The period of air journey between Chicago and San Antonio is often affected by elements similar to airline, particular route, climate situations, and air site visitors. Continuous flights usually vary from two and a half to 3 hours. Connecting flights, which contain a layover in one other metropolis, can considerably lengthen journey time, typically including a number of hours to the general journey.
Understanding typical flight durations is essential for vacationers planning journeys between these two cities. Correct time estimations permit for efficient itinerary planning, together with scheduling floor transportation, reserving lodging, and arranging actions. This data additionally performs a significant function in managing journey budgets and minimizing potential disruptions brought on by surprising delays. Traditionally, air journey instances have decreased attributable to developments in aviation know-how, however variability stays as a result of aforementioned elements.
This text will additional discover the nuances of flight durations between Chicago and San Antonio, delving into particular airline routes, seasonal differences, and ideas for locating essentially the most environment friendly journey choices. Moreover, the influence of those journey instances on varied elements of journey planning might be examined intimately.
1. Direct Flight Time
Direct flight time represents the core part of general journey period between Chicago and San Antonio. It signifies the uninterrupted air journey interval between departure and arrival, excluding any layovers. This period usually ranges from two and a half to 3 hours, representing essentially the most environment friendly journey possibility. Elements influencing this baseline timeframe embody plane sort, cruising pace, and air site visitors management directions. As an example, a more moderen plane with greater cruising pace would possibly full the journey barely quicker than an older mannequin. Equally, air site visitors management directives, typically associated to congestion or climate, would possibly necessitate changes to flight paths, doubtlessly impacting direct flight time.
The importance of understanding direct flight time lies in its predictability. Not like connecting flights prone to layover delays, direct flights supply a extra dependable time estimate. This predictability empowers vacationers to plan connecting transportation, lodging check-ins, and appointments with better accuracy. For instance, scheduling an important assembly shortly after arrival requires cautious consideration of direct flight time to attenuate the danger of delays. Moreover, direct flight time serves as the inspiration upon which whole journey time calculations are constructed, facilitating practical expectations and environment friendly itinerary administration.
In conclusion, direct flight time is a vital think about figuring out the general journey period between Chicago and San Antonio. Its relative predictability and significance in correct journey planning make it important data for vacationers. Whereas exterior elements could affect minor variations, understanding this baseline permits for simpler administration of journey logistics and mitigates the potential influence of unexpected delays.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights signify a big issue influencing general journey time between Chicago and San Antonio. Whereas doubtlessly providing value financial savings or expanded route choices, connecting flights introduce complexities concerning scheduling and whole journey period. Understanding these complexities is essential for correct journey planning and managing expectations.
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Layover Period
Layover period, the time spent between connecting flights, considerably impacts general journey time. Quick layovers, whereas doubtlessly minimizing general period, improve vulnerability to delays. A delayed preliminary flight would possibly trigger vacationers to overlook their connection, necessitating rebooking and doubtlessly extending journey time significantly. Conversely, longer layovers present a buffer in opposition to delays however inherently improve whole journey time. Balancing these concerns requires cautious evaluation of particular person schedules and danger tolerance.
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Connecting Airport Effectivity
The effectivity of the connecting airport performs a vital function in figuring out the feasibility of a connection. Navigating a big, complicated airport with a number of terminals can eat appreciable time, significantly throughout peak hours. Elements like airport structure, signage, and inter-terminal transportation choices considerably affect connection effectivity. A clean, environment friendly connection minimizes potential delays, whereas a congested or poorly designed airport can introduce surprising time constraints.
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Airline Reliability
The reliability of each the preliminary and connecting flights impacts general journey time predictability. Airways with greater on-time efficiency data decrease the danger of delays which may jeopardize connections. Conversely, airways with decrease on-time efficiency introduce uncertainty, requiring vacationers to issue potential delays into their planning. Selecting airways with sturdy reliability data reduces the chance of surprising extensions to journey time.
