Airport hassles, crowded flights, missed connections, lost baggage....you get the idea. I'm thinking about taking the train from Los Angeles to Dallas, or maybe New York. Just wondering if anyone has made a lengthy train trip recently and how that went. Anything unexpected?

I haven't done any long train rides in the US, but I used to do them everywhere in Europe. Make sure you get a sleeping car, and it is worth it to pay to get one to yourself (or your group).

If you have the time, trains are great alternatives. I always take the Acela from NYC to Boston as opposed to flying because by the time you include all the delays at the aiport, plus getting there, it is about the same amount of time.

I have a WAN card that I use and have internet (and power) all the way to Boston. Love it.

I am curious if a train from LA to New York is worth the hassle. I have never taken a train over a very long distance like that, but like Dominic I have taken the train from Boston to New York before. Round trip for a ride like that can be close to $200. I imagine it would be significantly more expensive to go cross country or even to Dallas. Unless you are saving a significant amount of money by taking a train, I am not sure a trip with such an extended length would be worth it.