Think about the last time you crossed a big stretch of the country. Maybe you took your time, maybe you rushed it, or maybe you just daydreamed about the “perfect” cross-America trip. With that in mind, today’s question is a fun one: If money didn’t matter, would you rather drive across America in seven days or fly across it in one?
Realistically, seven days still isn’t a ton of time to see the country. You could spend weeks or even months driving cross-country—there is so much to see and do! But if you’re someone who loves the journey itself, a seven-day drive probably sounds like heaven, or at least way better than a flight!
On the other hand, flying gets you where you’re going fast. One day, and boom—you’re on the opposite coast with a whole week still ahead of you. Maybe you’d rather spend those six extra days exploring a destination instead of the miles between. If your goal is maximum adventure with minimal transit, hopping on a plane has its perks.
Of course, comfort plays a role too. Seven days on the road means long hours of driving, hotel stops or overnights in your RV, and the unpredictability of weather, traffic, and the occasional questionable gas station restroom. Flying isn’t perfect either—crowds, delays, and the classic “Why is this seat smaller than last time?” struggle might push you back toward the open road.
So what about you? If money didn’t matter and you could choose pure speed or pure scenery, which would you pick—one day in the air or seven days on the road? Go ahead and vote, then feel free to leave a comment below.
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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- How comfortable are you driving at night/in the dark?
- Have you ever eaten at a Waffle House?
- When you find a spider in your home or RV, do you kill it or release it outside?
RVDT2797
Quite frankly, I would much rather fly. I once drove from the Tampa Bay area to Bellingham, WA in 3-1/2 days. It was tiring and had no time to stop and see anything, and wouldn’t have seen much if the 3-1/2 days were doubled to 7 (per the poll question). If the purpose of the trip is to cross the country, it would be far more expensive to drive a car or tow an RV. Had the question allowed at least two weeks, preferably more, I would not have voted to fly.
I have no desire to drive across America in 7 days. 7 months maybe but not days. If money was no concern, I’d fly on a private jet.
Take my time.
7 days is too short. If you said, one summer, I’d drive.
First It depends on what the mission is. Second would be what ones age is to drive from Maine to the west coast would be pushing a 7 day travel window and unenjoyable travel, pit stops, fueling, drive thru for eats only. No I’m carrying this old body on a plane since money is not an object.
I don’t like to fly, I mean I really don’t like to fly, I only fly when I have to. We travel to California from Florida to take care of my 97 year old twice a year for a month each time to give the Brother in Law and his wife a break. I drive unless something changes like this year when my wife broke her elbow we decided it would be easier for her if we flew. We usually take our TT and meander around for a few weeks coming and going visiting other family and friends.
Drive, it will be a cold day in H!!L before I voluntarily fly, money be damned.
I’d drive. Probably in the RV. But would I have to actually go to the coasts? Especially the left coast. We’ve made most of that trip on our motorcycle. People near the east coast drive like they’re late for free beer. And the west coast…… well that’s where they keep California. Probably get fined for having out of state rocks in my tread.
For a while, I drove from NM to OH with our TT, while my husband flew (to save vacation time), to visit his late mom. That was ~4 days on the road. for the full width of the country, 7 still wouldn’t allow time for sightseeing, but I’d still do it. I doubt I will ever fly again. Taking our TT allows for comfort in my own bed, and better food.
When we get the chance to drive across the USA, we are certainly going to take longer than seven days. It will be more like seven weeks.
I just had to make this decision… getting from Indiana to Pasadena to watch the Rose Bowl. We chose to fly, but agreed another road trip, like the one we recently did to Penn State, would have been more fun. Regardless of how long we took to get there, that’s a long drive for a 3 hour football game.
Money isn’t usually the big issue in this decision. Time is the issue. And pets are the issue.
There are instances where I just don’t have the time to drive.
I won’t willingly subject our pets to the trauma of riding in the cargo hold. And with most flights that is where (especially our golden retriever) would have to go. He is an emotional support dog alright, but we are the support for him.
Like Roy said months not days. What’s the rush.
Every day I see airplane problems reported on the news. I’ll drive, where I’m in control, not some disgruntled employee.
I’m now the older version of the guy who loved to road travel. Now I fear the onslaught of errant truck drivers. Interstate 40 and 44 are packed with semis. Most company drivers are good, but owner operators are racing to the next load. Not to forget passing each other, blocking lanes for miles.
Takes the fun out of driving.
I would have to drive 380 miles a day from my home to San Diego. For 7 straight days. That’s not happening. LOL
7 days! No matter how much we love our RV, 7 days is pushing it, and taking the fun out of the trip! With the money, I’d sit back and take a private plane.
I would never drive my RV 3,000 miles in only 7 days, but maybe in 21 days. Forget flying–commercial or private. I flew all over Alaska in single-engine planes and helicopters when I was younger. Also flew in corporate jets and had tens of thousands of frequent flyer miles on multiple airlines. But today, flying/security is an expensive pain and airport crowds and traffic are ridiculous. So I would rather take a train across the country in 7 days than fly in one day!
I hate flying so driving is the only option, plus you can see a lot more and take your time. I have flown but anymore it is scary with all the problems they are having in the air and on the ground.
Drive, of course but not in 7-days…maybe 7-weeks or 7-months. Why be in a hurry?
I love to see America, so driving would generally be my first choice. I dislike moving in and out of motels and eating out for every meal, so would rather be in the RV—-except that only 7 days to go from coast to coast would be exhausting, not fun.
If money were no object I’d fly and buy a new RV when I got there….. then fly to the next spot and do the same…. money no object?
Just 7 days, I’ll drive without the RV. If I can take my time, then definitely using the RV.
If money is no object, I’d fly first class, which is an entirely different experience than flying in “steerage”. We like to enjoy the journey in our RV, and 7 days would eliminate any time for that. Not happening.
7 days is too short to drive the RV
As others here have indicated, the deciding factor is the timing. Driving across the country in 7 days would require at least 6 hours per day of hard driving on interstates at highway speed. Could I do it? Certainly. Would I want to? No. Take away the time limit, and I will always prefer driving to flying.
No question – I would drive. I like to see the country. I’m done with flying. Being in the air is no problem. I can’t stand the airport itself. It was fun when I had to walk across the tarmac and up the stairs to enter the plane.
But there’s no way I would drive straight through and I don’t have to because I’m retired.
I’d fly. You can’t enjoy the journey given just 7 days to go coast to coast as your time awake would consist of staring at the Interstate. To do that Cannonball Run in an RV? Nah, that ain’t RV’ing, that’s hauling freight…..
I’ve driven from the East Coast to the West and back to the East and back to the West..Dipping my toes in the water of both coasts. I thought it was kind of cute and fun…How many can say that, or want to share it? It’s the only way you can really understand how big our great country is.I also found great folks all the ways I traveled. Very Interesting and the word I can’t think of now…Give me two minutes..Ha!