Re: Long Haul Air Travel: Initial Comfort or Extra Spendability?
i do sometimes drive with younger members of my family on summer vacations if the trip is less than 500 miles and there are interesting places on the route. otherwise i prefer flying.
in India, travel by train is by far the most popular, most economical, most comfortable and most safe. i buy Indrail Pass [issued only to foreigners paying in a foreign currency] for $480 for a 30 day availability. this pass allows me unlimited travel in First class Air Conditioned coaches [highest class of service] by any train from anywhere to anywhere at any time within the validity period. Indian Railways offer VIP quota so getting accommodation at a short notice is never a problem. you can get a reservation for the same day while general public has to wait weeks to get a spot on Indi’as premium trains.
i utilize that service to the fullest because my family is scattered all over India. 
i love train travel in India.