Taking the Train: An Alternative to Airplane Travel

With the rising cost of airplane tickets and the still (relatively) high price of gasoline, traveling long distances can become a financial burden for many people. In addition to the cost of a plane ticket, many different airlines are charging customers for any and all check-in bags, an added hassle because of airport security that does not allow passengers to carry more than a small specified amount of liquids. Thus people who wish to bring their own bottles of perfume, lotions, shampoos, etc. are practically forced to pay more just to check in their bags. However, another and often more affordable method of travel remains: riding the train.

Train tickets are generally much cheaper than airplane tickets and often even more affordable than driving expenses, especially when it is just one person riding in a vehicle at once. Additionally, train tickets often do not have to be purchased months in advance like plane tickets do; you can often buy train tickets simply days before beginning your journey. Unlike an airport, most train stations have fairly relaxed security services, and you definitely do not have to be there hours before your train departs. Instead, passengers are generally recommended to be at the station half an hour before their train is scheduled to leave, but I personally have even been there only ten minutes before the departure time and have been fine with boarding the train.

Another benefit to train travel is the ease of bringing on any luggage. Often your luggage is stored directly above or at least in the same cabin as you, thus making it very easy to locate it upon leaving the train. Additionally, there is not added charge for carrying luggage, as long as you abide by the train's baggage laws. For Amtrack trains, these rules include only having two bags per person, at dimensions of 28x22x14 (inches) and fifty pounds. Some certain Amtrack lines also offer the option of check in baggage, which is limited to three bags and has other specifications dependent upon which train you are on. For checked in baggage it is recommended that you check it in at least thirty minutes before your departure time-which is still less time than if you were flying a plane.

Finally, train travel also adds the benefits of great comfort while traveling. The seats are soft and lean back and each passenger generally has more room allotted to them than on an aircraft. Passengers can use portable electronic devices at any time during the trip, and the use of cell phones is also permitted. Passengers can also walk the length of the train for exercise.

Overall, if you are tired of the high prices for airplane tickets or gasoline, consider trying the train for your next trip.