Travel between Portland and Atlanta after retirement to Maine (taxi, price)

[southernAKN]

My husband and I are considering retiring in Maine. We have been in Alaska the last 28 years, both grew up in GA and our families are still there. We want to be closer (more accessible) to family but not in the South. I have been looking at the many commuter flights between Portland and Atlanta and wondering if they will provide the quick and easy access I am seeking. Does anyone else have experience with the commuter flights who could give me some insight? Currently there are 10-15 flights scheduled per day. Is this the norm? Do they get cancelled often? Are they easy to book last minute? Would taking the train to Boston for the same flights be an option or too much trouble to get to airport from train? I appreciate any thoughts or input.

[River Runner]

I can't really speak too much specifically on commuter flights. However, I (and many people I know) actually take Concord Coach bus to Logan in Boston when we need to fly. Flying out of Boston often helps with the price of the flights and the frequency as opposed to flying out of Portland. Concord Coach goes straight to the airport in Boston and you just tell the driver what airline you are flying and they drop you off right at that terminal. The cost isn't too bad, the buses are pretty clean, the drivers from my experience have been great, and the bus is quiet during the ride (everyone tuned into their own thing or into the movie being played on the overhead monitors which you can listen to with earbuds).

The train to Boston is a possibility but the Downeaster out of Maine into Boston goes into North Station so you would either have to take a taxi or public transit (subway, bus) to get to the airport. So a bit more cumbersome. But doable I suppose.

Sorry I couldn't help with the commuter flight aspect specifically.

[southernAKN]

Originally Posted by River Runner

I can't really speak too much specifically on commuter flights. However, I (and many people I know) actually take Concord Coach bus to Logan in Boston when we need to fly. Flying out of Boston often helps with the price of the flights and the frequency as opposed to flying out of Portland. Concord Coach goes straight to the airport in Boston and you just tell the driver what airline you are flying and they drop you off right at that terminal. The cost isn't too bad, the buses are pretty clean, the drivers from my experience have been great, and the bus is quiet during the ride (everyone tuned into their own thing or into the movie being played on the overhead monitors which you can listen to with earbuds).

The train to Boston is a possibility but the Downeaster out of Maine into Boston goes into North Station so you would either have to take a taxi or public transit (subway, bus) to get to the airport. So a bit more cumbersome. But doable I suppose.

Sorry I couldn't help with the commuter flight aspect specifically.

This is really helpful information. I did not know about the bus and that would make flying out of Boston much easier. The flights out of Boston are pretty reliable. Thanks!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

And if you need to drive to Atlanta sometime, do NOT take I-95 down. Drive across the Mass Pike and continue west beyond Albany. Take I-81 south. It is FAR safer and more scenic. By all means, do not drive south on I-95 at night.