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Baggage Switch
Baggage switch processes contribute to the general time required for a connecting flight. Whereas most airways goal for seamless baggage switch, occasional points can come up, doubtlessly delaying baggage arrival on the last vacation spot. Elements such because the variety of connections and the effectivity of luggage dealing with programs at connecting airports affect the chance of delays. Vacationers ought to think about potential baggage delays when planning actions instantly upon arrival.
In conclusion, whereas connecting flights would possibly supply sure benefits, their influence on general journey time between Chicago and San Antonio is multi-faceted. Cautious consideration of layover period, connecting airport effectivity, airline reliability, and baggage switch procedures is crucial for correct journey planning and managing potential delays. Balancing these elements in opposition to potential value financial savings or route availability allows knowledgeable selections that align with particular person journey priorities.
3. Airline Variations
Airline variations signify a notable issue influencing flight durations between Chicago and San Antonio. Completely different airways make use of various operational methods, impacting scheduled flight instances and potential delays. Understanding these variations permits vacationers to make knowledgeable selections aligned with their scheduling priorities.
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Route Effectivity
Airways make the most of totally different flight paths and altitudes, impacting journey time. Extra direct routes usually translate to shorter flights, whereas much less direct routes, typically chosen for gas effectivity or air site visitors administration, can improve period. As an example, an airline prioritizing a direct route over a barely longer however much less congested one would possibly supply a shorter flight time.
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Plane Sort
The kind of plane employed influences cruising pace and, consequently, flight period. Some airways make the most of newer, quicker plane on this route, doubtlessly decreasing journey time in comparison with airways utilizing older, slower fashions. A distinction in plane sort can lead to variations of as much as half-hour in flight time.
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Scheduled Layovers
Even for ostensibly direct flights, some airways would possibly incorporate transient technical stops for refueling or crew adjustments. These stops, whereas not technically layovers requiring passenger disembarkation, can add to general journey time. Vacationers ought to rigorously evaluation flight particulars to determine any such scheduled stops which may not be instantly obvious.
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On-Time Efficiency
An airline’s historic on-time efficiency file gives perception into the chance of delays. Airways with constantly excessive on-time efficiency supply better predictability, whereas these with decrease data introduce a better chance of delays impacting general journey time. Contemplating on-time efficiency is essential for time-sensitive journey.
In abstract, airline variations introduce nuances to flight period between Chicago and San Antonio. Cautious consideration of route effectivity, plane sort, scheduled stops, and on-time efficiency empowers vacationers to pick out airways aligning with their scheduling wants and danger tolerance. Integrating these elements into journey planning contributes to extra correct estimations of whole journey time and minimizes the influence of potential delays.
4. Airport Decisions (Chicago)
Chicago provides two main airport choices for flights to San Antonio: O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) and Halfway Worldwide Airport (MDW). The selection between these airports influences general journey time, contemplating elements past flight period itself. Understanding these elements is essential for complete journey planning.
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Journey Time to Airport
Journey time to every airport from varied factors throughout the Chicago metropolitan space considerably impacts general journey period. O’Hare, positioned farther from the town heart, typically requires longer commutes, particularly throughout peak site visitors intervals. Halfway, nearer to downtown, usually provides shorter journey instances for these originating in central Chicago. This distinction can add or subtract a considerable period of time, particularly when contemplating potential site visitors delays.
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Airport Measurement and Navigation
O’Hare, a considerably bigger airport than Halfway, presents better complexity in navigation. Longer distances between terminals, elevated passenger quantity, and extra in depth safety procedures can contribute to elevated transit time throughout the airport itself. Halfway’s smaller dimension typically permits for faster navigation, doubtlessly decreasing pre- and post-flight time spent throughout the airport surroundings.
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Flight Frequency and Availability
O’Hare usually provides a wider number of flights to San Antonio, together with extra frequent departures and doubtlessly extra direct flight choices. Halfway, whereas providing flights to San Antonio, might need a extra restricted schedule, doubtlessly necessitating connecting flights or much less handy departure instances. The elevated flight frequency at O’Hare can supply better flexibility and doubtlessly shorter general journey instances.
