To consider flying between cities for a day

[jarsinabox]

I live in the UK and I'm going to a large American city on holiday in a few weeks. It turns out that a friend I met just before the pandemic when I was living abroad in Europe now lives in another city in the same state I'm going to on holiday. I have looked into transportation options and the easiest/fastest seems to be to fly. It is just over an hour's flight between my holiday city and friend's city.

AIBU to consider booking an early morning flight to her city and then a flight back to my holiday city late that night? It would cost about £60 in total and I'd have about 10 hours to spend with my friend. We both got on well when we lived in the same country and it would be really nice to see her again. She might offer to let me stay with her for a night but for health reasons I'd prefer to go back to my holiday city. I can't decide if it's a too-crazy idea or if it's a crazy idea that I should act on because when will friend and I ever be that near each other again?!

It's fine. I've done Amsterdam in a day a few times and that's around a 50 minute flight.

Why not if you can afford it? I’m going to meet a friend in Spain next week and it will cost me more than £60 in taxis.

Of course you should do it. It will be great to see your friend and opportunities might be few and far between in the future. Just do it would be my advice.

You might be knackered but if that doesn't put you off go for it. Just pray for no delays

Unless this is an environmental worry, why wouldn't you? I've been on a few business trips that have been a flight to London and back just for the day.

It's not great for the environment. But we're probably beyond the point where it matters now so why not?

Just make sure you choose your airline wisely. Some of them are constantly delayed and cancelled.

Yes. Horrid day mostly spent in airports & massive carbon cost. Don't do it.

If I could and had the £, enjoy it. All the best op.

Let's be honest, yes every little helps, but in the long term, I'm guessing big tech, will be the ones to save the environment.

If it's a full 10hrs with your friend excluding airport time - why not?
Of you have to factor in airport & transfer tome it might be a depressingly quick meal/drink

Whatever not?

Sounds fun.

You would drive an hour or so to an ‘attraction’ for example….you will get to see another city and re-connect with a friend.

Great opportunity, seize the day!

A domestic flight within the U.S and with no bags should not entail a day ‘spent mostly in an airport’.

No but some people with no knowledge of what they're commenting on always feel it necessary to 'say their piece'

a family member just had a flight cancelled last week (and put on a next day flight) on a NY domestic flight. But hopefully all will be well and no problems. I live in Ireland and will often go over to spend the day in the UK with family. Depending on which city and airport it can be pretty painless and i like sleeping in my own bed! We did this recently even with crazy airport lines and managed to avoid spending excessive time in the airport.

I'm sorry, I think the environmental cost is indefensible. Other than that I can see it would be very doable and a shame to potentially never see your friend again unless you do this.

Greater carbon cost if the OP and her friend cross the Atlantic to see each other in due course rather than taking this chance of meeting up an hour away.