Last year U.S. airlines filled 83.4% of their seats, according to Airlines for America, the industry’s national lobbying organization. During the airline boom of 1999 and 2000, that load factor—the percentage of seats filled—was only about 70%. The industry topped 80% for the first time in 2009. Summer load factors are expected to eclipse 90%, meaning most every flight will be full except for a few at odd hours. And that means any hiccup turns into a hassle because airlines have so few empty seats for people bumped from other flights for various reasons.
There is no question that rail travel is the "civilized way to go". Even if the suggestion has been made in the media post-Frankford Jct, that seat belts be installed on passenger trains, such would appear unreasonable and impractical. Passengers will still be able to "free range" about the train while en route.
However, away from Corridors, the expediency of air travel will simply win out. "No fun, but six hours, over and done".
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