How Far Is Too Far To Drive?

Americans are willing to spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel before opting to fly. For personal trips, travelers will drive an average of 9 hours and 39 minutes before choosing air travel, and 55% typically drive for long personal trips compared with 20% who fly. Cost plays a major role: 75% say high airfare could push them toward driving, while gas prices (42%), car reliability (41%) and heavy traffic (36%) can make flying more appealing.

The findings highlight how travel decisions can create spending opportunities long before consumers reach their destinations. Sellers can approach auto dealers, repair shops, tire dealers, gas stations and convenience stores, hotels, restaurants and travel-related businesses, using factors such as vehicle reliability, fuel costs and overnight stops to help develop timely campaigns aimed at road travelers.