I flew from New York to Chicago and took an Amtrak back. Parts of the train ride felt like flying first class, but I still prefer air travel.

I took a 2 ½-hour United Airlines flight from New York to Chicago and rode a 20-hour Amtrak train on the way back.

The plane ticket was slightly more expensive than my $90 Amtrak ticket. It was originally $113 but ended up costing $178 after I changed my departure date at the last minute.

When I booked both economy-class tickets, I was convinced there was no way I'd prefer a 20-hour train ride over a flight that lasts less time than many Marvel movies. But to my surprise, there were some aspects of train travel that I really liked.

Here's how the two legs of the trip differed.

United Airlines started sending me messages the day before my flight suggesting that I get to the airport early since I was flying on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

I did as I was told and got to the airport around 3:30 p.m., giving me plenty of time before my 6:15 p.m. flight. Luckily, I was through security in less than 15 minutes.

Even though my arrival at the airport was pretty seamless, general preflight steps — like making sure I have my passport, transferring shampoo into 3.4-ounce containers, and picking out shoes that are easy to remove at security — add anxiety to my trips no matter what.

I didn't have to go through any security at the train station, though I did have to wait in a long line before I was allowed to board. The Amtrak attendants didn't check my ticket until the train was already en route.

The train also left on time, whereas my flight was delayed an hour.

Even though I was in the economy section on both modes of transportation, my setup was very different on the train and plane.

My train seat looked like it belonged in a plane's first-class section. There was enough legroom to accommodate someone double my height.

I could also lean the seat all the way back and lift a lever to pull out a leg rest, making it one of the most comfortable trips I've ever taken on public transportation.

On the flight, I was stuck in a window seat, where I was squished next to two other people. One of them kept falling asleep on my TV remote and changing the channel as I was trying to watch "50 First Dates."

I was surprised that I could get on and off the train at many of the stops. I used that time to stretch my legs, which made me feel less claustrophobic. I could also walk to the cafe car while the train was in motion.

On the flight, I felt like I was pretty much stuck in my seat until the plane landed.

Since I was riding in the train's economy section, I didn't have access to the Amtrak dining car. However, I could go to the cafe, which serves meals, snacks, and beverages. A lot of the offerings, like hot dogs and pizza, reminded me of items on an elementary-school lunch menu.

Food wasn't something I originally thought about when I was calculating the price difference between tickets, but it can really add to the overall cost.

I didn't eat on the flight since it was so short, which saved me some money. The airline also offered free soft drinks, which was better than the warm water that came out of the train's fountains.

I appreciated having access to a flight attendant who regularly asked if I wanted food or drinks. If I had a question or request on the train, I had to get up and search for someone myself.

The Amtrak's bathroom felt slightly bigger than the one on the plane, but for the most part, they looked the same.

Both rides got bumpy at points, so it was a struggle to get my business done without getting tossed around.

Though the train offered some beautiful views, we mostly passed empty fields and trees on the route from Chicago to New York, which got old after 20 hours.

Amtrak says it offers free Wi-Fi, but most of the time, it was extremely slow or didn't work at all. I tried using phone data, but the train was going through such remote areas that I couldn't even depend on it most of the time.

In the airport, I had no issues connecting to the free Wi-Fi to do some work. I didn't use Wi-Fi on the plane, but I could've paid $10 for it.

The flight also had TVs in front of every seat. And because I was next to the window, I could look at stunning views of the sky as well.

Masks were optional on both legs of my journey, but it seemed like there were a lot more people wearing them on the plane.

I wore my mask the entire time I was on the train. It felt like more of a nuisance to have it on for 20 hours, including the periods when I was sleeping, than it did to have it on during a 2 1/2-hour flight.

Plus, the airplane seemed to have a better air-exchange rate than the train, which made me feel more protected against germs.

On some airlines, checking multiple bags can rack up hundreds of dollars. I was allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on my United flight without paying extra.

If I wanted to check a suitcase, it would've cost extra, and prices range based on factors including the flight itinerary and ticket category.

Amtrak permits passengers to bring two checked bags, two carry-ons, and two personal items free of charge. If I wanted to check two additional suitcases, they would've only cost $20 each.

Both modes of transportation had their pros and cons.

Flying allowed me to get to my destination in less time, but it was significantly less comfortable than traveling by train. And though the train was cheaper, the experience got old hours into a very long journey. It certainly wasn't worth the extra 19 ½ hours.

I don't regret trying the long-haul train, but next time I'm traveling between New York and Chicago, I'll fly both ways.