One of the most common misconceptions in long-distance travel is that it’s better to get on a plane rather than a bus if you’re heading out cross country. Bus travel, however, has a few distinct advantages that flying cannot provide. What are the pros and cons of each and how do they stack up? Let’s take a look.
Air vs. Bus Travel – What Are We Comparing?
Before we crunch the numbers and look at the actual comparisons, it’s important to lay the groundwork for comparing two completely different modes of transportation. Passengers who board a bus or a plane essentially look for the same features, such as:
- Travel time
- Total cost of travel
- Comfort
- Safety
- Amenities
These are the comparative issues we will tackle.
Travel Time
The truth is, most people are not long-distance travelers. They just want to arrive at their destination in as little time as possible. So when it comes to extended travel, a plane may be a better option. In shorter distances, however, a bus is the better choice when you count in loading times, layovers, and actual travel. If you are flying out of regional airports, you’re likely to make connecting flights. These can take twice as long as the stops on a bus trip.
Total Cost of Bus Travel – Boston to Philadelphia
There is relatively little comparison to the cost of flying versus the cost of bus travel. As the number of airlines continues to shrink and the demand goes up, so does the cost of getting on a plane. You also incur additional fees and expenses such as baggage, into the overall cost. By contrast, bus tickets rates are impressively economical with few, if any, additional expenses. Whereas a plane ticket from Boston to Philadelphia could run you $200-$400, a bus charter from Boston to Philadelphia is a much cheaper purchase at $10-$30.
Comfort
Airlines are notorious for shoving as many people in coach as possible with little head, arm, or leg room to spare. So, it’s no surprise that the most common passenger complaint is being uncomfortable. This is an area where bus companies like Greyhound and Trailways excel. Greyhound recently increased occupant space by simply removing their entire front row and spacing the seats out. Companies like Barons Bus and Bieber Transportation have upped the ante by offering impressive legroom and leather seats, while continuing to keep the cost of bus travel to Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia and Los Vegas lower than airfares. Air vs. Bus Travel, simply put, you’re likely to enjoy a more relaxing experience in a bus than on a plane.
Safety
You’ve seen the reports that state over and again that flying is still the safest form of transportation. While this is true, the comparisons are often made with automobiles– millions of them– which by sheer numbers create a more dangerous situation on the road. The fact is, the more people that drive, the more dangerous a road becomes.
Buses, like airplanes, however, have an overall good traffic safety record, because fewer accidents occur on a bus on the highway than in automobiles. Buses have also improved in areas such as routine inspections, repairs, maintenance, and seating conditions in recent years due to tougher laws and regulations. So the real question is: how likely you are to suffer injury or fatality in an accident? The answer? Compared to a commercial jet, you’re more likely to survive a wreck in a charter bus.
Accommodations
What is the overall value of a plane ticket compared to a bus ticket? That question can be answered when you explore what each has to offer once you board and take off. Since commercial airliners are designed for mass transit and less travel time, they’re less likely to offer amenities that make the trip more enjoyable. Thus, there’s nothing fun or memorable about a ride in an air coach.
If you’re the type that loves traveling and sees the trip as an opportunity for more fun, then bus travel is for you. A New York Charter bus now offers all types of amenities such as plush seating, kitchen accommodations, individual electrical outlets and USB ports, Wi-Fi, widescreen entertainment, larger restrooms, and accommodations for children and those with disabilities. To get these types of services in the air, you’d have to book a luxury airliner. That’s okay if it’s in your budget, but that’s a pretty big budget.
Book Your Bus Tickets Online Today
They say that half the fun is getting there. So if you like getting the most out of your trip, then book a bus ticket from BusTickets.com. We work with the top bus carriers. Use our online service to book your bus tickets at https://bustickets.com/buy-tickets/.
