An airplane is probably a good way to avoid the mess that roads in the area of totality are sure to be. If only I had one in time for this event - I'm stuck on the ground until I save up enough.
I think they figured that the population in that path is going to increase by 12x and possibly overwhelm some services. Some of the predictions are almost unbelievable. A friend said lodging has filled up already in the area he checked, folks are coming from out of country to see it too. I'm in southern Indiana and we're just going to drive to southern IL for the day if the weather is going to be ok.
You'll be much more mobile for good viewing!