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Does it feel like travel is going back to what it was in the 1970s or 1980s?
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:07 pm
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:07 pm
Is it just me, or are we going back to that period in terms of travel. Especially air travel, just with far less service.
And no, I don't mean suddenly airlines will go back to having full meals, pillows and sheets. I mean in terms of pricing out the average family to the point where it goes back to mostly business and international travel.
I know for me, my calculation for driving vs flying has expanded. Previously for me, if it was more than say a 6 hours drive, I would always fly. Now, I would say if the destination is within 10 hours, I'm driving.
I feel like it's getting to the point, unless it's a cross country destination or overseas, it's going back to being most cost effective and pleasant to drive. Especially if you're flying to a destination that will then require you to rent an expensive rental car anyway.
Besides flying though, it feels like travel costs are pricing out most average families. I know up until the 1970s, 1980s and even early and mid 1990s, the typical expectation was to take one major trip (say 1 - 2 weeks) and then maybe one minor trip (a long weekend trip or say 4 nights or less) a year. The whole "taking multiple big trips each year" thing is still a relatively recent phenomenon. Are average American families going to be forced to go back to only having one big trip a year?
And no, I don't mean suddenly airlines will go back to having full meals, pillows and sheets. I mean in terms of pricing out the average family to the point where it goes back to mostly business and international travel.
I know for me, my calculation for driving vs flying has expanded. Previously for me, if it was more than say a 6 hours drive, I would always fly. Now, I would say if the destination is within 10 hours, I'm driving.
I feel like it's getting to the point, unless it's a cross country destination or overseas, it's going back to being most cost effective and pleasant to drive. Especially if you're flying to a destination that will then require you to rent an expensive rental car anyway.
Besides flying though, it feels like travel costs are pricing out most average families. I know up until the 1970s, 1980s and even early and mid 1990s, the typical expectation was to take one major trip (say 1 - 2 weeks) and then maybe one minor trip (a long weekend trip or say 4 nights or less) a year. The whole "taking multiple big trips each year" thing is still a relatively recent phenomenon. Are average American families going to be forced to go back to only having one big trip a year?
This post was edited on 8/9/26 at 4:10 pm
15
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:11 pm to TheMagicMan
We were solidly middle class when I was growing up, maybe even borderline upper middle class. I remember maybe 2-3 trips that weren't to Houston to go to Astroworld and catch a baseball game or to one of the Gulf Coast beaches. The first time I ever flew on an airplane was for SR trip.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:13 pm to fallguy_1978
quote:
The first time I ever flew on an airplane was for SR trip
Look at you mister fancy pants.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:14 pm to fallguy_1978
The first time I flew in an airplane it was still a big deal. Just behind when people dressed up to take a flight. Nowdays it looks like a greyhound bus trip.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:15 pm to TheMagicMan
Didnt fly on an airplane until i was 19 yo. Furthest away from home we traveled was branson MO by car and that was once. The world as a kid was basically I 10 between NO and Houston. Occasionally as far as san antonio
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:17 pm to fallguy_1978
quote:
The first time I ever flew on an airplane was for SR trip.
This
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:18 pm to TheMagicMan
I fly a lot for work. When I retire I'm never flying again.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:18 pm to LSU Neil
I remember flying pre-TSA, and it was definitely a better experience. I don't enjoy it anymore and avoid it whenever possible. I traveled for work for a decade though, so I've had enough airports for this lifetime.
I have to fly about once or twice per year for work now, but we own the planes so that's not too bad.
I have to fly about once or twice per year for work now, but we own the planes so that's not too bad.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:19 pm to TheMagicMan
In terms of trips, it seems to me that hotels and eating and drinking out are at least double what they were 10 years ago but flights usually aren't all that more expensive comparatively.
I get wanting to save on the flights to counter the rest though.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:22 pm to TheMagicMan
seems like EVERYTHING is getting outrageously expensive. We are in the market for a new SUV and it's making me feel poor.