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Floor Transportation Choices
Each airports supply varied floor transportation choices, together with public transit, taxis, ride-sharing companies, and rental automobiles. Nonetheless, entry to and effectivity of those choices can fluctuate. O’Hare advantages from direct entry to the ‘L’ prepare system, offering handy public transportation to the town heart. Halfway provides bus connections and available ride-sharing choices. Evaluating the popular floor transportation mode and its accessibility at every airport contributes to correct journey time estimation.
In conclusion, the selection between O’Hare and Halfway impacts general journey time to San Antonio, encompassing elements past flight period itself. Contemplating journey time to the airport, airport navigation complexity, flight availability, and floor transportation choices allows vacationers to make knowledgeable selections that optimize general journey effectivity. Integrating these elements into journey planning ensures practical time estimations and contributes to a smoother journey expertise.
5. Airport Decisions (San Antonio)
Whereas San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT) serves as the first airport for the area, understanding its operational traits and floor transportation choices stays related to general journey time from Chicago. Though the selection of airport in San Antonio has much less influence on flight period itself in comparison with the Chicago departure airport, contemplating floor transportation and airport procedures contributes to correct journey planning.
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Floor Transportation Time
Journey time from San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT) to varied locations throughout the metropolis contributes to general journey period. Elements similar to site visitors congestion, distance to the ultimate vacation spot, and chosen transportation mode (taxi, ride-sharing, rental automobile, or public transportation) affect floor transportation time. Precisely estimating this part is essential for managing post-flight schedules and minimizing potential delays.
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Airport Measurement and Effectivity
San Antonio Worldwide Airport, whereas a significant airport, is smaller than Chicago O’Hare. This usually interprets to faster navigation and shorter processing instances for bags declare and customs (for worldwide connections). Whereas airport dimension has a much less direct influence on general journey time in comparison with floor transportation, understanding airport structure and procedures facilitates smoother transitions and reduces potential delays throughout the airport surroundings.
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Availability of Floor Transportation Choices
The supply and accessibility of assorted floor transportation choices at SAT affect post-flight journey time. Understanding the frequency of public transport, availability of ride-sharing companies, and automobile rental procedures contributes to environment friendly planning and minimizes potential ready instances. Pre-booking transportation or researching accessible choices earlier than arrival streamlines the transition from airport to last vacation spot.
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Peak Journey Instances
Contemplating peak journey instances at SAT, significantly throughout main occasions or holidays, contributes to correct journey planning. Elevated passenger quantity throughout peak intervals can influence floor transportation availability and doubtlessly lengthen ready instances for taxis or ride-sharing companies. Factoring these potential delays into journey plans minimizes disruptions and ensures practical journey time estimations.
In conclusion, whereas the selection of airport in San Antonio may not immediately alter flight period from Chicago, understanding elements similar to floor transportation choices, airport effectivity, and peak journey instances contributes to a extra correct evaluation of whole journey time. Integrating these concerns into journey planning ensures practical expectations and facilitates a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise from departure in Chicago to last arrival in San Antonio.
6. Time of Yr
Time of 12 months considerably influences journey time between Chicago and San Antonio, primarily attributable to climate patterns and air site visitors quantity. Winter climate in Chicago, together with snow and ice storms, often causes flight delays and cancellations. These situations can add hours to a journey or necessitate rebooking on later flights, considerably impacting general journey time. Conversely, summer time months, whereas usually experiencing much less inclement climate, typically see elevated air site visitors attributable to trip journey. This greater quantity can result in delays associated to air site visitors congestion, each on the bottom and within the air. For instance, a flight scheduled throughout a significant vacation interval would possibly expertise prolonged taxiing instances or holding patterns earlier than touchdown, growing general journey period.
