1A vs flight

If it's an overnight journey, then a train is actually saving you time.

For a 6am flight, I have to reach by 4 and leave by 2 to account for any emergencies on the way. I'd a taxi driver come in with a punctured tire and it set us back by 1 hr because he didn't know how to change a tyre.

Baggage Allowance - non existant in trains

I guess trains are a clear winner for journeys less than 5 hrs. Currently this means distance of 200-250 KM in India. But with faster trains, it can as well reach 600KM in couple of years and this is where benefits will come - think BLR - Hyderabad, Delhi - Lucknow, Kolkata - Patna all in less than 5hrs

The airports are generally further away from city center - 30-40min in travel each way to and from airport. plus the 2hrs of overhead in security and baggage drop. You are constantly moving, so can't get any work done.

Compare this with train - much more convenient and productive if you are sitting in a single place for 5 hrs.

The bullet trains in Europe are a wonder - Munich to Paris, Paris to Milan etc. Trains are much convenient on these routes vs flights

Multiple reasons -

1. Comfort + people who love train travel (me!)
2. You can actually bring animals in 1A. That's the reason why 1A is preferred by people
3. You can take up a Coupe as a couple and you get the entire cabin to yourself. No fucking disturbances iykyk🤫
4. Beautiful scenaries, sunrise, train view during a big curve, tracks juxtaposition, train engine shed, distinct foods to try at key junctions

1A should be compared to Business class air travel if comfort is accounted for. Then price feels justified.

For baggages.

The experience itself

Because of low cancellations charges in train tickets

1A is luxury

Last mile connectivity plus the hassle of airport.