I Don't Like Flying

Originally Published: July 15, 2019

Audio Version

I can’t say how popular or unpopular this opinion is, considering that flying is still the most popular form of long-distance travel, but it’s one that I have.

To such an extent, actually, that I try and avoid flying whenever possible and it’s something I’d only do when going across oceans, wherein I would get around my destination by any other means.

An example being a bi-annual trek I make between Seattle, Washington, and Reno, Nevada. I have flown this route only once, by no choice of my own, have driven it enough that I lost count, and have taken the train twice, both of which were per request.

For me, the speed and often low price of flying aren’t enough of an upside to balance out the minimal legroom, tiny windows and the tedious process of TSA and waiting for it for 30 minutes to an hour afterward. And if you’re on a long flight then oh boy.

A much-preferred way to get around, especially for long distances depending on who you ask, is driving there.

After all, most of the world where flying is a viable option also has massive road networks that have plenty of ways to pass the time on the way.

It’s more comfortable, especially if you’re riding shotgun, you have more of a view due to location and larger windows, you can get out to relieve any discomfort that prolonged time in a car would cause, and it’s been a much more fun experience overall for me.

But I’d like to say that my preferred mode of transport for a long distance is definitely by rail.

Those two times I’ve gone by rail while taking the longest out of any of the 3 ways I’ve mentioned, I like it the most.

On my particular route, I need to have a layover in Sacramento, which is definitely a highlight since I like the place.

And as for the train itself, I like the experience of riding a train the best out of any.

It’s got enough legroom that I can stretch my legs out as far as they’ll go and still have some room spare, and I’m nearly six feet tall. As well as the viewing lounge car on most Amtrak long-distance trains.

One thing I will say is that a lot of the longer trips that will be taken on Amtrak tend to be overnight, and sleeping in Coach is not the best sleeping experience I’ve ever had. Though this is remedied by getting one of the full bedrooms you can have for it.

Though more expensive, it makes the trip a lot better and you get free meals so I’d take it.

But I’d like to know what you think about all this. Do you agree that flying isn‘t worth the hassle? Do you think that, despite any downsides, it still has enough going for it that you’d fly again in the future? Or do you think that riding an Alaskan Bull Worm across the countryside like an absolute unit is the best? Because it is.

-Olin S.