Otaru to New Chitose Airport

Hi all, would apprecaite some advice on the best way to get from Otaru to New Chitose Airport.
The last stop of the Hokkaido part of our trip is in Otaru.
It is just 2 of us and we are not able to drive. So, our options appear to be either the train or taxi.

The hotels we are looking at are either near Otaru or Otaruchikko station, both of which have the rapid airport which costs around 2540 yen.

Taxi would be easier with our luggage but it is around 83km, and 1.05hrs as per google maps.

Approximately how much would this taxi fare cost, assuming taken in the middle of the day?

Would I need to buy reserved seats for this train line, seeing we have luggage, or is the train mostly empty since Otaru is the end of the line? I understand most seats are in fact non-reserved.
It may pick up more people at Sapporo but that is after we get on, will that be an issue with our one large suitcase and one modestly sized backpack each?

If it was solo travel, the train would definitely be much more economical, but seeing there are two of us, if the taxi costs only around 10,000 yen we might just go for that. While we don't want to waste money unnecessarily, it is the last part of our time in Hokkaido this trip and we want it to end well.

Thanks

Taxi: about 25000 yen

You may better take "U seat" (reserved seat, costs 840 yen per person) because the U seat car has luggage storage place. The "airport" is usually crowded so even if you have seats at Otaru, you may be uncomfortable due to the crowds especially you have a big suitcase. The normal fare is 1910 yen by the way, so you will pay 55oo yen which is much cheaper than taxi.

Wow 250,000 for a just over an hour ride.
Either way, train would make much more sense then, would need 4 people to kind of justify that kind of price.
Will definitely consider the U seat upgrade.
Thanks!

Wow 250,000 for a just over an hour ride.

It's 25,000 yen (with one less zero).

Taxi fare simulation tools show prices around 26000 yen.
(During late and early hours, taxi fares are more expensive.)

frog1954:
You may better take "U seat" (reserved seat, costs 840 yen per person) because the U seat car has luggage storage place.

Rapid | Special Rapid "Airport" train has six cars.
Car No. 4 is the U-Seat car.
The other five cars are non-reserved seating cars.
Car No. 1 is at the head of trains bound for New Chitose Airport.

Enjoy your trip!