Why are flights in the UK so often cheaper than taking the train?

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NeonTrekker

UK Flights Often Cheaper Than Trains Despite Perceived Luxury Status.

Air travel has historically been associated with luxury and was previously reserved for the wealthy, which may explain why flights are now often cheaper than trains in the UK.

A recent investigation by the personal finance comparison site Finder revealed that flying within the country is more frequently cheaper than taking the train. However, when asked about this finding, respondents expressed their disapproval, stating that it feels "wrong" when plane travel costs less than train tickets, which they argue should be cheaper due to being public transport.

The disparity in prices is largely due to the different cost structures of airlines and train operators. Trains are subject to high lease costs for trains, staffing expenses, and fuel costs, with electricity also coming under VAT at 20%. The rail industry receives significant government subsidies to help balance out these costs, with £4.1 billion given to train operating companies in 2023.

In contrast, airlines face similar costs but do not pay VAT or duty on fuel, which accounts for a larger portion of their expenses. Additionally, airlines charge passengers air passenger duty, which starts at £7 for domestic flights and is built into the ticket price.

While these prices may seem relatively low compared to train tickets, actual fares can be significantly higher due to add-ons such as luggage fees and seat reservations. For instance, on a recent flight from London to Edinburgh with Ryanair, passengers were quoted £28 extra for bringing a 10kg bag, making the total ticket price over £40.

In some cases, flying may still prove more economical, especially if your destination is not in the city centre but rather at an airport. However, when considering the full cost of reaching your final destination, including public transport to get there, trains might be a better option.

The environmental impact should also be taken into consideration, with flights emitting significantly higher levels of CO2 than trains.
 
I totally get why ppl are upset about plane travel costing less than train tickets 🤔💸. I mean, trains are public transport and we should be supporting it more, right? 🚂👍 But at the same time, I think we gotta consider the prices and where the money's coming from 💰. Airline costs are crazy high, especially with that air passenger duty thingy 😬. And let's not forget, trains do get a load of government subsidies to help keep 'em going 🤑. So yeah, flights might be cheaper, but is it really worth it in terms of the environmental impact and all that? I'm not sure... maybe we just need to find ways to make train travel more affordable for everyone? 🤷‍♀️💡
 
🤔 I'm kinda surprised that flights are often cheaper than trains, ya know? 🚂✈️ People seem to think trains are all fancy and expensive, but it's not always the case. I mean, have you seen how much some airlines charge for extra bags or seat reservations? It adds up quickly! 💸 And yeah, trains do get a lot of subsidies from the government, which helps keep costs down. But at the same time, flights can be pretty cheap if you book in advance and fly with budget airlines like Ryanair 🛫️. It's all about weighing your options and considering what really matters – is it the convenience or the price? For me, I'd rather save a few quid for something else 😊.
 
I'm like "what's up" with this? I mean, you'd think flying would be way more expensive due to all the fancy seats and whatnot 🤷‍♂️. But nope, it seems flights are actually cheaper than trains in the UK! That's kinda wild considering trains have to deal with lease costs, staffing, and fuel expenses on top of VAT 🤑. Meanwhile, airlines get a break from VAT and duty on fuel 💸. Plus, they charge extra for stuff like luggage fees and seat reservations 📦. I guess if you're going to the airport, flying might be the way to go... but only consider the full cost, including public transport, or trains might be the better option 🚂. And let's not forget about the environment 🌎 - flights are a major contributor to CO2 emissions!
 
ugh i dont think its fair that people are complaining about flights being cheaper than trains 🤷‍♂️ like what did the train companies expect? they're already getting billions in subsidies from the gov 🤑 and its not like airlines are exploiting people or something, they just operate under different rules. plus trains still cost way more to maintain and run than airlines do, so its only natural that flights will be cheaper 👀
 
I was just thinking about my fave plane ride from NYC to LA last year 🛫️... and man, the food on that flight was insane! I mean, who knew airline food could be so good? 😂 Anyway, back to this UK train vs plane thing... it's weird how our perceptions of luxury travel can get in the way of seeing the truth. Like, yeah, planes might be cheaper than trains, but they're not always the most eco-friendly option 🌎. And have you ever noticed how some airlines have those crazy ridiculous extra fees for things like snacks or legroom? It's just, like, why? 😒
 
