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Claudia Mendoza

Dr. Rita Lawrence

English 101

April 26, 2019

Traveling by Car Can Be a Better Alternative Than Air Transportation

Last month, my daughters and I traveled out of town by airplane to Mexico City. Our

total flight time was going to be approximately six hours, but due to the Transportation Security

Aviation requirements, it turned out to be extremely lengthy and frustrating. In modern times,

traveling by airplane is a faster mode of transportation; however, the requirements to get in a

plane, although very important and due to safety, make transportation by car an easier alternative

when traveling short distances.

Because I failed to plan our trip, we had to do a layover in Guadalajara, Mexico. We

were limited about the items we could bring with us but, we manage to put all our clothing and

items in two large suitcases and three small carry-ons. Being around the airport with our luggage

was a struggle. The airports were too crowded, and we were constantly bumping into other

people. Fortunately, although we had to pay one hundred dollars extra, our two large suitcases

were taken by our airline to be placed in the undercarriage (checked in bags). This made our trip

a little more pleasant.

Passing security was not the easiest experience for any of us. During the whole trip, we

went through security six times. I was required to open my luggage two times for inspection,

then pulled aside to be pat-down by an officer. In one occasion, my cell phone was taken away

to be inspected to make sure I did not have any explosive devices hidden inside. And, on top of
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all that, my daughter decided it was a good idea to fill and place her favorite water bottle inside

her backpack. When the TSA Officer found it, I had to beg she let me drink the water quickly to

make sure my daughter kept her bottle. Fortunately, the TSA Officer allowed me; otherwise, I

was going to have to go back outside, throw it away and get in line all over again.

Even though traveling by plane was not a fun experience, it turned out to be more

convenient than if I had chosen to take my own car. I agree and stand by the statement made in

“The effect of Traveling Time on the Demand for Passenger Transportation,” as it indicates that

“The marginal utility of a trip is inversely related to the amount of traveling time involved”.

Google Maps shows that my trip to Mexico City would have taken more than twenty-four hours

when driving a car. However, I doubt Google Maps takes into consideration the fact that humans

need to stop many times for restroom breaks, or to pump gas. I must agree that “the discomfort

of traveling increases with traveling time” (Gronau 377) as traveling by car for a long period of

time can be boring and very uncomfortable. Traveling by plane was my best option when

traveling to Mexico, despite the requirements and the security hassle, we made it to our

destination within hours.

My most recent trip made me appreciate how many people travel by airplane on a daily

basis. In modern society, “time” is very valuable. Gronau says that “The benefit to society of

these new modes of transportation and the demand for their services will depend in large part on

the value the community assigns to these savings”. In our modern society, we all prefer saving

time than money! Because time is the most important factor when deciding the method of

transportation, I will continue to travel by car to places that are nearby or those where I can get to

in a reasonable amount of time to avoid going through an airport. But on those occasions when I
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must travel to remote places, I will do my best to enjoy my flight as air travel will be a much

better option!
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Work Cited

"The Effect Of Traveling Time On The Demand For Passenger Transportation | Journal Of
Political Economy: Vol 78, No 2". Journals.Uchicago.Edu, 2019,
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/259635?journalCode=jpe. Accessed 24 Apr
2019.

Word Count 687