He did say that he was traumatized by our Paris trip. I asked him if this is the real reason and he said it is. Yes you're right, he basically feels "ugh" about long-haul flights. But it's crazy because we will be visiting more of Europe and Japan in the future, and those will all be long-haul flights! I feel hurt that he'd be willing to do those but he can't do this for me and my family.

My grandmas do live in two different cities, but with the bullet train it would be a very easy trip. Maybe 4-5 hours. Taking time off work wouldn't be a problem for him. I even said that I'd be willing to shorten the trip. I know if he were asking me to do this, I'd do it no question.