Flying to your next destination is generally thought of as a more convenient and quicker way to travel than alternatives. However, it comes with sitting on a plane with a number of strangers—often getting closer than you’d like to due to the confined space and limited personal boundaries.
In contrast, driving can take longer but allows you the freedom to be in control and choose the path you want—either the typical highway or the road less traveled. Below, we’ll look at why driving may be a better option than flying and the benefits it brings.
Driving vs. Flying by Numbers
Before considering why driving may beat flying, it is essential to understand that this is a prevalent option, regardless of belief. In the USA, reports indicate that nine out of every ten long-distance trips entail using a personal motor vehicle.
Further studies conducted through survey research revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans state that they prefer driving over flying when traveling for leisure. This, tying into the culture of classic American road trips, seems to have endured into the current generation, and cars remain the preferred way to travel.
Advantages of Driving Over Flying
Despite the convenience of flying, there are distinct advantages to driving that flying cannot compete with. These range from financial to emotional and can all help you decide whether to drive or fly to your next destination.
Cost-Effectiveness
Although the cost-effectiveness of driving diminishes if you’re a single traveler, those traveling in large groups can often spend significantly less money by driving rather than flying, as the cost of airfare for multiple people can quickly overtake the cost of driving to a destination.
In addition to airfare, multiple other costs also need to be considered, which can make driving the cheaper option. These include airport parking costs (or costs to get to the airport, such as a taxi or Uber), baggage fees, and car rental or private driver at your destination (if you need one). Once all these are considered, driving (including tolls and maintenance) can be substantially easier on your wallet.
Flexibility
One of the most iconic aspects of an American road trip is the flexibility to leave as and when you choose. Flying eradicates travel flexibility by forcing you to arrive at the airport precisely on time to ensure that you catch your flight—or get left behind.
Driving, however, gives you the choice not only of when you leave but also of how long you stay at each stop along the way. This flexibility also suits modern lifestyles, where something may come up and cause a delay in departure. In these instances, rather than worrying about changing your ticket, you can get in the car when you’re ready and start on your way.
Freedom to Explore
Flying to a destination is incredibly convenient because, unless you have connecting flights, you depart from one place and arrive at another. This cuts down traveling and gives you more time at your end destination. However, it means you miss out on anything you may find between your departure and arrival points—from quaint stores in alleyways to residents of towns that can give you the rundown on the best places for social gambling.
Driving to a destination and making a road trip out of it allows you to explore places and see things you’d likely otherwise never experience. From seeing quaint towns in the middle of nowhere to discovering a new scenic route, a road trip has a unique way of providing special surprises to make your drive an unforgettable adventure.
Comfort
Depending on how many of you need to fit in the vehicle, driving can often provide a much more comfortable journey than flying. This isn’t, however, only because you don’t have to worry about being packed into an airplane with a bunch of strangers.
Driving allows you to avoid the long queues often experienced at airports and experience the comfort of your personal space. Additionally, driving your own car makes you feel more comfortable as you travel, as you can set your own climate control, drive at your preferred pace, and blast your favorite road trip mix on the stereo.
Environmental Considerations
Despite the vast difference in engine size between a jumbo jet and a car, airplanes have often been considered the more environmentally friendly method of travel. However, for short-distance trips or those where multiple passengers travel in a single car, driving can impact the planet less.
The reason for this is airplanes have a set carbon emission count per passenger. This count changes depending on the airplane’s weight and how many miles it needs to travel. However, in many cases (and all instances where a short trip is undertaken), the carbon emission count per passenger when driving is calculated as lower, meaning that driving with others can be better for the planet.
Safety
Modern aviation is a marvel of technological advancement, making the industry incredibly safe for all passengers and crew. These advancements have made air travel the safest form of travel in the US and many other countries. However, despite having a lower chance of being in an accident when flying, you may still be safer when driving in other ways.
Flying together with others in a pressurized airplane means that you could catch an illness from somebody else or be exposed to something that could cause you to feel ill. Driving mitigates this risk because you travel only with those you know and have invited into your vehicle, reducing the likelihood of falling ill.
Conclusion
While driving and flying both have their merits, there are clear reasons why driving remains the favorite option for millions of Americans. Aside from fulfilling the dream of going on a classic American road trip, various other practical aspects make driving more appealing than flying.
