I chose a 9-hour Amtrak over a 2-hour flight home. It’s not perfect, but I’ll always choose the train over flying if I can.
In a recent article, Agnes Applegate shares her experience of choosing Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian train over flying for her Thanksgiving travel from New York to Pittsburgh. After years of dealing with airport inconveniences, including long security lines and ongoing disruptions caused by factors like government shutdowns and construction at her local airport, Applegate found the train to be a more appealing option. For a round-trip fare of $316, she highlights several advantages of train travel that have turned her into a self-proclaimed train enthusiast.
One of the most significant benefits Applegate notes is the absence of airport security hassles. Unlike the exasperating waits often experienced at TSA checkpoints, boarding the train is a breeze—she typically arrives just 30 minutes before departure and boards swiftly thanks to staggered boarding lines. Additionally, Amtrak’s generous luggage policy allows travelers to bring a personal item, two carry-ons, and two checked bags at no extra cost, eliminating the anxiety of liquid restrictions that often accompany air travel. This flexibility, combined with the lack of assigned seating, often results in Applegate having a row to herself, providing ample space to work or relax during the journey.
Moreover, the scenic views along the route add an enchanting touch to her travel experience. Applegate particularly cherishes the breathtaking sight of the famous horseshoe curve in Altoona, PA, a landmark she has admired throughout different seasons. While she acknowledges that the journey can feel lengthy and the café car’s hours may be inconsistent, the overall tranquility and opportunity for self-reflection make train travel a preferred choice for her. Ultimately, Applegate concludes that if time permits, she will always opt for the train over flying, appreciating the chance to reset between destinations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqGBwLmflNo
Inside of coach car on the Pennsylvanian Amtrak train.
Agnes Applegate/BI
I had to book Amtrak instead of flying, and it made my holiday travel experience less of a hassle.
A generous luggage policy and my worry about airport disruptions made train travel more appealing.
The trip can be uncomfortably long, but flexible seating and beautiful views make it worth it.
After procrastinating to buy my flight home for Thanksgiving one too many times (sorry, Mom), I’ve been left with no other option but to turn to the Pennsylvanian, a 9-hour and 20-minute
Amtrak train
that travels from New York to Pittsburgh.
This time, I paid $316 for the round-trip ticket, and was happy to book the train instead of a flight. I’ve taken this train ride almost a dozen times in the past five years, and have turned into somewhat of a train enthusiast because of it.
Additionally, flying disruptions — such as the
recent government shutdown
— and the seemingly endless construction at my hometown airport have made me more inclined to take the train over the past few years.
It’s not perfect, but from avoiding never-ending security lines at the airport to having a row to myself, here are the four reasons I prefer traveling by train.
1. There are no security lines or airport hassles
I’ve been stranded in too many hour-plus airport security lines to count. When I arrive at
the train station
, I simply wait for my track to be announced, which typically occurs 15 minutes before departure, and then board the train when it arrives.
Moynihan Train Hall in New York City.
Agnes Applegate/BI
There aren’t any
annoying security lines
or shuttles to take between terminals, so I can get to the train station around 30 minutes before the train leaves. Plus, boarding usually goes pretty fast because the train attendants can stagger the boarding lines between train cars.
2. I don’t have to worry about size restrictions or checking too many bags
Have you ever shed a tear watching TSA throw away a precious perfume or hand lotion you
just
bought?
One of the lovely things about traveling by train is that there are no size restrictions on liquids. This is a small win, but when I fly, I’m constantly holding my breath to see if my carry-on toiletry bag will make it through TSA, so it’s another tick on the pros list for me.
Amtrak waiting area at Moynihan Train Hall.
Agnes Applegate/BI
Additionally, Amtrak has a really generous luggage policy. Each passenger is allowed one personal item, two carry-ons, and two checked bags free of charge. Additional checked luggage is only $20 a bag.
3. There aren’t assigned seats, and I usually have a row to myself
With no assigned seats, there’s usually an opportunity for me to find a row to myself. I’ve taken this train route five times in the last year, and there’s only been one ride where I wasn’t able to snag that luxury.
Mirror selfie taken in one of the two bathrooms located in every train car.
Agnes Applegate/BI
There’s a roughly two-to-four-hour period of
the train ride
where I lose cell service entirely, and I use that time as a deep work block to get writing, planning, or anything else that I need to get done accomplished.
One benefit of having a row to myself, besides the obvious extra room, is that I can spread out my work in front of me and not worry about bothering anyone.
4. It’s a beautiful train ride
Lastly, it’s a scenic ride. Although I try to focus on getting some work done or taking stock of my priorities, both personally and professionally, I sometimes can’t help but get lost in the views for hours.
View from the train at sunset.
Agnes Applegate/BI
My favorite part of the ride is about halfway through, when we go on the horseshoe curve in Altoona, PA. It’s a 220-degree railroad curve that was finished in 1854. I’ve now seen the curve through almost every season and look forward to marveling at the view each time.
The view of the horseshoe curve in the summer of 2024.
Agnes Applegate/BI
As much as I do love the train, the ride itself isn’t always the smoothest, the café car never has consistent hours, and sometimes, by hour six, the 9-hour ride feels like it will never end.
But overall, if I have the time to spare, I’ll always
choose the train
over flying. I’ve realized that having this time for myself helps me reset in between destinations.
Got a travel hack to share? Email this reporter at
aapplegate@businessinsider.com
.
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