Chicago for less than you can drive (really)

This week American Airlines is offering last-minute airfare out of Minneapolis to Chicago for just $118 roundtrip.

By Troy Melhus, Star Tribune

Last update: July 23, 2009 - 11:58 AM

Why drive to Chicago when you can fly for about the same price?

It's no fairy tale. This week American Airlines is offering last-minute airfare out of Minneapolis to Chicago for just $118 roundtrip.

(The fine print: The flight departs the weekend of July 31 anytime after 7 p.m. and returns the following Monday or Tuesday. But the tickets must be purchased by this Friday, July 24.)

Details can be found at www.AA.com, under fare sales and NetSAAvers.

If you think you can drive there for less, think again. A quick trip to the Fuel Cost Calculator from AAA (http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/) estimated a trip to Chicago to run about $95 for gas roundtrip. (About 800 miles).

Calculate in meals and wear and tear on your vehicle -- not to mention spending 12 excruciating hours behind the wheel in traffic -- and you quickly see that $118 isn't a bad deal for a savvy consumer.

The only drawback is you can't carpool. But hey, being stuck in a car with anyone for 12 hours certainly has a price tag, too.