How far would you drive to save on airfare? We're in the northeast, which means we're located fairly close to several airports, but Philly is the closest. It's about an hour from us. However, we can save about $140/ticket right now by flying out of Newark or Regan in Washington DC. Both of those are just over 100 miles as compared to 45 miles away for Philly. By the time we add the taxes and multiply it by four of us, it's a savings of close to $700! However, it would mean having to stay the night before leaving at a hotel since the flight out leaves at 6 am (from all three airports). All three flights have the same connecting flight in Miami, so we'd arrive at the same time in SJO regardless.

Is it worth it to change a 1 hr drive to the airport to 2 1/2 for that savings? Would you do it? Not to mention the unfamiliarity of the airport? Just looking for some opinions....Of course this is all based on the flights prices as of today, but I'm betting that's the trend in the costs.

Thanks!

I'd do it for sure. That's a lot of money! If you can get a $100/night hotel for the airport stay of course that would be nice. Don't know if that's possible...? I know some people are going to say no, that they prefer the convenience of being closer to the airport, but that's a pretty big overall difference in the cost of the trip in my opinion.

Good luck deciding.

I live in the midwest, small airport 20 minutes away. Many people here are willing to drive the 200+ miles to get to Chicago or Kansas City for cheaper fares. It's not worth it to me.

However, I will drive the 100 miles to get to Des Moines if it's a significant savings. At $140.00 per person and four of you, I'd make the 100 mile drive.

My friend from Philly always comes to Newark for her flights. Her husband doesn't mind driving her and depending on the traffic it's not a bad trip. Do you know that you can take the train from Philly right to Newark airport? You can even buy your ticket including the train portion on Continental.Have fun on your trip

hello Shelld, we usually fly out of Philly or Balt/Wash. whichever is cheapest but just a suggestion. If we have an early flight we always stay at a hotel that has park and fly. That way you dont have to pay for a parking fee plus you are that much closer to the airport. The motel will shuttle you to and from the hotel for free. You pay for just the cost of the room which in about which is usually close to what you pay for just the parking.
So you get to stay near the airport, dont have the worries of driving to and from the airport(they drop you off right at your airline terminal) and your parking is included. Something you really should look into. You probably can google park and fly and locate hotels that will do that for you.

I would go for it, especially if you can get a good rate at a nearby hotel with a shuttle. Maybe even get your trip off real smoothly as there won't be any last minute things that always tie you up at your house, you'll be packed and ready to go.

I saved about $400 once on a London trip driving to Orlando, about 90 minutes away, and with an odd layover (in Iceland, which actually was ind of cool) and it worked out great.

One thing though...how would you get there? Cause I know here at our airport even long term parking rates are incredibly high which over time could cut into the savings you had.