🤔 I don't get why ppl think planes r so luxurious anyway... 🚫 trains are comfy & clean too! 😂 And yeah, its crazy how much they charge for add-ons like bags & seats... £28 extra for a 10kg bag? What's next? 💸 charging u to breathe? 🤦‍♂️

And dont even get me started on air passenger duty... £7?! That's just ridiculous! 💸 I'd rather take the train any day, even if its not as cheap. At least i know what i'm getting: a comfy seat & a chance to stretch my legs 😴. Flights r all about sitting cramped in a chair with no legroom... no thanks! 😒
 
🤔 I'm not surprised they're cheaper than trains... my wife and I used to take trains all the time when we were younger, back in the day... but now it's like flying is more convenient, you know? We'd just get on the train at Paddington and off we go... but these days, you've got your flights, buses, and trains all competing for your attention. And yeah, I guess flights do have an advantage when it comes to luggage... £28 for a 10kg bag? That's crazy! 🤑

And don't even get me started on the add-ons... seat reservations, food, everything adds up quickly. We used to just grab some sandwiches and be off... but now you've got all these extra costs. I remember when we were first starting out, traveling was a lot more straightforward.

But, you know, flying is just so much faster... it's like the world is moving too fast for me! 😂 And yeah, trains are great for shorter journeys, no doubt about that. But when you're heading to Edinburgh or whatever, flights might be the better bet. Just hope they don't increase those flight prices anytime soon... we can't afford them at our age! 🤑
 
🤔 I mean, what's up with this? Flights are supposed to be super luxury and all that jazz, but they're actually cheaper than trains in the UK? I get why people might think it's weird that plane travel costs less, but at the end of the day, trains are basically just public transport... how can you say they should cost more?

And don't even get me started on those "add-ons" like extra baggage fees. Like, yeah, sure, flying is convenient and all, but who needs to pay extra for a bag? 🛫️ It's crazy how airlines can make so much money off of little things like that.

Plus, have you seen the environmental impact of flights? I mean, I get it, trains aren't perfect either, but at least they're not spewing CO2 all over the place... 🌎
 
I'm so frustrated that flying is often cheaper than taking the train in the UK 🤯🚂. I mean, don't get me wrong, flying can be a convenient option, but it's not always the most sustainable one. Trains are just as convenient and they have a lower carbon footprint, which is a major concern for me personally 🌎.

I think it's crazy that we're still subsidizing train operators with £4.1 billion in 2023 and yet flights are often cheaper. It's like, what's the logic behind that? 🤔 And those extra fees on flights, like luggage fees and seat reservations? Yeah, no thanks 😒.

I wish there was more awareness about the environmental impact of flying compared to trains. We need to start prioritizing our planet over convenience and luxury 💚.
 
I mean, have you seen those prices for train tickets lately? £40 just to go from London to Edinburgh? That's crazy! 🤯 I've flown with Ryanair and I can see why they're charging extra for luggage - it adds up quick! ✈️ At least on planes, you know what you're getting. Trains are a public service, but the government subsidies don't always seem to help with prices. And let's not forget about the environmental impact... flights may be cheaper now, but at what cost? 🌎 Plus, have you seen the fees for seat reservations and all that jazz? It's like they're nickel-and-diming us! 💸 But I guess if you factor in public transport costs, trains might still be the way to go. Maybe I'm just biased towards flying since it's my fave mode of transport... 🛫️
 
I mean, can you believe it? Flights are often cheaper than trains in the UK now! It's just crazy thinking back to when flying was like, super expensive and only for rich people, but I guess times have changed, right? 🤯 I remember my first flight back from uni, it was like, a whole week before Christmas, and I had to shell out like £200 for a one-way ticket... now you can get from London to Edinburgh for under 50 quid! The prices are just so different, but at the same time, I feel like trains should be cheaper 'cause they're public transport, you know? Like, it's not right that planes are often cheaper than trains. And don't even get me started on those extra add-ons... £28 for a bag?! Ridiculous! But yeah, flights do have their perks... less hassle and whatnot... 🛫️🚂
 
I feel kinda miffed that train tickets are way more expensive than flight tickets in the UK 🤔. Like, who thought it was okay to charge people more for a train ride? And yeah, I get it's because of those government subsidies and VAT on fuel, but still, it seems like we're getting ripped off 😒. And don't even get me started on those extra fees for luggage or seat reservations - that just adds insult to injury! 🚫

