155 nationwide partners can save on attraction tickets, lodging, dining and much more. Members can learn more by visiting www.aaa.com and clicking “savings” from the home page.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 750,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.