[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Leatherboy:

When it come to being rude, Amtrak gives even the worst domestic carriers (ie: US Airways) a run for their money. However, as you know, unlike a plane, a train is laid-out is a way where it's possible to escape an obnoxious crew member. For example, on long-distance runs, if you have a sleeper, you need only close the door to your compartment. On short runs, you can, most of the time, get relief by moving a few cars forward, or back. If you're traveling during a holiday period, on a short run, you're screwed! As to smelly long-distance trains: If I have a compartment, I always bring a can of Lysol spray with me!

And, yes, 1 to 3 hours (and much longer for the run from Chicago to NY, via Buffalo) IS the norm for long-distance trains being late. That's probably why some connections in Chicago run upwards of 8 hours.

Also, how many times have you ever heard this type of horror story on Amtrak: A customer buys a deep-discount ticket; winds-up paying $1,000+ to get to his destination, and loses the money he spent on the discount ticket.

Despite my preference for Amtrak, I'm, very much, aware that, sometimes, one has to take a deep breath, and take their chances with a US-based airline.

Lufthansa, has a significant number of private investors. You'll see Lufthansa listed, on the Frankfuerter Boerse (Frankfurt Stock Exchange), in the financial pages. I know, for a fact, that Deutsche Bank, AG holds around a 10% interest. I don't know whether the German government holds a controlling interest.