Domestic air travel is safer, cheaper, and better than ever. - Slate Magazine

Domestic air travel is safer, cheaper, and better than ever. - Slate Magazine: First the basics. A modern commercial jet moves upward of a 200 people through the air at hundreds of miles per hour, leaving all alternative means of long-distance transportation in the dust. It’s instructive every once in a while to be seated next to a little kid on his first flight and watch the look of amazement on his face as he gazes out the window. American travelers fly about 10 billion more passenger-miles than we did a decade ago despite a weak economy. What’s more, the price per mile flown has fallen immensely over the past 30 years. If you’re willing to pay late-’70s prices for your air travel—which is to say double present-day fares—you can book yourself into business class and enjoy a luxury travel experience.