Why Fly Local? A nod to MSN airport.

Updated: Aug 23, 2021

Let's talk about booking your next flight through Dane County Regional Airport.

The Bucky Badger statue in the second floor store-Madison XChange

Now, I will tell you I’m the traveler who saves as much money as possible when it comes to flights and hotels so I have more to spend on experiences, souvenirs and food. Flying DCRA at first looks expensive compared to driving to Chicago or even the Twin Cities. However, I’ve flown locally a few times now and it is always worth it. Why?

Airport Tower and Taxi Area

I don’t have to drive 3+ hours. This is bad enough starting our vacation, but we had a 9 hour overnight flight finishing our latest vacation. There was no way we would be able to drive 3 hours after that and I wasn’t going to try to check into a hotel at 7 am in Chicago. Flying locally, we were able to just hop on the plane, and hop out right at home.

The Destination Madison Information Desk

I don't want to try to do things in Chicago. I always want to do things since we “traveled all the way here”. If I’m traveling to Chicago (or other big cities with airports) for a flight, I want to do things in Chicago too. Which means more time and money. Not everyone thinks like this, but I do and I need ways to prevent my bird brain from getting distracted.

Only 3 Baggage Claims at Dane County Regional Airport

Save on parking. This is usually the deal breaker for me. Luckily in Madison, we live close enough we can UBER over to the airport. But even when it comes to parking, DCRA charges $6 per day for the economy lot. Chicago O’hare charges $15 for their cheapest economy lot. And that leads me to my next point….

Dana the Cow, MSN's Mascot, Features the many Nonstop Flights

Ease of access. Even if you do utilize the Economy lot in Chicago, it takes FOREVER to get from the lot to the airport. Madison’s economy lot is a walk, but a very short one. It’s popular here for one person to go get the car while the others wait. And I promise, you won’t get lost trying to find the family.

TSA Pre-Check Line and Plane Decor

Lines. The whole airport is easily usable. Ticket counters are easy to find and the TSA line is always super short and quick. There isn’t a McDonald’s or Starbucks at DCRA like in O’hare, but there are food options and once again, smaller lines. Plus these are local places like Metcalfe’s and Ancora Coffee. Shop Local!

Ticket Counters

Less stress. The reasons I listed above are great reasons to fly and reduce stress in a lot of ways, but flying local reduces just the general stress of going to Chicago. “Will we get there in time?” “Where is my gate?” “Why is TSA taking so long?” and the big one “We have to be there two hours prior to departure!”. I suggest coming early as some ticket counters close prior to departure, but two full hours isn’t needed. Maybe a hour and a half.

The changing art gallery at Door 3

Of course, if you have a larger group, maybe traveling to an airport still comes out as the better option for you. And that's ok! My hope is that these reasons will make those traveling solo or in groups of two or three think twice about flying from their own backyard.

Another super cool thing about Dane County Regional Airport is their sense of community. Their conference room hosts the Badger Honor Flight every year, a non profit near and dear to my heart.

In 2020 and 2021, due to limited events and everyone social distancing, DCRA hosted Flight of Lights. Traditions Specialty Lighting came to set up the lights showcasing military, healthcare workers, nonstop flights, and a congrats to those graduating. Folks from all over the area came to drive through the show.