Do Lower Airfares Out of Atlanta Really Save You Money?
Today’s guest columnist is Jay Taylor. A recent al.com article highlighted Birmingham as one of the nation’s most expensive airports, citing an average airfare of $496.08. The article suggested that Birmingham residents should consider flying out of nearby Atlanta instead. This assertion requires closer examination.
Why are Birmingham’s airfares so high? And why isn’t the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) pursuing a major expansion? While the al.com suggestion might have been tongue-in-cheek, the number of people choosing Atlanta is surprising. The average Atlanta airfare is $403.55, a difference of $92.53 per ticket. For two travelers, this equates to $185.06 in savings.
However, the cost of driving the roughly 280 miles round trip to Atlanta must be considered. At an estimated 72 cents per mile, the fuel and wear-and-tear cost is $201.60. This means a two-ticket trip from Atlanta actually costs $16.54 *more* than from Birmingham, not including potential hotel costs for early departures or late arrivals.
The higher cost of flying out of Birmingham likely stems from supply and demand. The limited number of flights and flight times results in higher prices. Birmingham’s strength lies in its convenient location and shorter TSA lines, yet this isn’t effectively communicated. The airport’s website, for example, prominently features flights to Nashville – a destination easily accessible by car. Promotional videos fail to highlight the cost savings of flying from BHM. Furthermore, the sight of a dilapidated Southwest plane junkyard hardly presents a welcoming image to visitors.
While the BAA is making improvements, are they thinking big enough? A local reporter even suggested that residents of Birmingham and Huntsville should leave the state to fly. My questions to the BAA are: What specific plans are in place for a major expansion? What initiatives are underway to secure a major airline hub in Birmingham?
Historically, port cities – whether waterways, railroads, or now airports – have thrived. Hub cities offer numerous flight options, attract businesses and jobs, and generate economic activity. Considering United Airlines’ nearest southeastern hub is in Houston, could a strategic partnership with United lead to a hub in Birmingham and significant airport expansion?
In the meantime, I’ll continue to fly out of BHM whenever possible, though the lack of readily available food options within the airport remains a drawback.
Jay Taylor is a freelance writer based in Birmingham, Alabama. He has over 30 years of experience in advertising, journalism, marketing, and business. He renovated Kessler Lofts with his family and co-founded the startup TabX in Birmingham. Taylor previously served as president of the Central City Neighborhood Association and currently resides in Homewood with his wife and two children.