Business Trips: Drive Or Fly?

Flying used to be the best business travel choice, period. However, as airlines become less reliable, you might be better off driving to an important meeting. Here's some advice on what to take into account before you make the call:

Time: For those times when a conference call just won't do, weigh the costs of flying versus driving before you head off. What looks like a quick puddle-jump might actually take a while. Once you consider the taxi to the airport, the wait in the security line, the time cushion you give yourself so you don't miss the flight and waiting to get the bag, you might spend less time driving than flying. Chances are, you will also be more comfortable.

Cost: Even if you can charge your trip to the company's expense account, think twice. More companies are checking your receipts and cutting the travel budget. In general, barring an amazing rate on a flight, driving is cheaper than flying, even with high gas prices. Visit costtodrive.com to estimate the cost of the trip before you book that flight. The drive may be longer, but the savings might be worth it to your company.

Room: Another reason to drive depends on how much you intend to bring. Now that airlines are charging for checked bags, you might want to bring your suit in the car. You can also bring even more handouts and equipment depending on the nature of your meeting, and you won't have to worry about anything getting lost if you check it.

Environmental Impact: Concerned about your carbon footprint? You might be surprised by how much pollution comes from airplane trips. Use a carbon footprint calculator to compare the trips. If you own a hybrid or a fuel-efficient car, then you may wind up saving money in the long run. Some rental companies also let you rent a hybrid.

Mix It Up: If the time of driving is simply unrealistic, make your life easier, and look for fares at airports farther away from your city. For example, you could drive to a hub instead of flying from a smaller city, where the flights are usually more expensive. Or, you could drive to an airport that you know is less crowded, which might save your sanity as you wait in the security line. Consider what is most important to you and your wallet, and create your flight from there.