To the editor:

Reading about the holiday travel woes of the Jayhawks’ Morris brothers (“Many happy returns”, Dec. 28) reminded some of us of a secret that Lawrence-based travelers rarely consider. When winter weather grounds Chicago flights, return to Lawrence on Amtrak! Instead of spending 10 hours in the airport, Marcus and Markieff Morris could have been on the train and home with two hours to spare! That is, if there had been space available.

There’s more good news about train travel to and from Lawrence. Train travelers don’t have to stand in long security lines requiring them to take off their shoes. Amtrak’s coach seats are wide, with plenty of leg room. Passengers can get up and move around the train. They can move from their comfy coach seats to the good viewing in the dome car or to the good dining in the dining car, or to the snack bar to play card games and, in the case of the Morris twins, sign autographs. Passengers who plan ahead can reserve private sleeping accommodations.

Next year, rather than risk stormy weather that fouls flight plans, players should consider taking the time to travel in the gracious and civil manner afforded by Amtrak. It’s convenient (the depot is downtown), affordable, safe and more reliable than air travel in winter. Because Amtrak ridership goes up during the winter holiday, players should make that reservation online.