British air travel often outstrips train travel in terms of affordability. When asked about a recent study that found flights within the UK to be cheaper than trains for many routes, most respondents felt that this was an anomaly and trains should be more affordable due to their public nature.
A cost comparison between two specific trips – one from London to Edinburgh, another from Newquay to Manchester – revealed notable exceptions. The cheapest flight on both occasions left in the early afternoon hours when prices dropped significantly, often below £20 for a one-way ticket. Meanwhile, trains started at above £40, with some fares exceeding £100 before 9 pm.
The disparity in costs can be attributed to various factors beyond just fuel and staffing costs. For instance, airlines do not pay VAT or duty on fuel, whereas train operators face these additional expenses. However, it is essential to remember that prices are subject to change throughout the day due to demand fluctuations.
Another consideration is how your luggage allowance affects ticket costs. Budget airlines like Ryanair often charge extra for checked bags, with fees ranging from £10 to £60, depending on the airline and destination. On the other hand, trains usually have more generous baggage policies, with many allowing passengers to bring multiple bags without additional charges.
Furthermore, train travel can be more convenient due to its connections to city centers, whereas airports are often situated outside of town centers, resulting in longer journeys and potentially higher taxi costs upon arrival.
Ultimately, both airlines and train operators charge prices that cater to what consumers are willing to pay. Cheaper flights during off-peak hours attract those with flexible schedules, while trains benefit from the revenue generated by add-on purchases made by passengers who secure a seat on a full flight.
From an environmental standpoint, taking the train generally yields lower carbon emissions compared to flying, as research suggests that flights emit more CO2 per passenger than trains do.
A cost comparison between two specific trips – one from London to Edinburgh, another from Newquay to Manchester – revealed notable exceptions. The cheapest flight on both occasions left in the early afternoon hours when prices dropped significantly, often below £20 for a one-way ticket. Meanwhile, trains started at above £40, with some fares exceeding £100 before 9 pm.
The disparity in costs can be attributed to various factors beyond just fuel and staffing costs. For instance, airlines do not pay VAT or duty on fuel, whereas train operators face these additional expenses. However, it is essential to remember that prices are subject to change throughout the day due to demand fluctuations.
Another consideration is how your luggage allowance affects ticket costs. Budget airlines like Ryanair often charge extra for checked bags, with fees ranging from £10 to £60, depending on the airline and destination. On the other hand, trains usually have more generous baggage policies, with many allowing passengers to bring multiple bags without additional charges.
Furthermore, train travel can be more convenient due to its connections to city centers, whereas airports are often situated outside of town centers, resulting in longer journeys and potentially higher taxi costs upon arrival.
Ultimately, both airlines and train operators charge prices that cater to what consumers are willing to pay. Cheaper flights during off-peak hours attract those with flexible schedules, while trains benefit from the revenue generated by add-on purchases made by passengers who secure a seat on a full flight.
From an environmental standpoint, taking the train generally yields lower carbon emissions compared to flying, as research suggests that flights emit more CO2 per passenger than trains do.
But honestly, have we really considered the environmental impact of flying vs trains? I mean, trains are like, way more eco-friendly, ya know? 
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Like, can't we just have some decent, affordable train options like everywhere else in Europe? 
It's not like we're asking for much - maybe a £20 train ticket instead of £60+ flight one way... 
btw dont even get me started on the carbon emissions tho flying might be cheap but it's not worth the damage to our planet 
is super relatable here. We tend to focus on the price point and assume that cheaper is better, but it's not always about the cost. Sometimes, we gotta think outside the box (or in this case, the airport terminal). Air travel may be cheaper for us right now, but train travel offers its own set of perks - like being able to bring more luggage without extra fees 
! It's all about weighing our options and finding what works best for our unique situation.
. I mean, £20 for a one-way flight is crazy cheap! Meanwhile, trains can be over £100 just before 9 pm? That's insane! And don't even get me started on the luggage fees – it's like budget airlines are trying to rip you off 
. But at the same time, I think trains have got it right with their generous baggage policies and convenient connections to city centers 
. Plus, flying is just so much more convenient when it comes to getting from point A to point B 
. And let's not forget about the environmental impact – taking the train is way better for the planet 
. And yeah, VAT and duty fees on fuel can be a big difference maker. But seriously, have you seen those baggage fees at budget airlines? £10-£60 for checked bags is just ridiculous! 
On the other hand, trains are all about convenience and connections, which I think makes them a better option for many people. Plus, taking the train means less carbon emissions, win-win 
. But can we please get some better deals on trains? £40+ for a one-way ticket is just crazy! 
. And yeah, trains are way overpriced by the time 9 pm hits. I mean, who needs to pay over £100 just to get on a train? It makes sense that trains have more generous baggage policies tho, no extra fees is always a win 
. I think it's great that we're getting some info about train travel being better for the environment too, low carbon emissions are def something we should be prioritizing 
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