According to the Car Care Council, the cost for a family of four traveling by car is about the same as one person traveling by air.
Based on a family of four traveling 1,000 miles round-trip, the council compared the cost of flying vs. driving.
By Air:
A family of four traveling by air will spend approximately $1,324 for tickets, based on recent statistics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Add to that transportation to and from the airport and/or parking.
By Car:
If gasoline prices were as high as $5 a gallon, the cost for a family of four traveling by SUV would be $314.
That estimate not only includes the cost of gasoline but also tire wear and maintenance, based on the American Automobile Association’s vehicle operating costs.
Other advantages include:
• Leave when you want from where you want
• No airport parking
• No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines
• No weather delays
• Pack whatever and as much as you want
• Stop and stretch anytime
• More and better meal options
• No rental car or taxi expenses
• More legroom and overall comfort
• No strangers sitting next to you
• Enjoy the ride.
Before taking a long road trip, be sure to give your car a quick checkup. If any repairs need to be made, it would be better to make them at home at a repair shop you know and trust.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair for consumers.
For a copy of the council’s “Car Care Guide” or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.
