Chances are that if you have flown in or out of the Central Florida area, you traveled through Orlando International Airport. It is the 14th busiest airport in the U.S., and it is infamous for long security lines. If you live in the DeLand area, there is another viable option.
Daytona Beach International Airport is a modern facility with a 10,500 ft. runway that offers direct and connecting flights to all points of the globe through Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines. More than a half million travelers passed through its gates last year and the passenger count has been on a steady rise the past few years. The airport has direct flights to Atlanta, Charlotte and Chicago.
Unlike Orlando International, Daytona offers convenient, close parking without a parking garage. There are no trams connecting terminals and security lines are usually minimal. Most of all, when traveling from the DeLand area, you don’t have to fight Orlando traffic to make sure you are on time for a flight.
One of the drawbacks that many have to flying through Daytona is the price. When booked well in advance, the price may surprise you. Flying from Daytona can be minimally more in price. Often times, the amount that you may save in traveling to Orlando and higher parking rates can justify the difference.
Mostly, the best reason to fly Daytona is out of convenience. When all is said and done, it is much easier and relaxing to travel less than 30 minutes on International Speedway Blvd. than it is to travel over 45 minutes via I-4 and toll roads.
So, when you need to fly, don’t forget to check fares from Daytona first. You may be surprised at what you find.