I know it's not practical for everyone. time being an issue like it is. But I've taken a few train trips across country before, and I had a blast.
Rode the Crescent City ? line from New Orleans to New York a few years back. Now I've flown from LA to NY countless times, but sitting in a Lounge car and watching the countryside roll by is something else! Also took the American Eagle express from Chicago to Denver, and that was a great trip as well. Eating dinner in the dining car and a few drinks in the lounge car... it's a GREAT way to travel
is it safer than flying, heck if I know. And I know it takes longer, but it was nice to sit back and take it easy, not being in any hurry for a change.