Do you prefer driving or flying? (Or trains or buses or boats or whatever)

[Golfingdad]

The topic came up this morning because I'm (hopefully) going to Bandon Dunes next year.  My brother wants me to drive with him, which will be about a 15 hour total drive for me (10 hours after I pick him up), whereas flying would be something on the order of 5 hours total.

It feels like a no-brainer to me, but some buddies of mine are adamant that driving is better than flying.  For me, if its not too expensive and it saves time, then I'm flying every time.  Vegas is a good example of the threshold for me.  I'm happy to drive there if I have to (4 hours or so) but if the plane ticket is reasonable, then the 45 minute flight trumps the drive every time.

So, just in general, what are your preferred forms of transportation and why?

[mchepp]

I fly. Even though I really don't like the process of flying. I hate checking bags, I hate waiting in the security line, I hate taking off my shoes, I hate waiting at the gate, I don't like the kid kicking the back of my seat. But I love arriving fresh. Trade offs I guess.

My limit is 5 hours of driving. My rear end starts to hurt if I need to sit in the car for longer than that.

I still am questioning your logic to Bandon. It is not an easy place to fly into.

[iacas]

I fly. Even though I really don't like the process of flying. I hate checking bags, I hate waiting in the security line, I hate taking off my shoes, I hate waiting at the gate, I don't like the kid kicking the back of my seat. But I love arriving fresh. Trade offs I guess.

None of those things imply "arriving fresh." I don't feel fresh at the end of a flight.

I've driven 18 hours in one day to avoid flying. Flying from Erie to Orlando is essentially a full-day activity already, and we could pack what we wanted, wear what we wanted, visit restrooms, buy food, etc. all when we wanted. We could carefully control the temperature. Play the radio. Yell and make fun of people and carry on a conversation. Etc.

I won't say I "like" driving, but I don't dislike it at all, really.

[David in FL]

Assuming no great cost differential, including factoring in the availability/need for transportation at the destination, I'll fly every time.

[Golfingdad]

I still am questioning your logic to Bandon. It is not an easy place to fly into.

There's no logic yet - I haven't really looked much into it.  I'm going off the assumption that the airport I looked at really was 30 minutes away from the resort.

[iacas]

Assuming no great cost differential, including factoring in the availability/need for transportation at the destination, I'll fly every time.

Define "great cost differential." (Not really asking… it's going to be different for everyone.)

We saved about $800 driving to Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show week over flying, AND had a better experience.

[boogielicious]

Depends on the distance and convenience. If there are a lot of connections or traffic to deal with, then the option will change.  I would say flying for trips >10 hours.

[nevets88]

I prefer flying, but I have a very high tolerance for crappy transportation experiences and I did the Boston-NYC commute for a bit. It's a little better now you can use your smartphone the whole trip. If I were in Europe or Asia, I'd go in favor towards trains, but not on holidays.

[Patch]

We pretty much drive every trip we take.  It just easier for us, and just as comfortable as flying. Only time we fly is when it is absolutely necessary to get some where fast, usually for a family emergency.

The OP mentioned Bandon. We drive up there once every couple of years. It's just a big loop for us, and no less than 7 different golf courses along the way.  We just decide it's "road trip" time and go .

When I was working, I had to go to SoCal a lot from Vegas. I usually rented a car and drove it. I found that by the time I drove from my home  to  LAS, then flew to LAX  (or other airports), got off the plane, rented a car, drove to my destination, it was just about the same amount of time as driving. Quite a few of those business trips "required" some golfing. Lot easier traveling with my clubs in the trunk, than checking them back and forth .

To me the best part of driving is that I am in control of whats going on during the trip. We can stop when ever we want, or drive as far as we want.

Price of travel has lot to do with our preferred mode of travel. Flying has become too expensive. Example; I drive to Ft Worth every so often. Round trip is about 2400 miles. To fly to DFW is around $600 round trip, assuming I can get a "deal". If my wife travels with me it's $1000. We could drive there and back, more comfortably, for $400 when gas was near the $4 a gallon range. Right now we could do the trip for $200. If we take the motor home, it's about $70 more, and in total comfort.