Understanding seasonal differences in journey time permits for extra correct planning and administration of expectations. Vacationers planning journeys throughout winter months ought to anticipate potential weather-related delays and think about versatile reserving choices or journey insurance coverage. These touring throughout peak summer time intervals ought to issue potential air site visitors congestion into their schedules and think about early morning or late night flights to doubtlessly decrease delays. As an example, a enterprise traveler with a vital assembly in San Antonio would possibly select a flight arriving the day earlier than throughout peak season to mitigate the danger of a delay impacting the assembly schedule. Moreover, consciousness of seasonal flight costs permits vacationers to price range accordingly, as costs typically improve throughout peak journey intervals.
In abstract, time of 12 months represents an important part of journey time calculation between Chicago and San Antonio. Recognizing the influence of seasonal climate patterns and air site visitors quantity permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays, handle expectations realistically, and make knowledgeable selections concerning flight decisions. Integrating this understanding into journey planning contributes to a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise, minimizing the influence of unexpected disruptions. Neglecting seasonal influences can result in vital journey disruptions and underscore the sensible significance of incorporating this data into journey preparations.
7. Climate Situations
Climate situations signify a vital issue influencing flight period between Chicago and San Antonio. Antagonistic climate could cause vital delays, impacting each departure and arrival instances. Situations similar to heavy snow, thunderstorms, or excessive winds typically necessitate floor stops, holding patterns, and even flight cancellations. These disruptions can add hours to a journey or require rebooking on subsequent flights, considerably impacting general journey time. For instance, a extreme thunderstorm in Chicago would possibly delay outbound flights for a number of hours, inflicting a ripple impact on connecting flights and doubtlessly impacting arrival instances in San Antonio by a big margin. Equally, fog or low visibility in San Antonio can forestall plane from touchdown, resulting in diversions to alternate airports or prolonged holding patterns, additional growing journey time. Airways prioritize security; due to this fact, even seemingly minor climate occasions can necessitate changes to flight schedules, impacting general journey period.
Understanding the potential influence of climate situations permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and handle expectations realistically. Checking climate forecasts for each departure and arrival cities earlier than touring is essential for proactive planning. Assets similar to airline web sites and climate apps present real-time updates and notifications concerning potential disruptions. Flexibility in journey plans, together with contemplating alternate journey dates or permitting ample buffer time for connections, mitigates the influence of weather-related delays. Journey insurance coverage can present monetary safety in case of cancellations or vital delays necessitating rebooking or lodging adjustments. As an example, a traveler conscious of an impending snowstorm in Chicago would possibly proactively contact their airline to discover rebooking choices or alter their journey plans accordingly, minimizing potential disruptions.
In abstract, climate situations signify a dynamic factor impacting flight period between Chicago and San Antonio. Proactive monitoring of climate forecasts, versatile journey planning, and consciousness of airline insurance policies concerning weather-related disruptions are important for mitigating potential delays. Integrating this understanding into pre-flight preparations ensures extra practical expectations and contributes to a smoother, extra adaptable journey expertise, minimizing the influence of unexpected climate occasions. Failing to account for potential climate disruptions can result in vital journey delays and underscores the sensible significance of incorporating climate consciousness into journey planning.
8. Air Site visitors Congestion
Air site visitors congestion considerably influences flight period between Chicago and San Antonio. Each Chicago O’Hare (ORD), a significant worldwide hub, and San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT), whereas smaller, expertise intervals of excessive site visitors quantity. This congestion impacts flight instances in a number of methods. Departure delays typically come up attributable to plane queuing for takeoff clearance. Taxiing time, the period an plane spends on the bottom navigating to and from the runway, will increase considerably during times of excessive congestion. Moreover, arrival delays grow to be frequent as plane could also be positioned in holding patterns, circling in designated areas till touchdown clearance turns into accessible. These delays, typically accumulating to hours, immediately improve whole journey time.
