If you and your family are planning to travel this holiday season, you might be in for some sticker shock when you book your plane tickets. With extra surcharges like bag fees, security fees and additional hassles like airport security and carry-on baggage restrictions, flying may not be the most comfortable or cheapest option.
With the average gas price still hovering near $2.70 cents, gas prices are still down 35% from the record high gas prices last year. And with other cheaper options like Amtrak, Grey Hound or Mega Bus, it might be time for you to consider airplane alternatives.
So before you decide to confirm those travel plans this year, here are a few extra costs to consider when searching for the cheapest way of getting to grandma’s house. .
1. Airlines
- Additional Fees and Taxes on each ticket
- Fees for checked baggage
- Cost of long lines and long waits
- Cost of parking your car at the airport
2. Driving
- Cost of gas
- Cost of getting your car checked-up before a long road trip
- Road Conditions – if you are driving to an area with severe winter weather, you may want to avoid driving
Save on:
- No baggage fees
- No security lines
- No parking fees
3. Amtrak
- Cost of parking your car at the Amtrak station
Save on:
- Baggage fees – your first three checked bags are free
- Cost of a ticket – An Amtrak ticket is often cheaper than plane tickets
4. Greyhound Bus
- Inconvenience of getting to a greyhound station
- Cost of checking a second bag
Save on:
- Tickets—Greyhound tickets are often cheaper than plane tickets
5. Megabus
- Inconvenience of traveling to a Megabus station
- Comfort – sitting in a packed Megabus is not always the most pleasant experience
- Lack of locations – Megabus services are only available in select locations
Save on:
- Tickets – Megabus will often have the lowest ticket prices and if you book far enough in advance, you may be able to reserve one of their elusive $1 bus tickets.
- No baggage fees
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