Train versus plane

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

Loungers, I'm planning on attending a family reunion this summer in Michigan. I live in Washington state. Started thinking about this after the wingnut tried blowing up the plane on Christmas but only succeeded in setting his nuts on fire. Since the TSA has probably, or will probably make up some other 'safety' rule about plane travel, the train seems more and more attractive.
I have the vacation time, I've never ridden a train for a long distance. This trip takes about 50 hours. The cost (without the luxury of a private sleeping berth)is about the same as the plane. So we are looking at 5 hours versus 50. But still, I remain fascinated with this idea.
Any of you ever ride the train? Ever ride the train for a few days? Did you like it? Ideas? Suggestions? Comments?

[mnhtnbb]

1. I LOVE trains; I grew up in the 50's and early 60's riding the train

from NY to CA several times because my dad hated flying (after a forced landing in a pasture
during WW II) We did, though, travel with private compartments that included converting the
seats to sleeping berths.

Recently, when I was in CA we took Amtrak from Solana Beach to L.A. and then L.A. to San Luis Obispo.
Both routes are coastal and the scenery was terrific. It took about the same amount of time
on the train that it would to drive, and it was so much more enjoyable.

I love to travel, but I hate flying now. Between the TSA and the deterioration of service from
the airlines, I can't believe how people have accepted being treated like cattle.

If you have the time, and don't have trouble sleeping sitting up, I'd recommend the train. You'll
really get to see what the country looks like and you may even make some new friends.

[alsame]

2. I love train trips. I have taken several long trips by Amtrak - NY to

FL, NY to Montreal, NY to NM and NY to Chicago.

These were all train trips by choice, because I had already flown to all those destinations in the past but I wanted to see all the space in between. I like seeing parts of the country that I previously flew over, it gave me a real sense of the country and how much it changes from one region to another.

[Haole Girl]

3. Plane!

Bon Voyage! :hi:

[madinmaryland]

4. If you have the time, take the train!

You will also get to see the country as you would never get to see at 36,000 feet.

[TheMightyFavog]

5. Give yorself a 12-24 hour cushoin when travelling Amtrak.

Technically, federal law states that Amtrak trains are supposed to have priority, but it's never enforced. If a frieght train has to move even a foot, the Amtrak train's going to be sitting.

[madrchsod]

6. take the train...no full body scans!

plus one can meet a lot of people on the train. my dad`s favorite spot was the bar.

be sure to tip well. you`d be surprised the attention you get if you tip well.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

7. I took a two-day train ride many years ago

Parts were interesting, especially the countryside. Cities? Well, the tracks don't run through the nicest areas.

I was in a cabin with two bunk-style beds, so sleeping was not bad at all. Not the best of companions, not the worst. Just two new soldiers heading overseas.

Yeah, take the train, if only to say you did it. But get accommodations with a bunk, even if it's not a private berth. I don't know what options there are, but sitting upright for 50 hours would be a lousy way to go.

[GoCubsGo]

8. It all depends on how you prefer to spend your time

If you want to spend those extra hours on the train, rather than at your destination, go for it! Which do you want more: 45 more hours in Michigan, or 45 hours of gazing out the window at the countryside? If I had the extra time, I'd go with the train, especially if I could splurge on the sleeping berth.

The longest train trip I ever took was from Denali NP to Anchorage. It took a bit over half a day. I loved every second of it. Ditto for my stay in Europe, where I did most of my travel by rail. Most of the flying I do now is to visit my family on the other side of the country. I usually only have a week. I choose to fly then, because I would rather spend the time there than in transit.

[Pied Piper]

9. I would take the train

I've taken only one long-distance trip in the states, and I absolutely had a great time. It was only 23 hours, so I didn't reserve a sleeping car. Meet some really cool people with very interesting stories. In Europe, I took an overnight train from Paris to Budapest (with a change of trains in Vienna). I was traveling with a friend, and it was off-season, so we managed to score our own sleeping car. One of the best experiences I ever had!

On edit: this train was known as "The Orient Express". Ever heard of it?

[XemaSab]

10. Take the plane

The train will be VERY late, and you will also need to budget in the cost of food on the train, which is EXPENSIVE.

You won't sleep, either.

[Ptah]

11. Train is my recommendation.

I assume you would be traveling on the Empire Builder.

The schedules suggests a morning ride along the southern border of Glacier National Park.

If you can, on your return trip, add a day, I'd suggest you spend
it at East Glacier Lodge.





I hope your reunion is rewarding.

[datasuspect]

12. what if the terrorists target TRAINS next!

[rurallib]

13. I trained it 3 times for work. I loved it, loved it, loved it

Being able to sit back and watch the scenery, incredible comfy seats, lots of room.
The big problem is time and connections. I trained from Iowa to Colo twice and it was a straight shot. By the time I would park, go to an airport then to another airport then to Denver, get a car etc. I would have spent as much time as the train took.
One trip in Canada was short, but so relaxing.