I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Amtrak is the underrated pearl of American commercial transportation. If you’re scoffing at that statement because you’ve never even considered train travel in the U.S., that just corroborates my theory of Amtrak rolling under the radar of mainstream American travelers. Unfortunately, the rail system in the U.S. is not as developed as Europe’s, but it does offer benefits that when compared to air travel, might just convince you to choose Amtrak.

I recently took an overnight Amtrak from Virginia to Florida. I have to admit, taking the train wasn’t the first form of travel I considered. I waited too late to get a decent schedule and reasonable price on a flight during the very busy spring break season (I know, the cobbler’s kids have no shoes. ). Faced with the prospect of a 20+ hour drive, I thought Amtrak might be a viable alternative. I booked a sleeper for the overnight run and my husband and I found it a delightfully relaxing and scenic way to travel. Here are five benefits that that we found Amtrak has over air travel.

No Security Lines, No Waiting, No Traffic

With a reduction in airport TSA staff combined with an increase in passengers flying, you need to get to the airport about two hours prior to your flight, just to have enough time to check in or check a bag and clear security. Amtrak, on the other hand, recommends you arrive 30 minutes before your train departs.

Boarding procedures do vary from station to station, particularly in the large stations of Washington, D.C., New York and Boston on the popular Northeast Corridor, but generally, you simply go to the track and get on. Your ticket might be scanned before you enter the platform or scanned onboard, but there is no security bottleneck as there is at the airport. Travel Maestro tip: If you are in unreserved seating on a full train, find a Red Cap (baggage porter) to escort you to the train. They get access to the track before the masses, they carry your bags, and Red Cap services are free (generous tip recommended)!

One caveat is that Amtrak often runs late because it primarily runs on freight company-owned tracks, so freight trains get precedence. Train travel takes very roughly the same amount of time as driving; on short routes that can be faster than flying. There is no stressful traffic to contend with and you can just sit back and watch the scenery roll by.

No Baggage Fees

Amtrak’s baggage policy is quite generous compared to airline policies. Each person can bring onboard two personal items (25 lbs. and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each), plus two carry-on items (50 lbs. and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each). In addition, you can check up to four bags (up to 50 lbs.) – the first two at no charge, then $20 for each additional. Travel Maestro tip: Not all stations offer checked baggage. Be sure both your origin and destination stations offer the service.

Sleeping Accommodations

Amtrak seating is far more spacious and comfortable than any economy airline seat I’ve ever experienced. But for our long-haul trip, the option of having a private sleeper sealed the deal. We chose the smallest sleeper, a Roomette that accommodates two people. It’s definitely cozy, but quite comfortable for two average-sized adults.

By day, wide seats face each other with plenty of leg room and a fold-out table between. By night, the steward makes the seats into a bed and drops a bunk down from the ceiling. There is a toilet and sink in the cabin, a sliding door with a lock and privacy curtains. Travel Maestro tip: Top bunk access requires stepping on the toilet lid, the vanity shelf and a bit of a self-hoist – probably not for large or infirm travelers.

Bedrooms and Accessible Bedrooms are larger accommodations for up to four people. All Sleeper Service passengers on Amtrak get additional perks: All regular meals in the dining car are included, fresh linen and towel service, complimentary bottled water, and access to Club Acela and Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges in select stations.

Amtrak Dining

The dining aboard Amtrak is far better than standard airline fare. On long distance trains, the Dining Car offers seasonal menus created by award-winning chefs. Choose from hot and cold breakfast entrees, and burgers, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. Dinner choices include steak, seafood, pasta and vegetarian options with salads, rolls, and desserts. A full complement of cocktails, beer and wine, soft drinks and teas are also available. Travel Maestro tip: Stewards will make dining reservations for sleeper passengers so there’s no waiting. Expect to be seated at four-top tables with other passengers.

Short- and medium-haul trains that don’t have a Dining Car offer carry-out food service in a Lounge Car with tables and casual seating or a Café Car – both with ever-changing panoramic scenery.

Free Wi-Fi

If you can’t stand to be off the grid, Amtrak’s free basic Wi-Fi service will keep you connected at substantial savings over costly in-air Wi-Fi or using your mobile phone data. You can catch up on email, or post vacation updates on Facebook to make your friends jealous. Travel Maestro tip: AmtrakConnect does not support high bandwidth activity such as streaming music, video or downloading large files. If you want to watch a movie or listen to music while traveling, download it before boarding.

Amtrak is a fun, relaxing, even romantic form of transportation. For long-haul trips, I would choose it over driving any day. For short and medium trips, these benefits make Amtrak competitive with flying. If you’re ready to give Amtrak a try, contact Covington Travel for schedules and rates.