Sir ReadyKilowatt on Nostr: Modern high-bypass turbofan engines are basically at idle at cruise altitude, ...

Modern high-bypass turbofan engines are basically at idle at cruise altitude, especially when the winds are favorable. Add to that the fact that aircraft can usually fly direct between locations (great circle routes), and air resistance is much lower at 30K ft than sea level.

When a ticket to fly halfway across the county is $59, and the biggest expense for an airline is gate fees, I have to question the notion that trains are somehow more efficient.