Why worry about hell when you can fly?

I’m mostly an observer now. Back in the day, I flew a lot, mostly work-related trips (I might have tacked on a wee bit of sightseeing, especially in Europe). Now I only see flying as a living hell. No wonder people are doing the train here on the East Coast—it might take a bit longer and be a bit more expensive at times, but at worst it’s only purgatory.

There’s the comfort, rather the complete lack of it. First, you’re charged now for leg room that was there ten years ago. That happens even...