Train v Plane -

[scooterscot]

I would really like to use the train for possible new gig only 3 hours away, but at £260 for a return ticket... I can actually fly to Birmingham, hire a car for less than half this....

What's a contractor to do?

[Zippy]

Depends. The obvious answer is to forget the train (advance fares might be cheaper though) but what is the difference in the travelling time, allowing for the fact that you have to check in to airports well in advance of the flight, possible cancellations etc.
How much is that time worth to you?

[TheFaQQer]

Take whatever is the easier option.

Train is more relaxing than flying (I find, if you are in first class - otherwise forget it). When I'm in London I have the choice and would always fly it.

Virgin do a good frequent traveller scheme for first class, though, where after 16 returns (I think) you get free weekend first class travel. Which considering they class that as Friday afternoon to Monday morning, means you can then travel for free to work.

[Gonzo]

I would really like to use the train for possible new gig only 3 hours away, but at £260 for a return ticket... I can actually fly to Birmingham, hire a car for less than half this....

What's a contractor to do?

Think of your carbon footprint if you fly and the vast sense of smugness that you can walk around with if you take the train.

How much is that worth?

I would fly provided that didn't mean using Easyjet. If it did I would take the train instead.

[TheFaQQer]

Think of your carbon footprint if you fly and the vast sense of smugness that you can walk around with if you take the train.

How much is that worth?

I would fly provided that didn't mean using Easyjet. If it did I would take the train instead.

BA offers you the chance to offset your carbon footprint when you book your ticket.

I've never done it yet, though.

[Pogle]

Take whatever is the easier option.

Train is more relaxing than flying (I find, if you are in first class - otherwise forget it). When I'm in London I have the choice and would always fly it.

Virgin do a good frequent traveller scheme for first class, though, where after 16 returns (I think) you get free weekend first class travel. Which considering they class that as Friday afternoon to Monday morning, means you can then travel for free to work.

Yep I use that to get free first class travel for a year from Manchester to London. Its well worth it.
I used to fly from Manchester to Glasgow and found it actually quicker to drive in the end - after all the arsing about at the airport and my flights always getting delayed or canceled.
If you can be organised and book your tickets in advance, it can be a lot cheeper.

[Paddy]

BA offers you the chance to offset your carbon footprint when you book your ticket.

I've never done it yet, though.

Carbon offset payments have been proved to be a con in most cases. Third world farmers are paid to grow trees but the T&Cs are so strict often they do not get paid and payments only start five years after planting. The largest proportion on the carbon offset money is paid to consultants. BBC R4 uncovered that less than 5% of the offset went to the tree growers. Many tree growers have spent their saving an growing trees only for the payments to be refused.

Don’t take part in this con!

[Doggy Styles]

Have you considered a large trebouchet and a parachute?

[TheFaQQer]

Yep I use that to get free first class travel for a year from Manchester to London. Its well worth it.
I used to fly from Manchester to Glasgow and found it actually quicker to drive in the end - after all the arsing about at the airport and my flights always getting delayed or canceled.
If you can be organised and book your tickets in advance, it can be a lot cheeper.

A gig I was talking to an agent about recently he asked which airport I'd use to get to Glasgow. I told him that it was quicker, easier and cheaper to drive from Lancashire - otherwise I'd just end up billing for taxis to get everywhere instead!

And the plane I last took from GLA to MAN (albeit some years ago!) was tiny - not at all good after a heavy night out

[scooterscot]

I've booked a standard return, for £89, versus the £320 for 1st - the idea on that it only takes me 5 minutes walk from the door to the transport is to tempting to ignore rather than messing about at the airport.

I could afford the 1st class but part of me just cannot justify that money for what? A free cup of tea? Do you get massage thrown in? It seems truly awful...