The sensible implications of understanding air site visitors congestion are substantial. Vacationers can mitigate potential disruptions by contemplating elements similar to time of day and day of the week. Flights scheduled throughout peak hours or standard journey days (Fridays, Sundays, holidays) expertise a better chance of congestion-related delays. Choosing off-peak journey instances, when possible, typically reduces the danger. Actual-time flight monitoring instruments and airline notifications present updates on potential delays, enabling vacationers to regulate plans proactively. For instance, a traveler conscious of great departure delays from ORD can notify floor transportation companies or reschedule connecting appointments to attenuate disruption. Moreover, factoring potential delays into general journey planning, similar to permitting ample buffer time for connections, mitigates the influence of unexpected air site visitors congestion.
In abstract, air site visitors congestion represents a dynamic and influential think about figuring out general journey time between Chicago and San Antonio. Recognizing its influence, using accessible instruments for monitoring real-time flight data, and incorporating versatile journey methods minimizes potential disruptions. Neglecting to account for air site visitors congestion in journey planning can result in substantial delays and missed connections, underscoring the sensible significance of incorporating this understanding into pre-flight preparations.
9. Wind Speeds
Wind speeds signify a refined but impactful issue influencing flight period between Chicago and San Antonio. Whereas much less distinguished than elements like climate programs or air site visitors congestion, wind patterns alongside flight routes exert a measurable affect on journey time. Favorable tailwinds, winds blowing within the course of journey, successfully improve an plane’s floor pace, doubtlessly shortening flight period. Conversely, headwinds, opposing the course of journey, lower floor pace, doubtlessly extending flight time. The influence of wind on flight period will depend on each wind pace and course relative to the flight path. A robust tailwind can shave minutes off a flight, whereas a persistent headwind can add a comparable period of time. As an example, a flight encountering a constant 50 mph tailwind would possibly arrive 15-20 minutes sooner than scheduled, whereas an analogous headwind may end in a corresponding delay.
The sensible significance of understanding wind results lies in managing journey expectations. Whereas exact wind predictions stay difficult, normal seasonal wind patterns present some predictability. For instance, throughout sure instances of the 12 months, prevailing westerly winds throughout North America would possibly favor westbound flights from Chicago to San Antonio, doubtlessly resulting in shorter journey instances. Conversely, eastbound flights throughout these intervals would possibly encounter headwinds, growing flight period. Whereas airways incorporate wind forecasts into flight planning, surprising shifts in wind patterns throughout flight can nonetheless influence journey time. Actual-time flight monitoring purposes typically show present wind situations alongside a flight’s path, providing vacationers perception into potential delays or early arrivals attributable to wind influences.
In abstract, wind speeds, although typically ignored, signify a tangible issue impacting flight instances between Chicago and San Antonio. Recognizing the affect of tailwinds and headwinds permits vacationers to contextualize potential variations in flight period. Whereas exact wind predictions stay complicated, consciousness of normal wind patterns and utilization of real-time flight monitoring data contribute to extra knowledgeable journey expectations and facilitate proactive adaptation to potential wind-related delays or early arrivals. Integrating this understanding into journey planning, alongside different elements like climate and air site visitors, enhances general journey predictability.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning flight durations between Chicago and San Antonio. Readability on these factors facilitates knowledgeable journey planning and practical expectations.
Query 1: What’s the typical period of a continuous flight between Chicago and San Antonio?
Continuous flights usually vary from two and a half to 3 hours. Variations could happen attributable to plane sort, air site visitors management, and wind situations.
Query 2: How do connecting flights have an effect on general journey time?
Connecting flights introduce layover intervals, growing general journey time. Period will depend on the layover size, airport navigation time, and potential delays. Connecting flights can add a number of hours to the whole journey.
Query 3: Which Chicago airport provides extra frequent flights to San Antonio?
Chicago O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) usually provides a better frequency of flights to San Antonio in comparison with Halfway Worldwide Airport (MDW).
Query 4: How does the time of 12 months influence flight instances and potential delays?
Winter climate in Chicago could cause vital delays attributable to snow and ice. Summer time months typically expertise elevated air site visitors, doubtlessly resulting in congestion-related delays.
Query 5: What function do wind situations play in flight period?
