Which would you choose? IND to DCA and back

Old Mar 11th, 2008, 07:25 PM
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Which would you choose? IND to DCA and back

I've been researching airlines for a trip to DC this november, and AirTran was the cheapest far as I saw. I'm definitely on a budget. So far have no problems choosing a flight there, but the returning flight is a little harder.

It's basically between two later flights. One leaves at 4:39PM and has a 4 hour 35 min. delay at Atlanta, for $101. The other leaves at 6:49 PM with a 2 hour 25 minute delay, for $147. Both arrive at the same time to IND, 12:33.

The first one is cheaper, but i'd have to arrive a lot earlier, and being stuck in an airport for 4+ hours doesn't sound appealing. But while the other would leave a little time to maybe check out one last sight or so, and I don't have as much time waiting in the middle, it is more expensive.

I'm not really sure which one to choose. This is the first time that I've ever planned a trip or booked any airline tickets, the only other time i've been on a plane was right before 3rd grade!

Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
caladrius is offline  
Old Mar 11th, 2008, 07:31 PM
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This is a simple question.

Which is worth more to you - $36 or 130 minutes in DC?

Only you can answer that.
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Old Mar 12th, 2008, 04:02 AM
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Personally, I would fly IND to BWI on Southwest non-stop. I'd wait a few months as I don't think SW is even selling flights for Nov yet.

Current fares (for May) are as low as $189 round trip, so I would expect Nov fares to be in that ballpark.
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Old Mar 12th, 2008, 11:46 AM
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Some things I would consider are how long it will take to get to and through the airport. I can't remember when the homeward bound congestion is in DC, but avoiding it could save you some time.

I also like to avoid taking the last plane of the day. If it has problems, your are really inconvenienced. If you are scheduled on an earlier flight and it has problems, there is always the hope they can get you onto the next flight and you will not suffer overnighting.

Also, I would consider the extra hours at Atlanta a good time to walk around and even get an early dinner. The shorter stay of the later flight does not really give you a lot of time to find a good place to eat, and time to enjoy the meal. Of course, this wouldn't matter if you like fast food.

My wife and I always carryon good books, and reading helps to pass the terminal hours, as well as those in flight.

Finally, the lower price of the earlier flight is always something to consider; basically, you are getting the same service at a good cash discount, even if you are spending a couple of extra hours.
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Old Mar 12th, 2008, 10:55 PM
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Thank you, I might just go with the earlier but longer flight.

Hopefully I'll avoid the afternoon rush by arriving at the airport really early. I won't be driving anytime in this trip, and as I'm not used to any sort of public transportation, I wanted to go with the closer airport, to make it simpler. Least I hope it'll be simpler.

And a good dinner sounds great! Is there any decent and not expensive restaurants in/right by the airport?

Definitely will bring a book, maybe two if I can fit it in.

Thanks!


Now to decide whether to get them soon or wait...
caladrius is offline  
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