This holiday season, consider NOT flying
— -- You know things are bad for travelers when the President of the United States chimes in, as George W. Bush did a few weeks ago when he addressed the airline industry's dismal record during November and December. In announcing steps to ease Thanksgiving airline congestion, he said, "Unfortunately, this is also a season of dread for too many Americans. Holiday travelers faced with the prospect of long delayed and canceled flights and lost baggage, and other problems have become all too often an occurrence. In other words, there's [sic] a lot of people that are worried about traveling because they've had unpleasant experiences when they've been flying around the country."
Recent holiday debacles—capped by the US Airways service meltdown during Christmas Week of 2004 that resulted in massive delays and mishandled baggage—clearly have taken a toll on passengers' confidence. A survey conducted in October for the US Travel Insurance Association found 93% of Americans believe that travel-related problems and the risk of lost luggage increase during the peak holiday season.
Of course, this won't prevent tens of thousands of travelers from booking flights during the coming weeks, but the combination of record passenger loads, security hassles, and the ever-present prospect of disruptive winter weather should be enough to make even the most frequent of fliers consider the feasibility of alternate transportation.
Now that low fares have conditioned many of us to view air travel as a cheap commodity, there are compelling reasons to think of other modes. For those who dread leaving for the airport, it may be time to consider one of the options outlined below.
Driving
During last week's Thanksgiving holiday period, AAA noted that record-high gas prices—averaging more than $3 per gallon—did not deter an increase in the number of Americans traveling 50 miles or more from home. In fact, AAA stated, "This is consistent with historical data, which show that high gas prices do not generally keep people from traveling by car." So while it's safe to assume the nation's highways will be as busy as its skies during the upcoming holiday season, there's no question driving offers more flexibility—and fewer opportunities to be stranded in a hub city.
Fuel costs. If you're concerned about budgeting for such trips, AAA provides a Fuel Cost Calculatorto estimate total gasoline expenses. This tool allows you to calculate based on origin, destination, and your car's year, make and model, on both a one-way and round-trip basis. Fuel costs are based on vehicles' EPA highway fuel economy ratings and AAA's daily Fuel Gauge Report.
Construction and closures. Before leaving home, you'll probably want to chart your course using a mapping site such as MapQuest or Google Maps. But first it's absolutely essential you visit the Federal Highway Administration's National Traffic and Road Closure Information page. This site provides numerous links to state and local highway departments in every state so you can obtain updates on traffic and road closures.
Travel hotline. While you're en route, you may want to remember the three-digit phone line 511, which is a Traveler Information hotline originated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Though 511 is not available in all areas of the U.S., it can be invaluable when you need up-to-date travel advisories on the road. Specific regions of the country also maintain both online and telephonic road condition updates, so they're worth checking out before you begin your journey.
Roll through tolls. One of the single biggest steps you can take to avoid holiday traffic jams is enrolling in an automated toll program, particularly since many toll plazas have been reconfigured so the "have-nots" are segregated into fewer cash lanes. The largest such program is E-ZPass, with more than 9 million account holders utilizing transponders on 46 roads, bridges, and tunnels in 12 states throughout the Northeast and Midwest, from Virginia to Maine to Illinois. Other electronic toll systems are in effect in states throughout the country, including California, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas. But the Northeast provides the most toll booth challenges, since two-thirds of the $3 billion in tolls assessed nationwide each year are collected just within the three states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately fast lanes usually are not an option when you're driving a rental car, but a company called Rent A Toll, is attempting to address that. When you book your car—either directly with the rental firm or through a travel agency—you agree to a Rent A Toll agreement which will allow you drive through toll booth express lanes. The charges are automatically added to your rental contract and are itemized when you return the vehicle. Currently the service is only available at a limited number of locations through Dollar and Thrifty, but it's an idea that may catch on.
Avoid tickets. If for no other reason than as a cost-saving measure, you also may want to read last week's report on USATODAY.com, " Worst cities for speeding tickets across the USA." The article referenced a recent announcement from the National Motorists Association, which detailed what it termed the "worst speed traps" for "undeserved speeding tickets" in each of the 50 states.
Rail
For those concerned about congested highways or airways, riding the rails can be a viable alternative throughout the U.S. and Canada, whether you choose a seat or a sleeping car. Amtrak offers a variety of rail passes and discounted fares. In fact, kids 2 to 15 ride for half-price, students and veterans save 15%, active-duty military personnel and their dependents get 10% off, and seniors and members of AAA also receive discounts.
