How much cheaper is it to fly out of Concord?

CONCORD, N.C. — Driving just 30 minutes from Charlotte to Concord could save you hundreds of dollars on holiday travel.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport officials say they’ve seen double the number of passengers flying out of Concord Regional Airport this year compared to last year, and the savings can really add up.

Now, thousands of people are making the drive and flying to some of the same destinations and major airports as flights out of Charlotte at a fraction of the price.

One customer traveling to San Juan, Puerto Rico, said he saved hundreds of dollars.

“Honestly, I was shocked to see how much cheaper it was,” he said.

Concord Aviation Director Eric Pratt says one reason is that customers are squeezed for cash but still want — or need — to travel.

“Fuel prices have really started taking an impact on your tolls, on your fares, and so a lot of people are looking for those options where they can continue to travel but really do it while saving a little bit of money,” Pratt said.

San Juan isn’t the only destination from Concord. Later this month, Avelo Airlines will begin flights to Orlando International Airport.

Channel 9’s Damany Lewis checked dates around Thanksgiving, leaving the Saturday before the holiday and coming back a week later. For a round-trip flight, including a checked bag and carry on, and choosing your seat, it was $533 in Concord. To fly American from Charlotte with the same perks, it would cost you $750.

At Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Lewis found Greg Gipson, headed to Orlando, and told him how much he could save by traveling out of Concord.

“I would probably give you a big hug right now because that’ll save me, that’ll save me a couple $1,000 a year to fly out of Concord as many times as I go to Orlando,” he told him.

Concord’s airport is much smaller than Charlotte, and there are only certain days you can fly to some locations. However, increased demand has them looking to expand service and possibly the airport itself.

For now, airport leaders say when there’s a will to pay less, you can always find a way, and Concord-Padgett may be the answer.