Flying seems to be more and more of a hassle, especially with delays attributed to staffing, weather or equipment issues.
But if you have the luxury of time to get to your destination, then maybe a luxury bus is an option.
There are several new luxury bus companies that raise the bar much higher than traditional long-haul buses like Greyhound, Megabus and BoltBus — or even your local charter bus lines, The Washington Post and The New York Times reported.
Napaway calls itself a “premium sleeper coach service” with private suites and beds that allow riders to lie down flat instead of having to be stuffed in rows after rows of semi-reclining seats.
The 18 onboard suites can also be used to work — with outlets ready to power your devices — or lounge and offer free Wi-Fi and entertainment.
Another benefit of riding on a bus instead of taking a plane to a destination — the company doesn’t need to have as many employees for a trip.
Instead of several flight attendants, a couple of pilots and dozens of gate agents, luggage handlers and ground crews, a single trip on a bus needs a driver or two depending on the distance and an attendant, the Times reported.
As long as a company does not lower the ticket price to compete with a rival, a trip’s operating cost should be covered even on a half-filled bus, Joseph Schwieterman, a professor of public service, told the Times.
The Post sent a reporter on an 11-hour trip from Washington, D.C. to Nashville. The more-than-600-mile trip typically takes about two hours or so when flying, but on the bus, it takes about 11 hours.
The company also stops in Knoxville, according to Napaway’s website.
The ticket for the reporter’s trip cost $125 one way for the bus. Her return via plane cost $244.60 for a holiday weekend. Two pieces of luggage are transported for free under the bus, with an additional charge of $25 a bag.
There are some restrictions on who and what can come on a Napaway bus — no children under 8, dogs, weapons, open alcohol, illegal substances and anything that may bother others.
Napaway isn’t alone in offering an alternative to planes, trains or automobiles.
There are several coach companies that cater to travelers who don’t want to deal with the hassles the other modes of transportation bring.
RedCoach, Vonlane and The Jet have shorter routes to various points, The New York Times reported.
RedCoach offers trips in Texas and Florida.
Vonlane will have a route between Atlanta and Nashville starting in November.
The Jet has service between Washington, D.C. and Manhattan.
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