How to Calculate the Difference Between Flying & Driving
- 1). Look up prices for a flight with the dates, time of day, number of passengers and locations. Calculate the amount of time necessary to get to the departure airport, how much does it cost, overall flight duration and baggage expenses. For example, websites such as Orbitz, Priceline and Travelocity offer flight prices and times. Write down the average expenses cost and total time for the trip.
- 2). Map out the trip in your car, using Google Maps, Mapquest or a GPS device. Write down how many estimated miles to drive. Use a gas fuel calculator such as Fuelcostcalculator.com or Roadtrip America to calculate the cost of gas. Plan for nights in hotels, meals and any car repair costs before the trip, such as changing your oil or getting new tires. Write down the gas cost and expenses cost.
- 3). Compare the amounts from each scenario. For flying, subtract the expense cost and time duration from the car trip's calculations, or subtract the car expenses and time of trip from the flying option. Either way, use these figures to determine which has the lesser expense and time cost for your trip.
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