Considering the hidden 2-3 hours of getting to the airport, baggage drop off, security, navigating through the maze of the airport to get to your gate, waiting to board, (and you absolutely have to be there at least 30 minutes early because the time is departure time and the gates sometimes close early), waiting to deplane, waiting for baggage, and arranging transportation from the airport (often way out on the edge of everything because planes are loud), any train journey of 3 hours or less always wins vs flying by a landslide, and most trips of 6 hours or less are at least going to be competitive. When you factor in the comfort and the easier baggage rules, and frequently, lower cost, the train wins on most of those under 6 hour trips.
And to drag out an important bit from the initial comment about plane vs train: on the train you get 3.5-4 hours of uninterrupted time that is yours to structure. Work, play, nap, get a drink. All controlled by your current needs. Flying: you get piecemeal bits of 30 minutes here and there, but it's dictated externally. If you have to cram as much work into a journey (because deadlines), you get a lot more work done on a train journey. If you're tired, you get a lot more chilling done on a train journey.
Drinking from your everyday aluminum 32-ounce water bottle that you filled at home on Amtrak vs drinking half a cup of warm cranberry juice in a tiny plastic cup on a plane.
You hinted at some of the hidden costs of driving and I don't think it's fair to just consider gas prices when making the decision to take a car trip. Maintenance, insurance, and capital costs are all linked to miles driven/odometer reading. I like the IRS' reimbursement rate of 58¢ a mile which would lead to a cost for driving way more than the train tickets. This doesn't even consider how much you value your time at (labor cost).
If I'm remembering correctly, the IRS estimates are based on averages - a high maintenance car or a gas guzzler can obviously cost a lot more. This value is used for two things commonly, tax deductions for business trips in personal vehicles, and company reimbursement of travel expenses from personal vehicles (typically it's milage+ tolls for the drive, and per diem reimbursement for meals and lodging)
Oh... and IRS rate has gone up... 2023 rate is 65.5 cents per mile now. Google IRS standard mileage rate and that should take you to the page right on the IRS website
Considering the hidden 2-3 hours of getting to the airport, baggage drop off, security, navigating through the maze of the airport to get to your gate, waiting to board, (and you absolutely have to be there at least 30 minutes early because the time is departure time and the gates sometimes close early), waiting to deplane, waiting for baggage, and arranging transportation from the airport (often way out on the edge of everything because planes are loud), any train journey of 3 hours or less always wins vs flying by a landslide, and most trips of 6 hours or less are at least going to be competitive.
When you factor in the comfort and the easier baggage rules, and frequently, lower cost, the train wins on most of those under 6 hour trips.
Totally agree! I think the overall flying experience has become so cumbersome and annoying. I just want to get on a vehicle and get off a vehicle
And to drag out an important bit from the initial comment about plane vs train: on the train you get 3.5-4 hours of uninterrupted time that is yours to structure. Work, play, nap, get a drink. All controlled by your current needs. Flying: you get piecemeal bits of 30 minutes here and there, but it's dictated externally. If you have to cram as much work into a journey (because deadlines), you get a lot more work done on a train journey. If you're tired, you get a lot more chilling done on a train journey.
@@jengis_i very true as well! The whole experience is better for productivity...or relaxing
Drinking from your everyday aluminum 32-ounce water bottle that you filled at home on Amtrak vs drinking half a cup of warm cranberry juice in a tiny plastic cup on a plane.
You hinted at some of the hidden costs of driving and I don't think it's fair to just consider gas prices when making the decision to take a car trip. Maintenance, insurance, and capital costs are all linked to miles driven/odometer reading. I like the IRS' reimbursement rate of 58¢ a mile which would lead to a cost for driving way more than the train tickets. This doesn't even consider how much you value your time at (labor cost).
Wow 58 cents a mile? Do you have a source for that. If that's true that really does tip the scales. Thanks for the input!
If I'm remembering correctly, the IRS estimates are based on averages - a high maintenance car or a gas guzzler can obviously cost a lot more. This value is used for two things commonly, tax deductions for business trips in personal vehicles, and company reimbursement of travel expenses from personal vehicles (typically it's milage+ tolls for the drive, and per diem reimbursement for meals and lodging)
Oh... and IRS rate has gone up... 2023 rate is 65.5 cents per mile now. Google IRS standard mileage rate and that should take you to the page right on the IRS website
www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates
Keep on kickflippin 🤙
Theyre coming in cleaner everyday
how the hell you found acela ticket for $58? the ones I'm seeing even weeks in advance are no less than $158
hitchkiking is cheaper, or gettin on merch wagon somehow, or truck trailer
That sounds like a lot of work, but would def be an interesting video topic