No doubt it's going to be different in different circumstances. My original plans had Southwest being cheaper. But perhaps airlines are making changes based on projected summer gas prices, because I can no longer find airfare that's cheaper than Amtrak. My best bet probably is still Southwest, but that still comes in at $100 more, minimum, assuming I box the bike myself and get a ride to the airport. But then the flight that will be easiest for me to catch will be an extra $50, and will get me home late at night, needing a ride from the airport (or needing to reassemble my bike at midnight to take the hour ride home). If I can make that Amtrak connection, I could be home with a fully assembled bike, and a load of laundry in the washer by 10PM. Asleep early enough to survive work the next day.