USA Guide
Getting around
By plane
Despite the presence of good-value discount airlines – namely Southwest and JetBlue – airplane travel is a much less appealing way of getting around the country than it used to be. With air fuel costs escalating even faster than gasoline costs, and airlines cutting routes, demanding customers pay for routine services, and jacking up prices across the board, the days of using jet travel as a spur to vacation adventuring are long gone. To get any kind of break on price, you'll have to reserve well ahead of time (at least three weeks), preferably not embark in the high season, and be firm in your plans in buying a "non-refundable" fare – which if changed can incur costs of $100 or more.
Nonetheless, if you arrange your trip properly, flying can still cost less than the train – especially if you take into account how much you save not paying for food and drink while on the move – though a bit more than the bus.