I don't feel like my trip has begun until I am in the air headed for JA on a direct flight. At that point I know I am setting foot in the land I love in about 3 hours and that ecstatic anticipation sets in. But everything up until then is a bit of a chore--packing, taking care of pets, getting to the airport--all lumped in the chore category. I have gotten to the airport many ways--subway, bus, taxi, town car. It depends on my budget and time constraints. But I would never blow extra money getting to the airport. For me, it is all about when I arrive in JA.