It only makes sense if you value it based on other factors. Some of these items are more valuable to me than the cost. The time factors are difficult depending on your circumstances.
1) No TSA (at least when I last used it)
2) You can show up with a bicycle. They will provide a box and you pack it yourself. Your bicycle will not be molested.
3) You can get a private compartment and drink your own liquor
About 8 years ago I was caught off guard by TSA running a checkpoint at the Amtrak station in Chicago. I don’t know whether that was a common occurrence at the time, and I haven’t ridden in years, but certainly in the moment I was not enthused by the potential encroachment.
They deploy VIPR teams to do this. I’ve seen it twice (once as passive screening, the other was active screening) in the last two decades. As a regular transit and Amtrak user, I’d say it’s fairly rare.
1) No TSA (at least when I last used it)
2) You can show up with a bicycle. They will provide a box and you pack it yourself. Your bicycle will not be molested.
3) You can get a private compartment and drink your own liquor
4) You like trains