Boston Gal's Open Wallet

Long-distance couples half-rooted in the Boston-area - many of whom are in their 20s and 30s, separated by graduate school, internships, and first jobs - say gas prices and airfare (not to mention a wave of canceled flights) are leaving them broke, emotionally exhausted, and seeing less of each other. No more last-minute jaunts to New York to surprise their partner after work. No more quick flights to Philadelphia to see their significant other's smile. Travel is too expensive these days for spontaneity and frequent visits.

Davies, a nonprofit worker who makes a little over $50,000 a year, said that the price to keep the spark alive, with two visits a month, has soared in the past six months. It had been under $300 for two trips, but in November AirTran canceled its Boston-to-Philadelphia service. Now, to avoid $300-plus roundtrip flights on other airlines, Davies takes the train to Providence, a bus to T.F. Green Airport, and flies Southwest Airlines for about $160 each visit.

"It puts you into a period of total limbo," he said of the rising costs. "Basically you put your life on pause. Any vacations you were planning or anything you were planning on buying . . . any disposable income goes to maintaining your relationship."