Which aiport to get to Aiken? (Columbia: maintenance, live in, costs)

[RichCapeCod]

I've been told by folks in Aiken that they prefer to use Columbia Airport (which is fifty miles away) to get to town rather then the far closer Augusta Airport (around twenty miles away). Can anyone explain why this is so?

Thanks,

Rich

[Nausikaa]

I read in the paper where you can get cheaper flights from Augusta a lot of the time, than Columbia. Probably more flights from Columbia though. Best prices are from Atlanta though, if you feel like driving.

[RichCapeCod]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

I read in the paper where you can get cheaper flights from Augusta a lot of the time, than Columbia. Probably more flights from Columbia though. Best prices are from Atlanta though, if you feel like driving.

What people often don't consider is that is costs around .50 cents a mile to operate your private motor vehicle (not only fuel, but also throw in maintenance costs and tires-- Some of the costs don't happen immediately, but the bill arrives eventually.) So, although an airport such as Augusta might be a few dollars more than Columbia (that's what my checking has shown me), when distance is factored in it may be about the same cost.

I think I'll give the Augusta Airport a try and "test the waters" myself.

Thanks,

Rich

[Nausikaa]

Originally Posted by RichCapeCod

What people often don't consider is that is costs around .50 cents a mile to operate your private motor vehicle (not only fuel, but also throw in maintenance costs and tires-- Some of the costs don't happen immediately, but the bill arrives eventually.) So, although an airport such as Augusta might be a few dollars more than Columbia (that's what my checking has shown me), when distance is factored in it may be about the same cost.

I think I'll give the Augusta Airport a try and "test the waters" myself.

Thanks,

Rich

I agree, I always try to use the closest airport.

The thing is though, about prices, if one person is flying versus a family.

I live in Columbia, and a lot of people drive to Charlotte for cheaper prices. If you can save $100 for one ticket, and there is one person flying, it's not really worth it. If there are five people in the family, you suddenly are looking at saving $500 by going to Charlotte. Depends on the circumstances.

[RichCapeCod]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

....If you can save $100 for one ticket, and there is one person flying, it's not really worth it. If there are five people in the family, you suddenly are looking at saving $500 by going to Charlotte. Depends on the circumstances.

Good point.

[catmom68]

Originally Posted by RichCapeCod

I've been told by folks in Aiken that they prefer to use Columbia Airport (which is fifty miles away) to get to town rather then the far closer Augusta Airport (around twenty miles away). Can anyone explain why this is so?

Thanks,

Rich

Perhaps it is because many times flights into Augusta are cancelled; whereas from Columbia they aren't so frequently. I, however, do try to use Augusta as much as I can and about 2/3 of the time I am lucky. Augusta is only 25-30 mins. away; whereas a good hour from Columbia Airport.

[wsaiken]

I agree generally with what everyone's said. My in laws typically fly in and out of Augusta when visiting from PA. Still, we frequently use Columbia because it's often cheaper. Also, it really isn't that much farther away. The airport is on the Aiken side of the Midlands. For people who live in some of the horsey areas off S.C. 302, the difference may be negligible.