P3D NSA '98 travel tips

[Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have been asked to comment on money-saving opportunities for
P3D members interested in travelling to NSA '98.

Unfortunately, Richmond is not an airfare market with which I
am very familiar.  Due to its small size, my general expectation,
however, is that finding airfare bargains into Richmond will be
somewhat difficult from most originating cities.  There are a few
exceptions, I believe, and one potentially very valuable general
piece of advice that I can share.

First, the exceptions:  Richmond is served by low-fare airline
AirTran, so if you live in another city served by AirTran, you
should have a pretty good chance of finding a reasonable fare,
without having to wait for a "sale."  Example:  the prevailing
excursion fare from Orlando (served by AirTran) to Richmond is
$154 RT; from Miami (not served by AirTran) the prevailing excursion
fare is $234, with some airlines offering more restricted fares
at $198.  The difference is probably more than can be explained
by the additional travel distance.

Now the general advice: be absolutely sure to check city pairs
other than your home city and Richmond itself!!  Example 1: if you
try to buy a ticket from Cleveland to Richmond, expect to pay at
least $181 round trip.  But you could buy a ticket from Cleveland
to Baltimore and pay only $94 round trip, then hop on an Amtrak
train from Baltimore to Richmond.  A solo traveler could get from
Cleveland to Richmond by air and train *far* more cheaply than by
driving!  Example 2: Boston to Richmond, $174; Providence to Baltimore
$76!!  Example 3: Chicago to Richmond, $218 (or $194 on AirTran);
Chicago to Baltimore $136. (The reason for the significant savings:
Cleveland, Chicago (Midway), Providence, and Baltimore are served by
Southwest; Richmond and Boston are not.  Other airlines are forced for
competitve reasons to match the fares offered by Southwest.)

Note that the Baltimore fares reflect the current special initiated
by Southwest, so act quickly.

For other markets, flights into Washington National, combined with
an Amtrak ride to Richmond, may prove advantageous, especially if you
are able to catch a special offer for fares to D.C., such as those
offered by America West from time to time.

Note:  Amtrak trains can be easily boarded from both Baltimore and
Washington National, but not from Washington Dulles.  Be careful!

If you want to monitor airfares yourself using one of the major
on-line services such as EasySabre or Expedia, the most important
destination airport codes to remember are:
  Richmond               RIC
  Baltimore              BWI
  Washington National    DCA

Good luck to all NSA travel bargain hunters!

Paul Talbot, your P3D travel advisor!


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