Darlington to Kings Cross, 2 1/2 hrs something like 20 returns each day no check in times and no stripping. Carry your laptop on and use it wi fi. Reasonable advanced booking fares even First Class. MME is too close for flying but too far for driving but the train has driven the air journey out of sight .Not just for the foreseeable future but for ever I'm afraid.Security concerns when flying are really not worth the hassle for most commuters nowadays.