He was set on taking the train across country. I had done that several times with my parents when I was a little girl. The double decker El Capitan. After I read your horror story to him, he decided that flying wasn't so bad after all. :)
We have taken the train to Salt Lake City, Denver, Portland and Seattle with very few problems.
I would say that trip was an aberration but I have heard from a couple of others. It seems several hours in delays has become the norm. :(