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Comment by ornornor | Hacker News Reader

Yep. I hate everything about flying. It’s miserable. I plan my vacations to avoid flying, it’s just not worth the aggravation for me.

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I find road trips pretty pleasant... don't plan on having to drive too far in one day, and when you aren't in a rush to get somewhere by a certain time, it's pretty relaxing just listening to music, and the general scenery for most of the driving. After a few days, most daily life stress tends to melt away.

I live in Europe and prefer the train. Less pollution, more legroom, can take a nap, read a book, etc.

You could also fly, and take a nap there... The biggest benefit to a road trip is flexibility. If you see something that catches your eye and want to look around and take some pictures, a train doesn't give you that. If you decide to stay an extra day somewhere, the effect on your budget could be significant for other forms of travel.

As for pollution, maybe if they were building more nuclear plants and high speed chargers, then electric vehicles would actually be a better option for longer distance travel. Of course not counting the environmental impact of building a bunch of new vehicles vs. the one that I've had for over 7 years.

Just show up the airport an hour earlier than needed and go grab a beer. Less stress, more relaxation

That is fine for the first flight, but the connections can quickly turn into a mess. Also, after getting there an hour early, you grab a beer, sit around, and then the flight gets delayed or cancelled. I've noticed it is stressful until the plane for my final connection going back home leaves the ground.

If you don't have to get somewhere at specific times and events, no problem, just chill and you'll get there eventually. If going to a planned meeting, or giving a talk, etc., it can be very tiring.

Oh true, I try to always fly without connections if possible, but if not it can get stressful. Depending on where you live you might always have connections, I've been lucky to live near well connected airports that have direct flights 90% of the time

You’re still swimming in people (especially since they fired all staff after Covid and haven’t rehired but usage has returned to normal)

You still have to deal with security theatre.

You’re still treated as cattle.

You’re still at the mercy of delays, bumps, last minute gate changes.

You still have to deal with a puny amount of luggage.

You still have to pay for every little thing (lounge access to relax, drinks/food inflight, the privilege of taking checked in luggage)

You’re till siting in a tiny aluminum tube with your knees under your chin for hours on end, preferably with a kid kicking the back of your flimsy seat the whole way.

You still have to waste copious amounts of time going to and from the airport.

You still get your luggage lost/delayed/damaged and having to deal with overworked + underpaid people to try and get compensated.

I could go on. I hate the miserable experience of flying and it seems like airports + carriers are always innovating to find ways to make it even worse.

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