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I recently wrote about preferring to use rail over planes. Here is the deal in France, though there are many exceptions. But the idea is a good one, in my opinion. In 2021, the French government
voted to scrap domestic flights where a direct train journey of less than two-and-a-half hours existed. The move is part of a larger
climate law that restricts polluting vehicles, encourages vegetarian meals in schools, and mandates environmental labeling to inform customers of the carbon footprint of their purchases.
The European Union also added stipulations that reduced the impact of the law, and ultimately gave its thumbs up last year. Airlines and airports were
protesting it as recently as January because they believed it obstructed their freedom of movement in Europe. However, the watered-down law finally went into effect last week.
There are tons of exceptions to this law. For one, it applies to only Paris-Orly Airport; the country’s busiest airport, Charles de Gaulle, is exempted. Second, for a flight to be cut, there needs to be enough early morning and late night trains on the schedule, allowing people to spend a minimum of eight hours at the destination. The conditions also require direct train routes between cities to kill the
flight. Private jets aren’t included and connecting flights are also untouched.
So, flights from Paris-Orly to Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nantes are the only ones that have been scrapped—three in total. But here’s another twist: these routes were already canceled in 2020 when the government
bailed out Air France. Essentially, this decree will make sure that no other airline operates these routes.
I recently flew from Athens to Paris to Clermont. But on the return, I took the train from Clermont to Paris (Gare du Nord) to Frankfurt. And yes, I started at 8:30am, had an hour layover and connection in Paris, and arrived in Frankfurt at 5pm. But it was certainly more pleasant than hanging out at CDG Airport in Paris, and enduring a
terrible commuter flight terminal for short haul flights on Air France.
Might I add that many train stations in Europe are absolutely stunning. And with good food, lounges, and shopping!
And I had a hot ham and cheese baguette and a beer for less than ten Euro for lunch in the dining car. I had a reserved seat, that was both a window seat and an aisle seat.
On the plus side, the move might encourage other countries to
take similar climate action and disincentivize short air travel. Germany and Austria have already added taxes to short-haul air travel, while the Netherlands has been trying to adopt a similar law to ban domestic flights since 2013. Spain, too, is planning to cut flights where train journeys of 2.5 hours exist by 2050.
Just keep in mind several factors. The train is usually cheaper. Choosing a seat and bringing baggage does not cost extra. And you can feel free to walk around, buy food and drink, or bring your own! The seats are much more comfortable, and the toilettes are much bigger!
Please give it a try. I have a dear friend, Katy, who only travels by plane, boat or bus, no airplanes!!!!
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The train usually costs less. There is no additional charge for picking a seat or adding luggage. Additionally, you are free to roam the area, purchase refreshments, or bring your own! The restrooms are substantially larger and the benches are much more comfy! Web Development Ecommerce