Tailwinds can shorten flight instances, whereas headwinds can lengthen them. Wind influence will depend on pace and course relative to the flight path. Whereas typically a much less vital issue than climate or air site visitors, wind can nonetheless affect journey time by a number of minutes.
Query 6: The place can vacationers discover real-time details about potential flight delays?
Actual-time flight data and delay notifications are usually accessible by airline web sites, flight monitoring purposes, and airport data programs.
Understanding these elements permits for proactive planning and adaptation to potential variations in journey time. Correct time estimations facilitate seamless connections, environment friendly floor transportation preparations, and general smoother journey experiences.
For additional data on particular airline routes, schedules, and journey advisories, seek the advice of respective airline web sites or journey companies.
Ideas for Managing Journey Time Between Chicago and San Antonio
Optimizing journey time between Chicago and San Antonio requires proactive planning and consideration of assorted elements. The next ideas present sensible steering for minimizing potential disruptions and making certain a smoother journey expertise.
Tip 1: E book Direct Flights When Possible: Direct flights remove layover dangers, providing better predictability and infrequently shorter general journey instances. Whereas doubtlessly costlier, the time saved and diminished danger of delays typically outweigh the price distinction for time-sensitive journey.
Tip 2: Take into account Time of Yr: Winter climate in Chicago and peak summer time air site visitors could cause vital delays. Versatile journey dates throughout these intervals, or permitting ample buffer time, mitigate disruptions. Low season journey typically presents shorter, extra predictable flight durations.
Tip 3: Monitor Climate Forecasts: Checking climate forecasts for each Chicago and San Antonio earlier than and through journey permits for proactive changes to plans. Consciousness of potential climate disruptions facilitates knowledgeable selections concerning flight decisions and various preparations.
Tip 4: Make the most of Flight Monitoring Instruments: Actual-time flight monitoring purposes present up-to-date data on flight standing, potential delays, and gate adjustments. These instruments empower vacationers to adapt to altering circumstances and handle connections effectively.
Tip 5: Think about Airport Transit Time: Take into account journey time to and from airports, particularly in Chicago, when calculating general journey period. O’Hare’s distance from downtown requires longer commutes. Halfway’s proximity provides potential time financial savings however might need fewer direct flight choices.
Tip 6: Select Floor Transportation Properly: Pre-booking floor transportation in San Antonio minimizes post-flight delays. Researching choices and contemplating site visitors patterns ensures well timed arrival at last locations. Enable ample time for floor transportation, significantly throughout peak hours.
Tip 7: Pack Sensible and Mild: Minimizing checked baggage expedites airport procedures, decreasing potential delays at baggage declare. Carry-on baggage additional streamlines the journey course of and avoids potential baggage dealing with points.
Implementing these methods considerably enhances journey predictability and reduces potential disruptions. Proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making contribute to a extra environment friendly and fewer demanding journey expertise between Chicago and San Antonio.
By contemplating these components, vacationers can successfully handle their journey time and decrease potential disruptions, enabling a smoother and extra predictable journey.
Conclusion
Flight period between Chicago and San Antonio represents a multifaceted topic influenced by a fancy interaction of things. Direct flight time gives a baseline, usually starting from two and a half to 3 hours. Nonetheless, components similar to connecting flights, airline decisions, airport choice (each in Chicago and San Antonio), time of 12 months, prevailing climate situations, air site visitors congestion, and even wind speeds contribute to variations in general journey time. Understanding these components empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable selections, handle expectations realistically, and mitigate potential disruptions.
Correct estimation of journey time between these two cities facilitates efficient planning, from scheduling floor transportation and lodging to managing enterprise appointments and leisure actions. Proactive consideration of potential delays, utilization of real-time flight monitoring instruments, and versatile itinerary administration contribute to smoother, extra predictable journey experiences. Finally, knowledgeable consciousness of the elements impacting flight period empowers vacationers to navigate the complexities of air journey extra effectively, minimizing stress and maximizing the worth of time spent in transit.