However, don't look for a fare sale during the holidays, since the nation's largest railroad has learned how to apply the airline industry's yield management techniques and therefore charges more for those booking on short notice or seeking departures at peak times. On the other hand, Amtrak offers a Guest Reward program for frequent riders, so not every idea stolen from the airlines is without an upside.
Whether it's because of the airline hassle factor, fear-of-flying or concerns about global warming, more Americans are taking long-distance trains. In October, Amtrak announced its fifth straight year of ridership increases and a record of nearly 26 million passengers, the most carried since the corporation was formed in 1971.
During last week's Thanksgiving travel period, the rail line was anticipating a 30% increase in ridership, and the upcoming holiday season looks to be busier than ever. If you're thinking about traveling by Amtrak, consider the following:
Where to buy tickets. You can purchase tickets in advance through a variety of channels: booking online at www.amtrak.com; calling 800-USA-RAIL; using QuikTrak ticket vending machine kiosks; or visiting ticket windows at "staffed stations." Find locations and availability of QuikTrak kiosks and ticket windows. Booking online can make the most sense because it will allow you to compare fares for a variety of dates and departure times and cross-reference rates for alternate stations, just as you would if you were shopping online for airfares.
Arrive early, with ID. Remember to arrive at the station at least 45 minutes prior to departure if your tickets need to be picked up. You'll need to show valid photo ID when buying tickets. In fact, you'll need to carry it with you at all times, as it may be requested once aboard the train.
Baggage allowances. You're limited to two carry-on bags per person (excluding laptops, purses, and briefcases), and each carry-on is limited in size and can weigh no more than 50 lbs. In addition, checked bags are subject to a long list of prohibited items.
Ship by rail. Even if you're not traveling by rail, Amtrak offers its Express Shipping service to more than 100 cities, which may be a worthwhile option for sending last-minute gifts or freeing you up from checking bags with an airline.
Bus
In recent years, some major bus routes have seen a reduction in service and the elimination of certain stops. Even so, inter-city buses remain a viable and less expensive way to travel, particularly during periods when many flights are booked. Despite the cutbacks, Peter Pan Bus Lines claims motor coaches serve six times more communities than Amtrak and buses carry more passengers in two weeks than Amtrak carries in an entire year.
If you're unsure which long-distance bus lines serve a given city, a good place to search for routes and fares is through Trailways, which is comprised of separately-owned bus companies. Greyhound, the nation's largest bus line, provides comprehensive details on traveling by bus at its website.
The good news is Greyhound does not require reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served. Of course, that's also the bad news, as even advance purchase tickets do not guarantee a seat at a given time. Greyhound does promise to run extra vehicles as demand dictates, but the company hedges about how certain that is – "our ability to add extra sections depends on the availability of buses, drivers, and the number of passengers" – so it pays to heed Greyhound's advice to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure to buy your ticket, since boarding begins 15 to 30 minutes prior to departure.
Many different types of passengers are entitled to reduced rates on bus lines. For example, Greyhound offers discounts of 40% off for children 2 to 12; 15% off for students and veterans; 10% off for military personnel and their dependents; and 5% off for seniors 62 and older. It also offers a Road Rewards frequent rider program that provides 10% discounts.
Some other points to keep in mind when considering traveling by bus during the holidays:
Tickets. There are numerous ways to purchase bus tickets, including online, by phone, and by mail. Greyhound also sells tickets at terminals and agencies nationwide. If you'd like to arrange for someone to visit you during the holidays, Greyhound offers Gift Ticket Orders available for pick-up by the passenger.
Baggage. Like airlines and rail lines, bus lines also impose restrictions on both carry-on and checked baggage. In addition, there are long lists of prohibited items.
Shipping. Greyhound offers its own delivery service as well. PackageXpress is an alternative method of sending packages or baggage during the holiday season.
Carrying gifts. Just as it's not a good idea to pack wrapped gifts in baggage that you're checking on an airplane, such presents may be opened if you're traveling by rail or bus as well, due to newer security procedures.
Other lines. For students and others seeking low-cost transportation, there are the so-called ethnic bus lines (sometimes referred to as "Chinatown bus lines" or "dragon buses" in the media), including the Fung Wah line operating between New York City and Boston. Such companies provide low-fare alternatives, though critics cite operational and safety problems.
And then there's our planet
Of course, there's another compelling reason to choose a car, train, or bus over an airplane this holiday season: Your carbon footprint will be considerably lighter than flying (more on that in an upcoming column). But whichever mode of transportation you choose this holiday season, travel safely!
Bill McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you think of his latest column by sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.