Originally Posted by
rickair7777
I'm already at the point where I'd drive 300 miles rather than fly, even if it's free. Beyond that, I'll fly even if I have to pay. Obviously depends on what I'm doing when I get there and for how long.
I think people who take short commuter flights rather than drive to the hub are doing it for easy parking and short TSA lines more than anything else.
I suspect automated cars would put a dent in the regional business but not to an extreme degree... my wife doesn't like road trips more than ablout 8 hours and she does have an autopilot (me).
Ha. After just doing seven hours in a car I know what you mean. Flying is much nicer. It's unfortunate the beginning part of the journey is always such a cluster what with the TSA etc.
I do think longer journeys aren't at risk right now. And my 5 year single pilot timeline is certainly "optimistic". Cape Air is buying a new electric airplane that could also revolutionize regional travel, making it cheaper than it is now, delivering passengers into a large hub.
So there are many ways this can go.