Long distance travel, 2 adult cats that hate to travel. Fly or drive?

I am moving from TX to NYC at the end of August. I have 2 adult cats that hate to travel and hate their cages. I am unsure if I should fly them to NYC or drive them. I noticed that most airlines will not take an animal if it has been sedated, but I am worried that my cats will whine the entire trip if they are not sedated. Any recommendations or similar experiences? Any help is welcome.

You may have to drive alot of cities will not allow pets to fly in or out during the summer due to heat exposure you may need to check with the airlines on summer flight regulations these would only apply if the animals are flown as cargo

Agree with something above post said...I didn't read all of it. Depending on temperature(above or below a certain amount), the airline will not fly the animal. You may want to check on that before you decide on one thing. Although, it shouldn't be too bad right now. They don't like you to sedate them for this reason; your animal could die! Sedatives lower the blood pressure; therefore, lowering the heart rate. At high altitudes, this is a problem. You want the best for you pet, right? Also, keep in m,ind that if the cats are in cargo hold, it is NOT pressurized for comfort. Are you going to drive or fly? Are they leash trained at all? If you are diving, it may not be a bad idea to have them with you. Yes, it will be a longer trip, but you can let them relax in the car....Knowing you are there with them.

EDIT: Now that I read the rest of the post. Temperature issues DO APPLY if animal is flown as cargo(under the plane)! The reason is because they cannot insure how long the animal will be sitting outside in the weather(extreme heat or cold) before they are loaded onto another plane. THAT'S why the temperature regulations are there!

call your regular vet and tell them your issue. I work at an animal hospital and people call alot with this problem. If there is a chance that you might drive, this might be a lot easier on them to be able to see you as they travel. You can give them Benadryl and that takes the edge off of them being stressed out. There are also other drugs that your vet can give you to relax them and not completely sedate them Any thing that you give them will be according to their weight so call you vet I am sure that they will be able to help you
Good luck with your move hope all goes well for you

I would NEVER recommend sedated a cat anyway.

How long will it take you to drive ?
I think this will be less stressful for them, Make sure you use large cages so they have room to move about.

i would personally drive there, because then they are with you and when you stop somewhere you can take them out of their cages, and you can play with them. (in the car of course) they wont be as scared, and it would probably be a lot safer too, so that you know that they got to new york, and not to China or something.