Comparing flying vs driving to San Diego

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Looking for a getaway in San Diego? This question always sparks debate, do you fly or drive? FOX 10 put the question to the test. How much time does flying really save? Is it worth the cost?

It's cool weather and gorgeous beaches always are a draw for Arizonans tired of baking in the desert sun. But what is the best way to get to San Diego? Flying or driving?

The test is who can get to the Hotel Del Coronado first? The race started at dawn. To ensure a fair comparison we each followed some simple rules. The flier had to take the advice of Sky Harbor and get there two hours to spare, check a bag, and rent a car in San Diego. The driver had to go with the flow of traffic, no speeding, and could stop for a quick bite to eat or gas if needed.

Our flier left Phoenix for the airport at 5:45 a.m. and made it to the beach by 10:15 in the morning. The driver made it about 2 hours after that because of Friday traffic.

But flying isn't cheap. Round trip airfare cost $260; it was $51.78 to rent a car for the day. With parking, bag fees, and the hotel it ends up costing someone $550 a night. For a family of 4 looking for three nights in San Diego, it could cost more than $2,000.

The cost for the drive was one gas fill-up off I-8, plus the hotel each night.

So each way has tradeoffs, tell us what your family does on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FOX10Phoenix/