Parking, early arrival, security groping, delayed flights, turbulence, baggage claim... flying SouthWest cattle class doesn't help matters, either, but that's my own doing. For an airport, LAX is actually one of the better run ones I've been through, but air travel in the US is hardly a nice experience. Compare with a coach seat on an amtrak train- it's big, comfortable, you can move around, no invasive security measures and the baggage restrictions that comes with. It's really just a much nicer experience.

Well, I'm flying United instead of Southwest (mostly because I understand their terminal at SFO is close to the BART I have to catch into the city). Um, I'm not checking a bag. I wish, oh wish to be roughly groped by TSA, but it's never happened yet. Maybe I'll be lucky on my way to Gay Pride up there. And I'm getting a ride to the airport from my condo 5 minutes away, so no parking necessary.

Whew, Misery Averted. I am so relieved.

I am sure once you arrive in SF there will be plenty of groping opportunities. ;)

That reminds me - YOU'RE in SF. Wonder if we'll have time to meet for drink or sumptem?

Driving to SF usually takes us about 6 hours. Flying from Burbank to Oakland is easy and quick (even Burbank to SFO is preferable to LAX).

Air travel is fast but leaves me without a car in the Bay Area.
Driving is a little slower but gives me greater ability to get around once I'm there.

While train travel is romantic, this trip doesn't have an upside for me.