Fly Or Drive? Air Travel Vs Road Cruising by Motorcoach

One of our favorite films this time of year is the Steve Martin & John Candy classic, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Though we seem to think that if the movie were made today it would be more like “Fly, Ride and TSA.” The hassles associated with taking a plane multiply like tribbles during the holidays—weather can cause a ripple of delays and TSA and its challenges cause delays of its own. That coupled with costs and lack of flexibility make staying on the ground a more appealing option. So, if you ask us fly or drive? You know what we’ll suggest… Apparently, we aren’t alone in that opinion.

According to AAA, 85.8 million people will be traveling via automobile during the year’s end. That’s a .09 percent increase over the 85.1 million who drove last year. Meanwhile, air travel is expected to decrease 1.4 percent. Now, unfortunately those 85.8 million are not coordinating their travel. Only 3.13 will be using a more economic or environmentally favorite option like the bus. Fly or drive? road travel wins in this case!

By creating a trip that connects people to their family in a timely manner, you could remove 56 cars off the road. Plus, that coach bus is 475% more efficient than a hybrid vehicle in the amount of fuel used per passenger. Charter buses provide over 206 passenger miles per gallon of fuel compared to 92 passenger MPG for commuter rail, 44 passenger MPG for domestic air carrier and 27 MPG for single passenger automobiles. Another figure to consider is that for a four hour trip a single car emits approximately 400 pounds of carbon dioxide. For that same trip, a coach bus emits approximately just 150 pounds of carbon dioxide.

We also have an opportunity to provide travelers more variety in their coach options to meet their needs. For most holiday travel, the most appropriate options would probably be the charter bus/deluxe motor coach that seats up to 60, and comes with a restroom and entertainment options onboard. Alternatively, a mini-bus could be a great option for those groups up to 40.

Regardless of which option you choose for this holiday season, in 2014 or beyond, know that a charter is an option that is three and four times more efficient that other cars or airplanes. So if you’re group is looking at eco-friendly travel, then our coaches should be your first choice. Check out the modern buses that coach operators have available for rental in their fleets here!