[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

Trains and buses are late, and have mechanical problems too, so I don't think choosing those routes will be without risk of issues, either.

True. Except you overlook some critical points: Trains, like planes, have been known to have extended "tarmac" delays (standing on the tracks, and not at a station.) However, with Amtrak, the dining car continues to operate; as does the observation or lounge cars. I go for the extra bucks, and pay for a bed (on Amtrak.) So, I can, actually, stay in bed while the train is in its "tarmac" delay. Delays on the train? Absolutely--big time! Except, unlike the airlines, the connecting time, at Amtrak's "hub"--Chicago--is usually 3 to 4 hours--not 30 minutes, in which you are expected to run, for about a mile, or even, change terminals! Hawaii and international (excluding Canada) is where airlines are unavoidable. Fortunately, in the case of international, just about any other country's airline is better than a US-based airline. Although, when it comes to Latin America, and the Carribbean, I'm not so sure!