I'm headed to a search conference later this month. I normally fly, but I've just done the math, and I ain't liking it.
Distance to airport: about 1.5-2 hours.
2 hours prior to flight to be safe.
+ all the nonsense getting through security. Take off my shoes, full body image.
sit on the tarmac for 20 minutes.
1 hour 20 minute flight with my 3 foot @zz poured into a 2 foot seat, poor sob beside me.
1hour plus cab ride.
So I'm looking at roughly 6 hours or possibly more for a just over an hour flight.
Now contrast the train.
Distance to train station about 1.5 -2 hours.
8 hour trip. No lead time.
1/2 hour cab ride, maybe not even.
And the business class train costs the same as the coach flight.
So for the trade off of about 3 hours the differences are:
- no intrusive security searches and airport hassles. No check in, no waiting for 2 hours in the terminal. Just park the car, get on the train.
- much more comfortable trip. I'll bring 3-4 novels that I'll attempt to read between naps.
- no figuring out today's stupid security tricks as to what brand of shampoo I can carry on.
Years ago, the decision would've been a 1.5 hour flight vs an 8 hour train ride. Now the flight is almost as long as the train. and for the difference in time is offset by my objection to the security measures.
Am I a tinfoil hat on this? Are others turning from airfare?