[billchao]

My family goes to Disney World at least once a year and we usually fly. I'm very comfortable with flying and usually just fall asleep on tarmac before takeoff. We drove for the first time this past trip and it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It cost half the price, I was able to take my clubs and pull cart with me for free, and we had a car to use down there (on top of other advantages that probably wouldn't be relevant in your case). It really made a lot of sense because we were taking five people for the price of two plane tickets and because I brought my clubs with me, I played a lot of golf. The drive was about 14-15 hours each way, including stops. The two hour flight to Orlando usually takes up about five to six hours of my day, so we did basically lose a day, but it was worth it for us. For me, the biggest factor against driving long distances is fatigue. I get highway hypnosis (not really sure if it's that or I just get tired from sitting for long periods), so after about four hours or so, I need a decent break. My wife and I switched pretty often and it worked out fine, but if I'm traveling by myself, I prefer flying.

[Golfingdad]

To me the best part of driving is that I am in control of whats going on during the trip. We can stop when ever we want, or drive as far as we want.

Pretty much the exact opposite of this is why I prefer flying when its feasible.  When you are driving, you have to drive.  You can't read a book, you can't play on your computer, you can't do work, you can't get up and stretch your legs whenever you want to, you can't get the kids settled unless you pull over, etc, etc.

When flying, once you get through security, then you don't really have to worry about anything else.

[dsc123]

I voted driving, though its very situation dependent.  My family is about a 5 hour drive, my in laws are 8.  I hate the drive from DC to Boston, but it comes down to flexibility.  If I drive, I can change my plans, leave when I want to, go where I want when I'm there, etc.

If the train were quicker or cheaper I'd take it over flying.  I prefer the relaxed pace, it just takes so damn long to get anywhere.  And on top of that, flights are usually about the same price.  I want to take the train, but never do.

[newtogolf]

I like flying but I hate checking my luggage, going through security and waiting for the flight to take off.   I have flown on private jets and I have to say I'm spoiled as a result of it.  Driving up to a hanger, walking right onto the plane and landing with a car waiting at the FBO is the best way to travel.

I don't mind driving shorter distances but beyond 6 hours it takes its toll on me and unless I have a day to waste I'd rather fly.

[nevets88]

I voted driving, though its very situation dependent.  My family is about a 5 hour drive, my in laws are 8.  I hate the drive from DC to Boston, but it comes down to flexibility.  If I drive, I can change my plans, leave when I want to, go where I want when I'm there, etc.

If the train were quicker or cheaper I'd take it over flying.  I prefer the relaxed pace, it just takes so damn long to get anywhere.  And on top of that, flights are usually about the same price.  I want to take the train, but never do.

Amtrak Acela, such a disappointment.

[dsc123]

Amtrak Acela, such a disappointment.

Yeah, I mean, I've tried that and there are fewer stops, but it still only gets me to Penn Station. Then I've got to switch to the lirr and ride another 45 minutes... Just not worth it.

[mvmac]

The topic came up this morning because I'm (hopefully) going to Bandon Dunes next year.  My brother wants me to drive with him, which will be about a 15 hour total drive for me (10 hours after I pick him up), whereas flying would be something on the order of 5 hours total.

It feels like a no-brainer to me, but some buddies of mine are adamant that driving is better than flying.  For me, if its not too expensive and it saves time, then I'm flying every time.  Vegas is a good example of the threshold for me.  I'm happy to drive there if I have to (4 hours or so) but if the plane ticket is reasonable, then the 45 minute flight trumps the drive every time.

So, just in general, what are your preferred forms of transportation and why?

If it's more than an 8 hour drive then I'm probably flying. So I voted for flying.

Yes, Vegas is the same for me, I've done both the past few years. I'm actually driving there this Thursday to take my son to an archery tournament. We're driving because it allows us to be more flexible with the schedule and luggage and three of us are going. Same kind of thing with going to Phoenix, just depends on the situation and what mood I'm in.

[Golfingdad]

Same kind of thing with going to Phoenix, just depends on the situation and what mood I'm in.

And who might be in the car with you.

[davedove]

For me, it's all about what I can control in the trip, and for me that means driving is better.  At least once or twice a year I drive from Maryland to Illinois to visit my parents.  Because they are three hours away from a major airport and I am an hour from any, by the time I would get through all the flying connections, I don't save significant time.  Yeah, it's tiring driving that long (about 14 hours) and I sometimes make it a two day trip.  Plus, I can stop whenever I want, eat whenever and wherever I want, and already have my local transportation when I get to my destination.

I do fly to other places when it's impossible or impractical to drive, but my preference is definitely driving.