Air travel is more expensive than other forms of transport as a general rule. Long distance air travel is very expensive, but has very little in terms of competition. Domestic or local air travel does have more competition from trains, buses and ferries, but its convenience is entirely dependent on the actual distance being traveled. Low cost, or budget, airlines are becoming more popular, but are criticized for charging large amounts for all kinds of optional extras.
It is easy to think airplanes are much quicker than other forms of travel and in terms of actual journey time this is very true. However, since 9/11 airport security has been radically tightened. This has meant it is necessary for people to turn up two or three hours before their plane is set to depart, not to mention the time it takes to get to the airport. When assessing which travel method is quicker, it is important to add on waiting times at the airport and additional journeys at both ends.
Air travel is not environmentally friendly. This is why people are being encouraged not to use planes for domestic travel and additional taxes are being levied on airplane and airport companies. The cost of these taxes is often passed straight on to the consumer.
The air inside the airplane's fuselage is recycled regularly throughout the flight, normally every 20 minutes or so. Although this might not sound like a problem, it can lead to a lot of bacteria in the air, which passengers are inhaling. This air can also contain foreign bacterial bodies brought over by tourists to which other people may not have any acquired immunity. Air sickness itself is also a problem, although it can be treated with anti-anxiety drugs.
Statistically, air travel is by far the safest mode of transportation. This, of course, does not stop people being afraid of air travel. Since 2001, the fear of being in a plane crash has been trumped by the worry over international terrorism and hijacking. A major part of the fear of air travel is that if there is a crash, there is a greater chance of death. The main point to stress here is that, despite misconceptions, air travel is very safe.
Airports are generally located outside major cities, whereas train and bus stations are more likely to be in the center of town. When planning a trip, it is important to add on additional journey times from the airport to the final destination to ensure traveling by plane is faster. Low cost airlines also tend to use cheaper airports that are further away. This can mean a cheap flight can leave you a long way from anywhere.
