Originally Posted by
lightonthewater
Am not saying that the UK rail network is perfect, (and indeed the present strikes make it very imperfect) However, those comparing the costs of rail with air so often do not compare like with like: they take the cheapest advance airfare and compare it with the 'pay at the last minute' train fare.
To make a fair comparison, the comparison should be based on the comparable last minute fare for each method of transport, or , alternatively, at the cheapest available advance fare for each (using an appropriate railcard in the case of trains) . Plus the cost and duration of the transport between the airport and the city centres should also be added to the equation. The two modes of transport come out much closer when you do that .
I have often made this argument. I recently saw someone compare a double room on the Caledonian Sleeper from Inverness to London with the same route on easyJet. Of course, easyJet was much cheaper, however, easyJet does not let you take as much baggage as you can carry, does not give you a private bedroom, with free breakfast, nor does it include ticket flexibility or complimentary lounge access at either end. The fairest comparison would be between easyJet and a sleeper train seat or the double room, and a fully flexible BA business class ticket.