Missourians see impacts of increased travel costs this spring season
Columbia, MO (KMIZ)
Following the war in Ukraine, many Americans have seen an increase in prices, especially in travel costs. AAA reports the average price for gas in Boone County is almost $4 per gallon, with the state's average at $3.84 per gallon.
Andrew Ogden, Columbia resident, said because of the higher gas prices he now has changed his mind about his travel plans.
"I'm from St.Louis, which is about 130 miles from here. I was going to go see my parents but now it just seems unreasonable," said Ogden. In January, AAA reported that Missouri had one the lowest gas averages in the country at $2.96 a gallon.
Now in March, Missouri is nearing a record high for gas averages at $3.85 a gallon according to reports.
People are also seeing an increase in the prices of airfare as well.
Robert Rogers told ABC 17 News he booked his round trip flight to New Orleans three weeks in advance and payed $500 compared to in the past when he would pay around $300. He also says he spent more than expected on his commute to the airport from Fayette
"Oh the gas prices is high. It took us a little grip of change to get up to Como even though its 30 minutes away but you know the gas is really high right now, " said Rogers.
Rogers says that he uses the app "Hopper" to book his flights and feels the general cost of everything will continue to go up due to the war in Ukraine. However, this isn't the case for all travelers.
Mo Jones told ABC 17 News she was happy with her flight pricing. Jones says she booked a round trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico into Columbia for $250. Jones says she also noticed the increase in Missouri gas prices during her stay.
She feels this is great opportunity for the U.S. to move more towards electric vehicles.
"Certainly gas prices have gone up substantially in a way that a lot of us didn't expect, but I think we've all known that we need to move away from fossil fuel. Prices are continuing to increase. I think that's just going to be apart of our future and it's a great time to maybe embrace some new technology," Jones said.
Jones added that she loves her hybrid electric vehicle and feels that people making the change to a fully electric car or hybrid will also love the benefit.
"I buy gas like maybe once a month. I still have the flexibility to driver wherever but I don't have to run on gas most of the time. Throw a couple of solar panels on your roof and you charge it for free and you really can't beat that," Jones said.
AAA says you can save on gas by slowing down, driving the speed limit, and using the cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel.
American Airlines announced Friday, it will be adding an additional flight that will depart from Columbia to Dallas Fort Worth international airport. The first flight will being April 6 and fly to DFW at 11:59 a.m. daily.
The added flight gives Columbia Regional Airport a total of five daily outbound flights - three to DFW and two to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The Columbia Regional Airport Manager said it's a period of change and improvement for Columbia.
"We are excited to increase the number of flights to and from COU. The City of Columbia will continue to create an environment where businesses such as American Airlines can thrive and find success in this region," said Mike Parks with the COU Airport.
