Game Tickets:

If you plan to be there in person for the big game, prepare to pay a premium cost – the current cheapest “get in” price is about $5,000 per seat, plus taxes and service fees – for tickets on the secondary market. AAA Members can search for discounted tickets with AAA Tickets to witness high-demand games in-person. AAA Members enter their valid 16-digit membership number at checkout to receive their discount.

Airfare:

The largest airport near the Caesars Superdome, where the game will take place in New Orleans, is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The sooner you can book, the better, as last-minute air travel can be much more expensive. Be advised that in looking for airfare and hotel prices, you may see offers that are scams. A trusted travel agent/advisor can help you search for the best travel itinerary to fit your plans and budget.

According to Matt Bert, travel advisor for AAA Kansas in Wichita, flight availability and pricing is likely to vary rapidly based on demand and as it gets closer to the game, but flights out of Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to New Orleans, leaving Friday, Feb. 7 and returning on Tuesday, Feb. 11, are currently running at least $437 and up. Returning on Monday, Feb. 10 results in higher prices, with seats $100-$150 more.

Departures from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for the same time frame (Feb. 7-11) are now available starting at around $579. Availability will become more limited and prices are likely to rise as game day approaches.

Hotels:

There are 142 hotels and more than 26,000 rooms in the downtown New Orleans area, with 307 hotels encompassing more than 41,000 rooms in the greater metro area. New Orleans offers a wide variety of accommodations at all price points, including small boutique hotels in the French Quarter, charming bed and breakfast properties, major downtown hotel towers and more. Demand will be high for the weekend of the game, however. In addition to those attending the game, there will be a lot of people heading to the New Orleans area just to have a fun fan experience but not to go to the game.

AAA advises travelers, especially those who are booking on their own and those who go the Airbnb route to call the hotel or homeowner personally to confirm you have an actual reservation. Hotel prices close to the Superdome are starting at more than $1,000/night before taxes. Hotels near the airport are listed starting at $350/night plus taxes. Again, with a fairly large inventory of rooms in the New Orleans area, looking further out in the surrounding suburbs may yield lower priced hotel stays. An experienced travel agent can assist with finding accommodations that meet your needs and budget.

Rental Cars:

Rental cars will also be in high demand in the New Orleans area so should be booked sooner rather than later to get what you want. Car rental costs with AAA partner Hertz are currently starting around $230 for a 4-day weekend rental, with a AAA membership.

Road Trip:

There are about 865 miles between Wichita and New Orleans, and it’s about 845 miles from Overland Park to New Orleans, making for a 12- to 13-hour drive.

Gas costs for the drive will depend on your vehicle’s tank capacity and fuel efficiency, as well as the gas prices at the pumps. Fortunately, the states between Kansas and Louisiana have some of the lowest average gas prices in the nation. The average Kansas gas price is currently ninth cheapest in the nation at $2.81/gallon, while Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.69), Texas (2.72), Arkansas ($2.77), Louisiana ($2.77), and Missouri ($2.83)) are also in the top 10 lowest gas prices. The average gas price in the New Orleans metro area currently is about $2.79.

·         AAA’s Gas Cost Calculator, found online at https://gasprices.aaa.com/aaa-gas-cost-calculator/, allows road-trippers to enter their starting location, destination; year, make, and model or estimated miles per gallon of their vehicle, and receive an estimate on what they can expect to pay for fuel.

·         AAA’s Mobile App, available for Apple and Android devices, allows drivers to see gas prices nearest to their location during the trip, allowing them to shop around and save a few cents per gallon when filling up. AAA members can also use the app to request Emergency Roadside Service. https://cluballiance.aaa.com/mobile-services

·         AAA members who sign up for free for the Fuel Rewards® program save at least 5 cents per gallon on every fill up at participating Shell stations. https://cluballiance.aaa.com/discounts/shell

If you’re up for the long football fanatic road trip, make sure your vehicle is too before you hit the road. AAA recommends having your vehicle inspected and serviced by a trusted service shop or mechanic, with special attention paid to system fluids (e.g. engine oil, antifreeze, brake, transmission), tires, batteries, and wiper blades and fluid. Also make sure the vehicle’s head lights, tail lights and turn signals are all operating properly.

When driving long distances when winter weather conditions can arise, pack an emergency kit before heading out. Include deicer, show shovel, snow brush/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, if you need to call for help.