Rich/famous people who don't fly Business/First class
Mar 18, 2019, 10:24 am
#1
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Rich/famous people who don't fly Business/First class
I heard that Ingvar Kamprad, the billionaire founder of IKEA, only flies economy class. I have to say that, if this is true, I have a lot of respect for him. Do you know other rich and/or famous people who never or rarely fly upper class even on long-haul flights?
Mar 18, 2019, 10:39 am
#2
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I think it was a former CEO of Japan Airlines who made a point to fly coach on the various types JAL flew, talking to passengers and getting their feedback on the product. His take was that if he couldn't fly back there, why should he expect anyone else to buy it?
Mar 18, 2019, 11:26 am
#4
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There's places where flying business class or first doesn't get you much, so a prudent person -- no matter how wealthy -- wouldn't normally pay for it. I'm thinking of US domestic (other than most transcons to/from NYC) and intra-Europe.
Mar 18, 2019, 12:27 pm
#6
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Plus, also many times a LCC (such as WN) is the best option for schedule reasons. Many people that are willing to pay extra for FC will still take an all-economy LCC when it's more convenient.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:10 pm
#7
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The comedian Adam Carolla often mentions flying Southwest since he lives near BUR. That always surprised me a bit, but for short hops (LAS or PHX) it makes sense not having to slog through traffic to LAX just for first class.
Mar 18, 2019, 2:33 pm
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Mar 18, 2019, 2:45 pm
#9
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Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank has stated in the past that she and her family fly coach when it is coming from her wallet (but admits to flying J/F when client is paying)
Mar 18, 2019, 3:44 pm
#10
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Flying in coach doesn't make you a better person. It just means that you (probably) don't have a lot of money. Sometimes (most of the time) I fly coach but a few times I'll save up my money or miles and fly business class, especially on an international flight. I'm not a frequent flyer.
Mar 18, 2019, 3:57 pm
#11
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I don't think he flies much in any class, considering he's been dead for over a year.
Mar 18, 2019, 5:05 pm
#13
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Aside from airline executives, I don't think it improves my opinion of anyone who chooses to fly economy. And the former are only differentiated in my eyes because maybe if some of them flew 17 hours in a 9-across Dreamliner or 10-across 777, maybe they'd improve pitch or remove some seats.
Mar 18, 2019, 6:34 pm
#14
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I seem to remember President Carter flies coach. Gordon Ramsay says he won’t allow his children to fly in premium cabins stating he worked long and hard to be able to afford to fly up front and his offspring will have to earn that privilege. Personally, I hate coach. 