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With all the problems with air travel here are some reasons that I see why people would take Amtrak as opposed to flying from a railfan point of view. These comparisons below are for those on a long trip wanting to relax.
1.The airport requires you to arrive at least 2 hours prior to your trip. Here you must wait in line to check in your bags, go through security removing your briefcase,laptop,jackets.
Amtrak suggests that you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your trip.
The airport is crowded very boring compared to stations such as Los Angeles Union Station.
2. No liquids allowed. On Amtrak bring as much water as you can. Your tolitries can have shampoo, toothpaste and other liquids.
3. On the airplane you cannot operate electronics such as tv,scanners, radios and you must wait to use CD players.
On Amtrak you can use cellphones(if you know Cellphone manners), laptops, Cd Players(with headphones),scanners(with headphones) etc.
4. On the plane $6 buys you only a small snack box on Amtrak you can get a hot pizza, cookie and drink for $6. The meals are better on Amtrak than in coach on the plane.
5. On the airplane in coach you are seated 3 accross and First Class is so expensive that you could pay for sleeper accomodations on Amtrak and eat good meals. Plus your trip would last for a longer time.
6. On Amtrak you can relax in the lounge but on the airplane there is turbulence and you must be seated from pushing back to the gate to takeoff to landing and back to the gate.
7. On Amtrak you can walk the aisle to your desire no one telling you not to congregate in the aisles.
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