More Reasons to Ride the Railsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 28 Jul 2008 11:56 PM In my last blog I got the discussion rolling on why more travelers are opting to ride the rails this summer. Besides the price and flexibility train travel offers there are a number of other factors that make riding the rails an attractive alternative to flying or driving from your home in Boston to grandma's house in Kentucky. Take a look: BAGGAGE This is huge for me (and I'm sure a ton of other parents traveling with children). If you are looking for a way to avoid paying the insane baggage fees nearly all the major airlines are now charging domestic travelers--take the train. Amtrak's baggage rule states: "Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. ... Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs." In essence, Amtrak allows passengers to bring 250 pounds of luggage on board a train at no extra cost. There's no way an airline can match that deal. CONVENIENCE Whereas most major airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to take off (so you can weave your way through long security lines and still make your flight), in the world of train travel you can typically get to the station 30 minutes prior to your departure time and board without having to take off your shoes for inspection, or ration out your liquids and gels. Another bonus is that most major train stations are located in the heart of cities, which means you can save money by eliminating the expensive cab ride from miles outside of town. In some cases you can step off your train and be within walking distance of your hotel. Finally, airlines can't compete with the legroom offered by trains. What's more, on a train you can move around at will and stretch your legs without bothering other passengers. And if you prefer to remain in your seat you will be offered a much more scenic ride than if you were flying at 35,000 feet. Related Articles: First Class Eats for Train Passengers Good News For East Coast Commuters Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations-Part 4: Train Rides Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments Samual (11722) 30 Jul 2008 02:28 AMHere if I flew from the nearest airport to Birmingham it would cost from £15-25, however if I took the train it would cost a minimum of £45. Not only that there are never seats, the trains are dirty and extremely unreliable. Community Tags family travel, riding rails, train, Travel Discuss this article
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