Planes are and have been the most efficient way to travel the world, without a doubt. But recently, due to increased uncertainty in planes, many travelers are turning to the railways. Cheap train tickets and more comfort while traveling are bringing riders back to Amtrak.

What’s Bringing Back Cheap Train Tickets?

Ridership levels across every major method of transportation are rising back to their pre-covid levels. More and more people are leaving their homes to get to the rest of the world…

And airlines are taking advantage of this. Plane tickets have exploded in price in recent years, going up 25% from pre-covid prices. 

Beyond just the pricing issue, more people are skeptical of the safety issues on planes. After a panel on a Boeing plane blew off midflight…

An investigation into other Boeing planes found that essential bolts were missing on planes across several airline fleets. 

Even more recently, a plane crashed on 1-75 in Naples, Florida, killing the pilot and second in command and injuring 3 passengers.

Needless to say, planes have been having terrible PR as of late. 

Trains are being increasingly viewed as safer methods of travel…

AND AS A GENERALLY MORE COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE.

Its not just a question of cheap tickets anymore, trains give passengers more legroom, the ability to get up and walk around…

And if you’re in a quiet car, you don’t have to worry about any babies crying. 

When it comes to efficiency, trains in the northeast corridor are basically matched with plane travel. When opting for air travel, passengers have to arrive at the airport two hours beforehand…

Then pass through security…

Then board…

And finally, fly and land…

And that’s if you don’t have to check any bags. 

However, when traveling on the rails, passengers just have to get to the station and wait for their train. No unnecessary steps are involved. 

Some passengers in the northeast use trains as their primary means of domestic transportation. 

The best part? You don’t have to worry about cabin pressure or turbulence (or a panel getting blown off) when traveling via train. 

Trains Vs Planes

But what if you don’t live in the northeast corridor? Are cheaper train tickets really worth longer travel times? 

For some, the answer is an astounding yes. 

A 22-year-old recently traveled from Chicago to New Orleans on a 19-hour train ride. 

BY THE END, SHE SAVED OVER $400 TAKING THE TRAIN

Traveling via train ends up being cheaper both because of ticket prices…

And because passengers aren’t charged for the same services that they are in air travel. 

When carrying luggage on the Amtrak, you are allowed to bring two carry-on items for free, and additional luggage costs $20. 

Comparatively, American Airlines lets you bring two carry-on items for free…

But prices go way up for each additional bag and can get up to over $200 if it’s overweight. 

Not to mention, Amtrak provides free wifi, so people on longer trips can still do work, whereas in-flight wifi is still a luxury for some.

What’s Over The Horizon For Trains?

Regardless, cheap train tickets keep travelers coming.

Travelers only complaint about trains? That they’re too slow and there are not enough destinations across the country. 

There are plans to expand the train system and double ridership by 2040 but the question remains…

Are trains on their way to take over domestic travel…

Or will this plan crash and burn?

Be Great, 

GCTV Staff

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