After putting off buying a plane ticket home for Thanksgiving one too many times (sorry, Mom), I was left with no choice but to board the 9-hour, 20-minute Penn flight. Amtrak train who travels from New York to Pittsburgh.
This time I paid $316 for a round trip ticket and was glad to book the train instead of the plane. I've ridden this train nearly a dozen times over the last five years and have become something of a train enthusiast because of it.
In addition, in-flight disruptions such as recent government shutdown — and the seemingly endless construction at my hometown airport over the past few years has made me more inclined to take the train.
It's not perfect, but here are four reasons why I prefer to travel by train, from endless security lines at the airport to fighting with myself.
1. No security lines or problems at the airport.
I stood in an airport security line that lasted too many hours to count. When I arrive in railway stationI simply wait for my route to be announced, which usually happens 15 minutes before departure, and then board the train when it arrives.
Moynihan Railway Hall in New York. Agnes Applegate/BI
There are no annoying security lines or shuttles between terminals so I can get to the station about 30 minutes before the train departs. In addition, boarding usually occurs quite quickly because the conductors can disrupt the boarding lines between cars.
2. I don't have to worry about size restrictions or checking too many bags.
Have you ever cried while watching TSA throw away precious perfume or hand lotion that you only bought?
One of the nice things about traveling by train is that there are no restrictions on the size of liquids. It's a small win, but when I fly, I'm constantly holding my breath to see if my carry-on toiletry bag will get through TSA, so that's another tick on the plus list for me.
Amtrak waiting area at Moynihan Railroad Hall. Agnes Applegate/BI
Amtrak also has a very generous baggage policy. Each passenger is allowed to carry one personal item, two pieces of hand luggage and two checked bags free of charge. Additional checked luggage costs only $20 per bag.
3. Places are not assigned and I usually quarrel with myself.
Since there are no places, I usually have the opportunity to find a place. I've traveled this route five times over the past year, and only on one trip did I not get to take advantage of this luxury.
A mirror selfie taken in one of the two bathrooms in each carriage. Agnes Applegate/BI
This is approximately a two to four hour period. train ride where I completely lose cell service and use that time as a deep work block to write, plan, or whatever else I need to do.
One of the benefits of arguing alone, besides the obvious extra space, is that I can spread out my work in front of me and not worry about disturbing anyone.
4. It's a wonderful train ride.
Finally, this is a scenic drive. While I try to focus on getting some work done or taking stock of my priorities, both personal and professional, sometimes I can't help but get lost in the show for hours.
View from the train at sunset. Agnes Applegate/BI
My favorite part of the trip is about halfway through when we go around the horseshoe bend in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This is a 220-degree railroad turnaround that was completed in 1854. Now I see this turn almost every season and every time I look forward to admiring the view.
View of the horseshoe curve in the summer of 2024. Agnes Applegate/BI
As much as I love the train, the ride itself isn't always the smoothest, there's never a consistent schedule in the cafe car, and sometimes by the sixth hour it feels like the 9-hour ride will never end.
But in general, if I have free time, I will always choose a train over the flight. I've found that having this time to myself helps me transition between destinations.
Have a travel tip to share? Write to this reporter at [email protected].
