Data: U.S. Department of Transportation, Note: Fares inflation-adjusted; CVG airport is located across the Ohio border in northern Kentucky. Chart: Axios Visuals
If you're planning to fly out of town in the new year, road-tripping to another major airport might save you some cash.
By the numbers: Columbus' airport fares average about $404 in recent years, slightly higher than the nationwide average of about $392.
Cleveland and Cincinnati average lower — $357 and $369, respectively.
Between the lines: Competition usually keeps prices down, and Cleveland and Cincinnati offer more nonstop destinations and low-cost carrier options.
But at a savings of about $35-47 per ticket, you'll have to calculate if it's worth the extra costs of gas and parking.
💠Alissa's thought bubble: I have family in the Cleveland area, and I've driven there to fly a few times after doing the math.
Yes, but: It's hard to put a price on speed and convenience, and Columbus always delivers in those categories.