I could not see my family suffer through this ordeal, so I stopped at
an airport and rented a brand new Toyota Prius and told them to drive
it home, one of the best decision I have made in a long time. It was
definitely longer than flying, but it was way more comfy and cost far
less than flying. Next time I have decided to drive for family trips.

That's so ironic, since I just subjected my family to a 1,000 mile *drive*
to Detroit (and back) for the Red Bull Air Races. At first, the kids were
happy, saying "Boy, we've never done anything like this before!"

At hour three, they started to get restless, but were still generally happy.

By hour five, they wanted out.

By hour eight, they never wanted to drive anywhere again. This trip was
the best sales pitch for personal flying, ever -- except for those pesky
Level 5 storms that just wouldn't move away...

Comfort levels. Atlas has XM radio, in-panel CD and (portable) DVD
players, and the back seats are positively spacious -- so the kids'
experience flying has been almost 100% positive since birth. It's at least
as comfortable as driving, with the advantage of having a great view.

Of course, all of that goes away if (when?) gas prices double again.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"