GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The price difference between flying out of Grand Rapids and major U.S cities is getting smaller. According to the Regional Air Alliance, which helped to bring discount airlines to Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the prices are more competitive with other airports. That wasn't always the case, sending travelers to Detroit, Chicago or Flint.
According to Dan Wiersma, the Executive Director of the Regional Air Alliance, airline tickets used to be 40% higher at Ford Airport, but that premium has now dropped to 10% to 15%.
This is one of the most expensive times to book airfares because spring break is approaching. WZZM 13 News compared flight costs for April 1st through the 8th, to Tampa, Florida. The cheapest flight was out Chicago O'Hare for $401. The next was a flight out of Midway for $467.
In Flint, you could fly for $491 but there was a 2-hour layover. The next cheapest was out of Detroit for $508. Finally, Grand Rapids came-in last at $580.
According to the Regional Alliance Figures, that price difference would have been much larger three years ago. Wiersma said, "it was cheaper to do park and fly. You drive, find hotel, get shuttle, make trip, and come back." For a large family, that option may still be cheaper.
The best way to find out is to research flights online, add up the cost of gas and parking. You may discover that it is more economical to fly out of a bigger airport or worth those few extra dollars to fly closer to home.