Big vacations are a luxury, and over the last few years have required traveling together and sharing expenses with close friends or extended family to reduce costs.
I'm just thankful that I have extended family and good friends I can travel with and my kids get along with their kids!
Big vacations are a luxury, and over the last few years have required traveling together and sharing expenses with close friends or extended family to reduce costs.
I'm just thankful that I have extended family and good friends I can travel with and my kids get along with their kids!
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:23 pm to TheMagicMan
quote:
if it was more than say a 6 hours drive, I would always fly. Now, I would say if the destination is within 10 hours, I'm driving.
This is where I am.
To fly from Dallas to NOLA you have a an hour drive to the airport, get there an hour and a half before the flight, fly and hour and a half, deboard & get luggage, get ground transport, drive to final.
After all that you can drive for close to the same time and not have schedule stress.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:23 pm to wm72
quote:
In terms of trips, it seems to me that hotels and eating and drinking out are at least double what they were 10 years ago but flights usually aren't all that more expensive comparatively.
I get wanting to save on the flights to counter the rest though.
I feel like I'm pretty good at getting a decent hotel rate. But you are right, if you're staying in a downtown area or historic district, you are paying big time.
Food like you said seems to have doubled. I know my mom has told me how my grandparents, when they traveled, would literally take a small grill and my grandmother would make food at rest areas. They didn't eat out. The price of food almost makes me want to consider something like that when I'm on the road.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:29 pm to 3deadtrolls
quote:
I fly a lot for work. When I retire I'm never flying again.
I completely understand this, and felt the same way after doing it for a long time. I'd have to think about all of the times I've been stuck overnight in an airport or some shitty town.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:33 pm to TheMagicMan
quote:
Now, I would say if the destination is within 10 hours, I'm driving.
That's the way I've always been. But we will drive to Colorado and Santa Fe which is about 12-14 hours.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:36 pm to fallguy_1978
quote:
I remember flying pre-TSA
I remember carrying a 6-pack and a frozen quart of gumbo onto the plane. Try that now.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:37 pm to TheMagicMan
I remember family trips along the gulf coast Dad would cash in some vacation time and rent a winnabego. We drove everywhere.
Love you Dad
I the first time I flew i purchased an airline ticket.
Love you Dad
I the first time I flew i purchased an airline ticket.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:39 pm to TheMagicMan
If you have to connect..it's almost not really worth it esp if you check a bag. Unless it means driving like 12-15 hours. If the drive is less than 9 hours and you can't fly direct...driving is infinitely better.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 4:46 pm to TheMagicMan
I dont fly unless it's international.
I don't work, so I'll gladly do a 2-3 day drive with my 10 year old bulldog and go mybown pace. Every damn time I've flown domestic in the past few years it's nothing but delays and hassles. Plus I don't want to deal with 90% of people.
I don't work, so I'll gladly do a 2-3 day drive with my 10 year old bulldog and go mybown pace. Every damn time I've flown domestic in the past few years it's nothing but delays and hassles. Plus I don't want to deal with 90% of people.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 5:47 pm to TheMagicMan
quote:
Is it just me, or are we going back to that period in terms of travel. Especially air travel, just with far less service.
In my opinion flights have been one of the purchases that have been the least affected by inflation. For example, United nonstop from Newark to New Orleans is usually around the same price, if not a little more than when I purchased tickets 30 years ago. Definitely cheaper when adjusted for inflation.
For me the concern with flying is not the cost of a single tix but how many tix I have to buy. I drive for most vacations because the cost of flights are reasonable for one, but cost prohibitive for the entire family.
Posted on 8/9/26 at 5:49 pm to liquid rabbit
quote:
I remember carrying a 6-pack and a frozen quart of gumbo onto the plane. Try that now.
Did this many of times in the 90's. Still frozen solid when I arrived at my destination.
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