CINCINNATI, Oh. (January 8, 2019) –Football fanatics are hopeful their favorite team will continue on to the Big Game with the kick off of NFL playoff season this past weekend. With less than 30 days until Super Bowl Sunday, local AAA travel experts are offering the following tips for fans who want to book a last minute trip to attend the festivities in Atlanta, Georgia:

Tickets:

AAA Members save 15 percent or more on all Ticket Monster sporting event tickets, including the upcoming Big Game. To purchase tickets, AAA members can visit AAA.com/Ticketmonster and enter their valid 16-digit membership number at checkout to receive their discount.

Airfare:

Mercedes Benz Stadium is less than 10 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and approximately 246 miles from Savannah –Hilton Head International Airport. The inventory is there, however last minute air travel is typically much more expensive.  The current average cost of airfare for a roundtrip ticket from Cincinnati to Atlanta is between $384.00-$450.00. Prices can change and increase as the weekend gets closer. The sooner you can book the better.

Bus and Train:

If you don’t mind taking extra time to travel, bus and train routes may be another consideration. Dates, times and the number of stops can vary but if your funds are small but your love for the football is limitless, this option could be worth investigating.

Hotel:

AAA travel agents urge fans to act immediately to secure a hotel room in Atlanta for the Super Bowl as many in the city limits are already at capacity and those in surrounding areas are close to being sold out. The current average price for hotels in and around Atlanta is $150-$300.00 per night. Prices can change and increase as the weekend gets closer.

Road Trip:

It will take approximately seven hours of driving time to travel from Cincinnati to Atlanta. The current average cost for a car rental is $380.00-$400.00 total for the weekend. Prices can change and increase as the weekend gets closer. However, if you are planning to use your own vehicle, AAA recommends the following tips to get your car road trip ready:

• Windshield Wiper Blades – Worn, cracked or rigid windshield wiper blades will not adequately remove rain, grime and other debris that can obscure driver vision. If the wiper blades are sufficiently deteriorated, the metal wiper blade frame could contact and damage the windshield.
• Tire Pressure – Check and adjust tire pressure, including the spare. Always inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings - not the maximum pressure molded on the side of the tire.
• Tire Tread – Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head. If any of the area above Washington’s head is visible, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
• Battery – Have your battery checked, especially if it is over three years old. Winter’s cold breaks down the battery internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on battery terminals.
• Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit – When driving long distances in winter weather conditions, pack an emergency kit before heading out. Include deicer, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction), a blanket, extra gloves and hat, non-perishable snacks and water, and have a backup power source for your cell phone.

All AAA Bob Sumerel Tire & Auto Car Care Centers will check your vehicle’s battery and tires for free, even if you’re not a AAA member.

Root for the Underdog but Don’t Travel Like One

• Making your travel plans with a travel agent is a good idea, especially when there are so many potential scams.
• Use your credit card when purchasing to give yourself a good way to have money returned if you need to cancel.
• Read hotel/airline policies carefully so you understand what cancellation policies entail.
• Call the air/train/bus company you will use to get there personally. Leaving your reservations and hard earned dollars up to an emailed confirmation number can be risky. Do the same with hotel reservations. Try to talk to a live person who can confirm what you’ve just paid for.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com

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