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- I canceled my flight and paid $200 for a 20-hour Amtrak ride to avoid TSA airport chaos. It was better than flying. (businessinsider.com)
Navigating Travel Turmoil: Why One Traveler Swapped a $100 Flight for a 20-Hour Amtrak Journey
As the partial government shutdown drags on, U.S. airports have become scenes of unprecedented chaos. TSA agents, working without pay since mid-February, have led to painfully long security lines, prompting travelers to rethink their options. One frequent flyer shared her experience swapping a quick flight for a marathon train ride-and the surprising perks she discovered along the way.
Airport Madness Amid Shutdown
The shutdown left TSA employees unpaid, causing hours-long delays at major airports like Chicago O’Hare and New York’s LaGuardia. Some airports urged passengers to arrive up to four hours early, turning even short domestic trips into logistical nightmares. Although a Senate vote aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security raised hopes for relief, travelers remain cautious.
A Change of Plans
A New York City resident who travels monthly to Chicago recounted how she canceled her $100 flight to avoid the airport gridlock. Instead, she opted for a $200 Amtrak coach ticket-committing to a 20-hour train journey that was ten times longer than flying.
Despite the extended travel time and higher cost, she found the switch worthwhile to dodge the stress of TSA lines and airport hassles.
The Familiar Flight Routine
Her usual trip-a two-hour flight costing about $100 one-way-typically involves arriving just an hour before departure. She prides herself on breezing through security in under 10 minutes and rarely feeling rushed. But with shutdown delays, airport time stretched from a few minutes to several hours, making the flight less appealing.
Train Travel: A Different Experience
Having taken shorter Amtrak trips before, she was prepared for the long-haul journey. Unlike airports located far from city centers, Amtrak stations sit in downtown Chicago and NYC, offering easier, cheaper access via public transit or rideshare.
Boarding was refreshingly simple-no extensive security scans, just a ticket check by staff. Amtrak relies on its police force to maintain safety, a system quite distinct from airport procedures.
Overnight Comfort and Scenic Views
Departing late at night, she enjoyed a full day in Chicago before boarding. The train’s roomy seats-with ample legroom and reclining features-felt luxurious compared to cramped airplane cabins. She even had a row to herself, allowing for a rare, restful sleep that lasted eight hours.
Waking up to Pennsylvania’s rolling landscapes, she appreciated the peaceful travel vibe and the ability to work, read, and relax throughout the trip.
Convenience Over Speed
While the train took far longer and cost more, the trip felt less stressful and more productive than enduring security lines and airport waiting rooms. Food options on board appeared better and more affordable than typical in-flight snacks, though she missed the café car after it split off at Albany.
A New Perspective on Travel
Reflecting on the journey, she realized how much time air travel wastes-getting to distant airports, navigating terminals, standing in lines, and enduring boarding chaos. The train offered a more relaxed, straightforward experience, free of the usual stress and rush.
Though the flight remains unbeatable for speed, this long-distance train ride may have earned a spot in her travel routine-even after TSA lines return to normal.
In the midst of travel disruptions, this traveler found unexpected benefits in swapping the skies for the rails-a reminder that sometimes, slowing down can bring a richer journey.