Deciding whether to travel by air or highway depends on several factors, including the group size, distance to your destination, budget, and other considerations. From the travel planning experts at Metropolitan Shuttle, discover the positives and negatives of both, which will help you decide what type of travel is more practical for your needs.
Air Travel
Pros
- When you travel by plane at 546 – 575 miles per hour, the average speed of a passenger jet, you’ll get to your destination much quicker than by car or bus. So if you’re short on time, it might be worthwhile to fly instead, especially if you’re traveling across the country or other long distances. With the efficiency of air travel, you can maximize your time and get the most out of your trip.
- It’s safe, particularly when it comes to domestic travel in the U.S. According to Business Insider, the safest airlines in 2018 were Delta and American Airlines. For a complete list, airlineratings.com features the safety record records for over 435 carriers around the world. Using a seven-star rating system, the site shows whether the airline has passed the safety standards of the international air transport association and if they are free of fatalities in the last 10 years.
- For business travelers who take trips on a regular basis, air travel is a practical option because it allows you to accumulate frequent flyer miles that can go towards a free ticket later on. And if your trip is business related, you can also use airfare as a tax write off for travel expenses.
Cons
- It’s expensive, even if you buy seats in the economy class. If you want comfortable, roomy seats in business class, expect to pay twice or even three times as much. Compared to road travel, airfare costs significantly more money, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other forms of travel. If you’re traveling with a group, charter bus travel is a much more economical option than airfare. Contact Metropolitan Shuttle today and find out how much you can save with a charter bus rental for your next group trip.
- Another downside to air travel is the stress of navigating airports, which can often be crowded with long lines for TSA security. Airlines are also known for frequent delays. In fact, according to BTS (Bureau of Transportation) statistics, a whopping 19.37% of all domestic flights in 2018 were delayed. If your flight gets delayed, being stranded at the airport can be a real bummer if you’re on a tight schedule. It can also be painfully boring when there are limited food options and charging stations, a common problem in many airports. If you decide to fly to your destination, the top four airlines with the least delays in 2018 were Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Southwest.
Road Travel
Pros
- If you’re traveling with a group, a charter bus is much more economical than air travel. While the initial price might seem expensive, a charter bus is much cheaper per passenger when compared to airfare. Charter buses are also more cost-effective than rental cars because of their large capacity. If you travel in a car, you’ll only be able to fit up to five or six passengers. But with charter travel, you can seat up to 50 people, making it more efficient than a hybrid or electric vehicle.
- Charter buses can also be comfortable and relaxing, depending on the type of vehicle you rent for your trip. With upscale amenities such as onboard restrooms, soft reclining seats with footrests, and TV screens, getting there is half the fun. Designed for your comfort and convenience, a charter bus also gives your group an opportunity for team building and networking on the way to the event or conference.
- A charter bus is also one of the safest forms of travel. At Metropolitan Shuttle, the safety and comfort of passengers is our number one priority. That is why we only work with vendors and operators that are in good standing with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), verify the companies’ insurance policies, and follow drivers’ maximum driving time guidelines.
Cons
- The problem with interstate and local travel is traffic. When the roads are bumper to bumper, it could throw a wrench in your travel itinerary if you get delayed. At Metropolitan Shuttle, our travel planning experts work directly with local vendors and operators that know the lay of the land, including traffic patterns and routes. With this useful insider knowledge, our professional drivers can get you to your destination on time by avoiding traffic jams and taking alternate routes. Our travel pros can also help you create an itinerary that keeps you from traveling during rush hour.
- Compared to air travel, a charter bus takes more time, which could be a problem if your destination is far away. For interstate trips up to 8 hours or less, a charter bus can be an inexpensive option for large groups. But for cross country trips, road travel could take up to a week, and that extra time can cut into a large portion of your schedule.
Whether you decide to travel by air or highway, contact Metropolitan Shuttle today and learn about the many benefits of charter bus rental.
