You’ll be cutting it close, but here are TCU fans’ options for traveling to CFP title game
There’s bad news — and there’s worse news? — for TCU football fans still mulling over their options to cheering for their beloved Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship against No. 1-ranked Georgia.
Rooting for the lads in white and purple at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Jan. 9 will likely mean hopping on a pricey flight or jumping behind the wheel for an extended drive.
It’s understandable that TCU fans are excited. This is the Horned Frogs’ first ever appearance in the championship game since the College Football Playoff era began in 2014. The last time TCU won a national collegiate football title was back in 1938.
It has been a special season for TCU — from Max Duggan’s meteoric stardom to the thrilling humbling of the Michigan Wolverines in the Fiesta Bowl.
So, what to do?
For the bad news: There are very few seats available on flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Los Angeles, travel experts say, and those that are left are incredibly pricey.
Cindy McCoy, personal travel counselor at Fort Worth travel agency Gulliver’s Travel, says one flight she booked for a client on Wednesday cost over $2,000. She’s also found flights in and out of Palm Springs for about $900 per person. Hotel rooms have likewise been scarce, with a hotel booking in El Segundo about $1,200 for three nights.
With flying to the TCU game being more expensive and less accessible, can driving be a better option?
If you enjoy long roadtrips, this may be your ticket. If not, this might be the worst of the choices.
The Star-Telegram spoke with AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster to find out. Here’s what you should know about taking a family roadtrip from Fort Worth to Los Angeles.
How long is the drive?
It’s a long drive from Fort Worth to Los Angeles — about 21 hours in total driving time each way. With longer road trips, you will need to do some planning before taking off, Armbruster says. Plan a route, have alternatives, check the weather forecast along your route and consider other essentials for a safe roadtrip.
How much would the round-trip drive cost?
According to AAA’s Gas Cost Calculator, estimated fuel costs from DFW to Los Angeles today would be around $322 roundtrip for a family-sized SUV that gets around 26 miles per gallon. The total mileage is estimated at 2,890 roundtrip.
Travelers also need to factor in possible car maintenance prior to departure and costs for food, lodging and other necessities.
How many TCU fans will be driving to the game?
Many fans will be taking to the roadways and the skies, Armbruster says, but driving remains the primary mode of transportation for most people. During the holidays, approximately 90% of those who traveled took a roadtrip.
When would you have to leave to get to the game in time?
This will depend on each person’s needs, according to Armbruster. While it takes approximately 21 hours to drive to Los Angeles from Fort Worth, you should build in extra time for possible delays and overnight stays.
“No one should spend that much time driving all at once,” he said.
AAA recommends drivers get at least seven hours of sleep each night and stop to rest every two hours or 100 miles while driving to your destination, in order to remain alert and avoid drowsy driving. That can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Tips for your Horned Frogs roadtrip
Make sure your car is roadtrip ready to reduce the risk of a roadside emergency. Have it checked out by a trusted mechanic.
Be prepared for the possibility of a roadside breakdown. In addition to having roadside assistance, drivers should carry an emergency vehicle kit with the following items to assist them in an emergency until help arrives:
Bag of abrasive material
- Ice scraper (sand, salt or cat litter)
- Cloth or paper towels
- Small snow shovel
- Booster cables
- Snow brush
- Blanket
- Traction mats
- Warning flares or
- Flashlight triangles
- Window-washing solvent
- Cellular phone
- Gloves or mittens
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 3:12 PM.
