Driving verses Flying

[Mamasboy96]

I have had all intentions of flying, but now I'm contemplating the drive. Pros and Cons for both.. What do most of you recommend? The drive is over 13 hours, and the flight is 2, but with the PIR most likely being in January I don't know what to do, you don't know about the weather, and financially it make sense to drive, rather than pay for flights for 3 people, and still have to rent a car.... But I hate traffic, and flying would be so much quicker unless there is bad weather, and we run into delayed/cancelled flights. Just looking for advice... Thanks

[CryptoDad]

Would you have multiple drivers? That would make the trip drivable in a single long day.

A quick look at Southwest Air shows one way fares from Atlanta to Chicago as low as $65. Toss in a mid-sized rental car and it totals at about $600 for 3 adults.

Driving 1600 miles r/t, figure about $200 for gas.

Weather? That's always a big unknown. I'd worry about the weather down south, where it seems that a minor snowstorm can throw things into total chaos. But those events are rare. Northern states handle winter storms better. And you are going to drive in the Chicago area either way.

I'd seriously consider driving. But I've been known to drive from Boston to North Chicago, 18 hours solo. Lots of coffee. That said, we flew to PIR because we were pressed for time. But we are driving from New England to Georgia for Thanksgiving this year.

[Mamasboy96]

My husband will be doing most of the driving, we just did a road trip to Missouri in July for his sons boot camp graduation. It wasn't that bad, and we would leave from Georgia on the Wednesday before PIR to give us plenty of time... Flying just seemed easier.. But I'm thinking we may go with the drive! Thanks!!

[Robbin]

I live in Chicago, and even though the weather is extremely unpredictable...I would fly.  After PIR, I would not want to have a 13 hour drive ahead of me.  I am going to be very emotional, and I would just want to get home asap.

If you need any help with navigating our fair city, please let me know!

 

Robbin

[Mamasboy96]

My husband would be doing most of the driving, and we would save so much money... But I like easy :).. But by the time we wait on flights, lines to rent and return a car, the drive might be the way to go. We went to Missouri for his sons boot camp graduation in July and although it wasn't that bad (except in Atlanta and Memphis) I swore I would NOT be driving to Chicago!! Traffic, especially in big cities make me really nervous (to the point I will be in tears) and it causes a bid argument (because apparently I'm being silly).... All those cars going 90 just scares me!!

[Mamasboy96]

I see where your son is leaving I'm November too, mine leaves on the 9th! I'm a wreck already!!

[Robbin]

Yes I am a wreck, too!  My saving grace is my faith and the fact that my son is very confident in his decision and looking forward to starting his career.

I understand about the traffic, but you don't have to go into Chicago to get to Great Lakes.  It may be shorter to cut through, but if you are nervous about the traffic, and it is pretty intimidating if you are from out of town, it can be beneficial to reroute away from the city.

Well being that we are both emotional Momma's we need to eliminate as much stress as we can.  Hahahahaha...I told my Dr. I need a few Xanax so I am not a bumbling idiot at graduation.  He accommodated me, so, if I feel that upset I will pop one of them babies and hopefully keep my self together.

 

 

[myhope]

We contemplated the same thing and really debated until I did a little research and came across a newer airline that we've never flown. If you are anywhere near Atlanta, check out Spirit. Think Southwest even more stripped down. We (three adults) just purchased our round trip tickets for $204! Granted, we are very minimalist travelers and that is without checking any bags. We will most likely choose to check or add an  additional carry on bag going (for items my SR wants), but we could not pay for the gas to drive at that price. We are still renting a car on the other end, but that is only running us about $100. If you are up for a little 'adventure' with a new cheap airline, it might be worth saving all those hours in the car. 

[myhope]

My son graduates 11/20, so I will certainly be happy to share how our experience goes afterward. 

I also read Robbin's comment and wanted to share (as a mom whose SR is about halfway through bootcamp) that was tougher than expected the day he left and I was pretty emotional yet very proud. However, my son too had made a very well thought out, prayed over, researched to death decision. He knew the answers to most of the questions anyone could come up with and had prepared us very well. All that being said, after about the three week mark, we are now very at peace with everything. Life is adjusting to a new normal for all of us. There is nothing better than hearing his confidence, excitement and eagerness for the next step. This mom is truly a proud Navy mom. It just takes us a little time to get there, but it does come :-)  Enjoy them while you have them at home and focus on the moment. Don't spend too much time counting down the days until they leave. Just enjoy the time together and talk about how they are feeling. 

[Ejsmom]

Spirit has some great fares but just be aware of their baggage rules. We found some great fares this summer but there were some pretty stringent luggage rules like they charge for carry ons except my daughter carried a draw string bag. Make sure you print out your boarding pass at home or they charge you for that. No snacks are offered on the flight. It worked for us but just wanted you to have a heads up.

[ReneeHum]

We just got back from our sons graduation. (10/30/15)  It took about 14 hours w/ gas & food brakes. It was long but cost less then flying & renting a car. We would drive again.

[Ejsmom]

I think that I would be concerned about the driving conditions between home and Chicago.  I am not used to driving in that kind of weather and if there are snow storms the roads might have delays.

[CryptoDad]

And the storms that  have you concerned wouldn't effect flying? Airline cancellations can delay you for days. Planes are more susceptible to major delays.  

I drove home for the holidays once, Boston to North Chicago, running into a big snowstorm in eastern PA. Pulled off the highway and waited for the snowplows, then fell in line behind them like a convoy. Delay? Maybe an hour or two.

Just saying, but in the end it comes down to your own comfort levels.