As the country prepares for its busiest holiday weekend, many New Yorkers are opting out of air travel in favor of more reliable modes of transportation. With recent months plagued by flight delays and cancellations, the Port Authority estimates that 3.3 million people will still pass through three major airports this Thanksgiving season – a 1% increase from last year.
Instead, trains and buses are becoming the preferred choice for those looking to escape the city. For Allan Gibson and his family, taking the Amtrak train to Washington D.C. was the perfect solution. They avoided the hassle of airport security and enjoyed a more stress-free journey with their two sons.
The decision to forego flying isn't surprising, given the recent struggles at New York City's airports. Outdated radar infrastructure and staffing shortages have led to rampant delays in the past year. The federal government shutdown further exacerbated the situation, reducing flights by 10% at 40 major airports – including those serving NYC.
While Amtrak officials couldn't provide exact numbers for ridership, they expect more than last year's 1.1 million passengers. This increase aligns with the growing popularity of train travel nationwide.
However, not everyone is convinced that flying has returned to normal. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed that air traffic controller staffing levels are back to normal after a 43-day shutdown, but many travelers remain skeptical.
For some, like Atlanta resident Brenda Fisher, the decision to take the train is simple: it's just less hassle. "I'm not expecting delays and waiting in the train station overnight," she said before boarding her train to Poughkeepsie.
On the other hand, comedian Amy Janes opted out of both trains and planes to visit her mother in Kansas City – a 32-hour Greyhound bus trip that was faster and cheaper than an Amtrak ride. The Real ID requirement, now necessary for domestic air travel, also played a role in her decision.
As the country heads into its busiest holiday weekend, it's clear that not everyone is flying high. With flight delays and cancellations still a concern, many are turning to trains and buses as a safer bet.
Instead, trains and buses are becoming the preferred choice for those looking to escape the city. For Allan Gibson and his family, taking the Amtrak train to Washington D.C. was the perfect solution. They avoided the hassle of airport security and enjoyed a more stress-free journey with their two sons.
The decision to forego flying isn't surprising, given the recent struggles at New York City's airports. Outdated radar infrastructure and staffing shortages have led to rampant delays in the past year. The federal government shutdown further exacerbated the situation, reducing flights by 10% at 40 major airports – including those serving NYC.
While Amtrak officials couldn't provide exact numbers for ridership, they expect more than last year's 1.1 million passengers. This increase aligns with the growing popularity of train travel nationwide.
However, not everyone is convinced that flying has returned to normal. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed that air traffic controller staffing levels are back to normal after a 43-day shutdown, but many travelers remain skeptical.
For some, like Atlanta resident Brenda Fisher, the decision to take the train is simple: it's just less hassle. "I'm not expecting delays and waiting in the train station overnight," she said before boarding her train to Poughkeepsie.
On the other hand, comedian Amy Janes opted out of both trains and planes to visit her mother in Kansas City – a 32-hour Greyhound bus trip that was faster and cheaper than an Amtrak ride. The Real ID requirement, now necessary for domestic air travel, also played a role in her decision.
As the country heads into its busiest holiday weekend, it's clear that not everyone is flying high. With flight delays and cancellations still a concern, many are turning to trains and buses as a safer bet.
I think taking the train or bus is a total game changer right now! I mean, who wants to deal with delayed flights and security lines? 
It's so much easier to just hop on a train or bus and chill. Plus, it's good for the environment too 
. And yeah, I know some people are gonna say it's not as convenient, but honestly, how many of us really need to be at our destination by 3 pm? 
Let's just enjoy the journey and take a breather, you know? 
. I mean, I get it, airports have been super messy lately with those radar issues and staffing shortages... it's no wonder folks wanna avoid 'em 
. But 3.3 million still gonna fly? That's a lot of people who don't want to deal with the hassle 
. I'm all for taking trains too, but sometimes you just need to get somewhere ASAP and flying works out better, you know? 
Amtrak's doin well, more ppl optin outta flyin cause airports r so unreliable rn 
. And yeah, the Real ID requirement is a total bummer for some people... not that I've ever tried to travel by bus before (okay, maybe once or twice 
). But seriously, it's good to see more people taking alternative modes of transportation. Maybe one day air travel will get its act together again 
I'm surprised people are choosing trains over planes again, even with the recent airport struggles. For me, taking the train seems like a more chill way to travel - no security lines or worrying about delays. Plus, it's nice to have some extra space on the bus for my luggage 
.
. Amtrak's been doing a great job of improving their services, and it's awesome that they're seeing an increase in ridership.
! The train vibes seem like the perfect escape from all that chaos 
! For me, it's all about prioritizing those little things like avoiding security lines and getting some chill time on the go 
. I mean, have you seen those flight delays? 32 hours is a long ride... no thanks! 
The bus route might be longer, but hey, it's cheaper and less drama 
! Whatever works for you, right?!
. Is it because we've become too accustomed to the convenience of flying, only to realize its costs? The thought of security lines and lost luggage can be overwhelming, but is that really worth paying for 
. Meanwhile, trains offer a more tranquil experience – a chance to actually enjoy the journey, not just rush to get there 
. It's interesting how something as simple as transportation can reveal so much about our values and priorities 
. And let's be real, those airport staff shortages are no joke - it's a miracle anything flies on time at all these days 
. I've been saying it for ages: take the train, folks! You won't regret it