Makes one wonder if Mark has to pay for his own tickets. The grubby bus ride is far cheaper than the price to fly in the good old days of regulated fares.
I certainly hope Conrad Black and friends pay his fares.
But actually, you forget that Mark Steyn, unlike most of us, flies mostly internationally. This is a much, much, much more expensive proposition than domestic flights. They are also much longer and that makes things a lot more difficult in terms of comfort. This is one reason the international flights are better; they can last 12 hours plus.
Going from Manchester, NH (where I believe Mark's based) to Annan, Jordan costs at least $1,695 per Orbitz.
Clicking on "Shortest Flights", which I highly recommend on this trip, gives a fare of about $1,883.
So his commentary on those flights is sadly accurate. They really are some of the biggest purchases you will ever make, and in a few hours they are all gone. If I buy a $2,000 camera it at least stays with me for a few years.
D