Ten Reasons Why Ferries Are Better Than Planes

I've now had an opportunity to go on a ferry couple of times to and from Juneau.  I must say that it has been a fairly pleasant experience, unlike flying, which I hate with a passion.  I've been hoping for more alternatives to flying, and in Southeast Alaska, the ferries are it.  Here are my ten reasons why taking a ferry is so much better than flying:

10.  There is plenty of legroom

There's about 2 feet of legroom in front of you.  I could almost stick my legs out straight.  The seats are also wide enough I can prop my legs up on it.  The seats on the ferries are a lot wider, and most rows have only 2 seats next to each other so there aren't many 'middle' seats.

9.   The windows are much bigger

Pretty much the entire cabin area is wall to wall window, so you have a great view of the beautiful scenery.  It's like being on a cruise but for cheaper.  If you're lucky, you may also spot some whales or dolphins too.

8.  The food is much better

Although food isn't included in the trip, you have an opportunity to buy it at the snack shop or cafeteria.  On long haul trips, it's cooked right on the boat so you get a proper hot meal - not something that looks and taste like a cheap microwave meal.


7.  You can take your car with you

No need to rent a car at the other end because you can bring your car with you on most ferries.  Plus, the AMHS ferries often offer 'driver goes free' discounts, so it may not cost much more than if you went without your car. 

 
6.  You can bring your pet with you

Although you have to leave your pet in your car or in a crate on the car deck, I think your pets are much more safer and comfortable than in the cargo area of an airliner.  There's plenty of ventilation, and in the winter, the heat from the engine will keep the car deck at a reasonable temperature.

5.  There's no security hassle

There's a few restrictions on firearms and hazmats, but for the most part, there's no serious screening of passenger baggage.  So no x-rays and baggage search, and the long lines that go with it.  On the long haul ferry, there was a bomb sniffing dog running around the vehicles on the loading area so there is some security, but none that you have to be involved in.

4.  No worries about falling out of the sky and crashing to your death

Although flying is supposed to be relatively safe, there's enough stories about plane crashes to worry me.  I'm not a huge fan of turbulence either.  If you're like me, you'd be much more comfortable on a ferry.  It's also not very likely you'll get seasick either because most of the trips are usually on the inside passage where the waves aren't so big.

3.  Clean and roomy bathrooms

You don't have to try to squeeze into a compartment the size of a linen closet to do your business.  There are proper men and women's segregated bathrooms with proper toilet stalls, sinks, hand towels, and trash bins.  There are even showers on the long haul ferry.

2.  You can rent a cabin

If you are on a long trip, you can rent a cabin for the duration of the trip.  This will assure you a comfortable rest and some privacy during the trip.  Some cabins also come with full facilities - toilet, shower, and sink.

1.  No worries about lost luggage

There are only so many places your luggage can go at the ferry terminal so it is not very likely that your luggage will get lost.  You can also choose to take your own luggage on and off the ferry so you always know where it is. 


In this age where there's so much to complain about regarding the airline industry, I can find very little to complain about for the ferries.  The downside, of course, is that it takes a little longer.  However, because it is so comfortable, I would almost rather spent 5 hours on a ferry than an hour on a plane.  It's actually relaxing.  You can sleep, read a book, or watch the scenery.  On the long haul ferries there are movies to watch and a bar to go to.  Since you can walk around easily on the ferry, you can also meet new people easily and talk to them without having to shout over jet engine noise.  If I could ferry everywhere I would.  Give it a try if you have the opportunity.