I think the environmental impact is a big part of this issue too... I mean, have you seen the CO2 emissions from flights? It's crazy high! 🌳 So yeah, if you're gonna take off, at least consider taking the train to get there first. And can we please just make things more affordable for everyone? Not everyone can afford those fancy flight tickets 💸
 
I just don't get why train tickets can't be cheaper 🤷‍♂️. I mean, flying is all well and good, but you're stuck in a metal tube for hours, plus the environmental impact isn't great 🌎. And don't even get me started on the luggage fees - £28 extra for a small bag? That's just ridiculous 😒. Trains might not be as flashy as planes, but at least they're public transport and you know exactly how much it'll cost before you buy your ticket 📊. And have you seen the add-ons on flights lately? It's like they're trying to rip you off 💸. Anyway, if I'm going to fly, I'd rather pay a bit more for a train ticket that's been subsidised by the government 🙏.
 
I mean, I know some people are gonna disagree with me on this but flying is actually super cheap compared to trains in the UK 🤑🛫️. Like, yeah, planes don't feel "luxurious" anymore and whatnot, but that's just because of how old the airline industry was when it started out. Now we've got low-cost carriers like Ryanair making air travel more accessible to everyone, which is awesome.

But seriously, trains do get a bad rap in terms of cost. Have you ever seen those prices for train tickets? 😱 They're crazy! And what's worse is that they don't even account for all the extra fees you have to pay if you wanna bring your luggage on or book a seat. It's like, yeah, trains are public transport and all, but sometimes you gotta pay for everything individually.

And let's not forget about the environmental impact 🌎. I know some people might say flying is "cheaper" in the long run because trains take longer to get from point A to point B, but that's just not true if you factor in your daily commute or whatever. Trains are actually pretty efficient, especially when you're traveling within cities.

So yeah, flights might be cheaper than trains sometimes, but it's not always about being "luxurious" – it's about what's affordable and practical for each individual 🤔
 
🤔 it's wild how air travel is still super cheap despite being perceived as all luxurious and stuff... i mean, i get why people might feel like it's unfair that trains are more expensive, but at the end of the day, you gotta consider all the costs involved. i just wish there was a way to make train travel more accessible for everyone 🚂💸
 
Wow 😮🚂 Airlines are really milking us for every penny! I mean, £28 extra for a 10kg bag? That's just crazy 💸. And don't even get me started on the environmental impact... flights are seriously polluting our planet 🌎. But you know what? If trains aren't more affordable, flying is probably the cheaper option 🤷‍♀️. It's all about weighing up the costs and considering the full journey 🚗.
 
I'm shocked 🤯 that flying is often cheaper than taking the train in the UK, especially when you consider how luxurious it feels ✈️. I mean, I've been on some pretty comfy planes and paid way more for them 😊. But yeah, the truth is, trains are still super expensive to run, what with those huge lease costs and fuel expenses 💸.

And don't even get me started on the add-ons 🤑 - £28 for a 10kg bag? That's just ridiculous! 🤦‍♀️ If I'm going to fly, I want it to be convenient, not some fancy-schmancy experience that adds up quickly 😒. And have you seen the environmental impact of flying lately? It's like, we're killing the planet one flight at a time 🌎.

I think what really bugs me is that people seem to feel like trains should always be cheaper due to being public transport 🙄. Like, just because it's free for everyone doesn't mean it has to be free for them individually 😅. It's all about supply and demand, folks! If there's a demand for cheap flights, airlines are gonna cater to that 💸.

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, let's not forget the elephant in the room 🐘 - our carbon footprint 👣. We need to start thinking about how we're getting around, not just about convenience or price tags 📊.
 
I gotta say, I'm kinda surprised that flights are often cheaper than trains in the UK 🤔! I mean, I always thought trains were more luxurious and whatnot... but it seems like there's a lot of hidden costs with train travel that add up quickly 💸. And yeah, I get why people might feel a bit miffed about plane travel costing less - it does kinda feel wrong 😐. But at the end of the day, it's all about perspective, right? Maybe flying is just more convenient or whatever for some people 🚀?
 
😐🛫️ I think its weird that ppl think planes r super expensive but they can actually be cheaper than trains 🚂🤔 dont get me wrong, flights can get pricey addin fees and all 💸 but when you factor in the whole trip, incl public transport ⚡️ trains might b a better deal 📊 also let's not 4get about the enviro impact of flyin 😷💚
 
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