Originally Posted by
FlyerChrisK
This really shouldn't push anyone over.
Further, prices on the NEC are almost always better than flying (at least out of NYC), so you'd be paying a premium with the airlines just for the loyalty program.
Right now from BOS - NYC or BOS/PVD to PHL, flying can often be much less expensive than taking the train, specifically the acela. I have been posting about this on another board, but there was a particular weekend in May that I am going PVD - PHL. Acela, for one person, roundtrip was $400 for business class. Direct flights on Us airways was $220. Taking the regional would have been $252.
If anything it appears that there is now a price premium for taking the train. PVD - PHL is also just long enough of a train ride that I would consider flying. I think even with arriving at the airport early enough for security and then getting back into center city PHL from the airport, it is still faster to fly.