Keep Costs, Stress in Check by Driving this Holiday Season

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over-priced airline ticket – check. Excessive baggage fees – check. Long security lines and airport delays – check. Rather than embarking on an expensive, stress-filled trip by air, the Car Care Council advises that driving is the way to go to keep costs and stress in check this holiday season.

"Holiday travel by air is always hectic and expensive, but this year it is expected to be worse as airlines raise ticket prices and lower capacity. Add in baggage fees, crowded airports, fewer flights and long lines, and flying does not seem so friendly," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "When you consider that a family of four traveling by car costs about the same as one person traveling by air, driving is clearly the better option."

CNNMoney reports that average airfares over Thanksgiving week are 6 percent higher this year according to data compiled by Hotwire. In December, airfares are projected to be about 10 percent higher than last year.

In addition to the obvious direct cost savings, going by car offers a number of advantages over flying including:

• Leave when you want from where you want.
• No airport parking.
• No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines.
• No weather delays.
• Pack whatever and as much as you want.
• Stop and stretch any time.
• More and better meal options.
• No rental car or taxi expenses.
• More legroom and overall comfort.
• No strangers sitting next to you.
• Convenience and ease of taking your pet with you.
• Better able to enjoy the ride.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

SOURCE Car Care Council