Hassle of Airline Travel

It's no secret that airplane travel has lost its luster over the course of the past decade, if not years earlier. A new USA Today/Gallop poll found that 27 percent of those surveyed said it has gotten so bad, they would prefer to travel by train or car. For short trips, we agree. We can't remember the last time we flew between N.Y.C. and D.C. Just this past weekend, Annie took Amtrak on that route. The three hour ride with no long security lines, no pausing to take off shoes, dragging the laptop out of bag and and no limits on liquids, is far preferable to the 30 minute flight. That flight used to be faster, but with all the hassles of getting to and through the airport and the possibility of weather delays, it's just not worth it anymore.

What would we like to see the airports and airlines improve?

• Improve security checks. There has to be a way to screen passengers before they even get to the airport. The alleged underwear bomber is said to have bought his one-way ticket in cash, two things that should have tipped off security.
• Stop charging for the little things--checking bags, snacks, emergency exit row seats.
• Offer complimentary movies and WiFi
• Make flying fun again. We love the example of Virgin America's Holiday Cheer program.
• Cuter uniforms. Admittedly, this is a small thing, but flight attendants who are wearing uniforms they actually like would help put the glamour back in air travel.
• Make getting to the airport easier. We would love to see express rails from downtown directly to the airport, a la the Heathrow Express.