France Bans Short Haul Flights Where Trains Are Easily Available

New York airports are among the worst in the world, because of the traffic congestion. There is nothing more demoralizing on a Friday evening than hearing a pilot say “we are number 37 for takeoff.” One solution to the congestion might be for the US to follow the recent move in France to ban short haul flights to nearby destinations where train or bus options are readily available (and banning private jets over short distances too).

Imagine if we banned flights between New York and DC (currently a comfortable 3.5 hour train ride), or between Philadelphia and DC (a mere 2 hour train ride). I have taken both flights and both trains ... the train is more comfortable, less stressful, almost guaranteed to run on time and more environmentally-friendly. I suppose the airlines might object due to lost revenue, and the super-elite and celebrities might resent giving up their private jets, but this seems like a no-brainer for everyone else.

Travelers to other destinations would appreciate the reduced traffic at NY airports, those traveling between DC, NY and Philly would have a minimal inconvenience (or you could argue NO inconvenience) and it would be better for the planet. What would it take to make this happen here?