Politics aside, I struggle to see the issue here…
In this post:
Bernie Sanders criticized for flying Delta first class
In the past 24 hours, a picture is being widely circulated online showing Bernie Sanders flying Delta first class, seemingly on an Airbus A220 from Washington National (DCA) to Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP), where he’s attending the “No Kings” rally this weekend.
Some are blasting the Democratic Socialist for flying first class, calling him a hypocrite, and claiming he’s “living large” and “jetting out of DC like royalty.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a more left-leaning Democrat criticized for this kind of stuff. For example, in the past, we’ve seen the same criticism of Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez flying first class.
I fail to see what’s wrong with a socialist flying first class?
I always find it puzzling when the topic of flying domestic first class is somehow portrayed as something that’s for the super rich, or when there are claims that it’s incompatible with someone who wants billionaires to pay more in taxes.
Domestic first class means you get “treated like royalty?” I must have missed the memo! I just find this to be such strange labeling, because let’s be honest, domestic first class is hardly luxurious:
- As a member of the Senate, Sanders travels a lot and presumably has elite status, so he likely ends up in first class quite a bit through complimentary upgrades
- Sanders is a very high profile person attending a big event, so it’s possible his travel was paid for by a third party, in which case them paying for first class for him isn’t unreasonable
- Sanders presumably earns lots of miles, so is he not allowed to use his miles to upgrade tickets, like everyone else?
- Even if Sanders was paying for the ticket out of pocket, this isn’t like dropping $20K+ on an Air France La Premiere ticket
Assuming you’re even paying for first class, the premium is often quite reasonable nowadays. I don’t follow Sanders more closely than most other politicians, but my understanding is that he fights for higher taxes for billionaires, and things along those lines, rather than demanding that everything always be equal for everyone, and that no one can have a nicer experience.
Should Sanders only fly basic economy? Is it reasonable if he’s in extra legroom economy, or is that not “equal” enough? What about paying for a seat assignment toward the front of the plane?
For that matter, the reality is that I think first class can be justified purely in terms of the ability to be productive. Most people can’t reasonably work in a tight economy seat. You can’t even open your laptop screen in many cases if the person in front of you reclines. Paying a reasonable premium to sit in a seat where you can have the space to work is in many cases just being smart.
I understand the frustration many have when high profile people show up at climate change conferences in private jets, but this simply isn’t that. If there’s something I missed, though, please do let me know. Glamorizing domestic first class to this extent, while claiming that flying that way is being “treated like royalty,” either comes out of a lack of knowledge, or willful ignorance, in my opinion.
Bottom line
Bernie Sanders is being criticized by some for flying Delta first class, though this strikes me as a completely baseless attack. I don’t think being a Democratic Socialist and flying first class domestically are incompatible. There are decent odds that Sanders was just upgraded on account of his elite status.
But even if his ticket was paid for by another party, or if he redeemed miles or paid cash, I don’t think that contradicts any stance he has espoused.
Is there something I’m missing?
I was on a flight from Charlotte to Harrisburg last year. Scott Perry (R) was sitting in coach not sure why socialist and lib Sanders feels taxpayers money should provide him with luxury that he is always bashing. Do as I say not as I do.
He almost always flies private. It is shocking to see him flying commercial. Definitely a downgrade for him to be in FC. I am guessing the checks from his donors didn’t clear on time.
Of course the leftie blogger backs his favorite leftie politician.
Of course the nazi commenter needs to talk shit again on the leftie's blog
MAGA Jim N only comes here for the political commentary. What a cuck.
Americans know absolutely nothing about the horrors of socialism and communism, have never lived in such countries, never had to have their civic rights stripped away, yet advocate for „democratic“ socialism. There is NO democratic socialism! White, privileged American leftists are so delusional and lost.
Yes, he is a hypocrite, but most left wing nut jobs are. In his utopian world, on commercial aircraft there would only be economy with 29 inch pitch. No recline.
The party elite however, fly on special planes. The line between socialism and communism is very narrow. Bernie is on that line.
When I was on active duty in the US military, if in uniform, we could not fly in first or business...
Yes, he is a hypocrite, but most left wing nut jobs are. In his utopian world, on commercial aircraft there would only be economy with 29 inch pitch. No recline.
The party elite however, fly on special planes. The line between socialism and communism is very narrow. Bernie is on that line.
When I was on active duty in the US military, if in uniform, we could not fly in first or business class as it would give the appearance the government was buying first class tickets, even if it was an upgrade or we were paying for flight from personal funds such as on leave. Once I kind gentlemen offered me his first class seat as a way of saying thank you. I thanked him and explained why I had to say no. He did however by my drinks and had the flight attendant bring them back.
In those days official government travel could not be used to accrue personal use frequent flyer miles. Today it is permitted.
Bernie should avoid the appearance of being an elitist if he wants to be "for the people". Who paid for the flight? Better question.
I am Exec Plat and fly AA from Bangor Maine to DC often.
I’ve seen Senator Susan Collins on several BGR to DCA flights. She is on the upgrade list like any normal economy passenger. She appears to fly economy and only gets the comp upgrade when granted by availability.
Sanders upgrade was very likely complimentary due to status. Why did anyone ever turn anything away for free?
Bernie Sanders should be punished for flying first class because he seeks to punish others with higher income taxes and new wealth taxes. Some rich have money because of frugality + investments + working hard. The explains the janitor and the secretary who had $10M. Others have a small family business where all family members put in long hours. Still others can earn more than that janitor but follow his frugality and end up with...
Bernie Sanders should be punished for flying first class because he seeks to punish others with higher income taxes and new wealth taxes. Some rich have money because of frugality + investments + working hard. The explains the janitor and the secretary who had $10M. Others have a small family business where all family members put in long hours. Still others can earn more than that janitor but follow his frugality and end up with $40M, yet they are punished with the highest tax rates because of people like Bernie.
Bernie should lead by example and fly basic economy. If he had $100M, then maybe Comfort Plus. Instead, Bernie drums up hate and Communism. That is not to imply Teump is good or not senile.
I wouldn't agree that Sanders was jetting out of DC like royalty, but Bernie Sanders is a hypocrite.
The problem with this country is not that socialists fly Delta first class BUT that we non-socialists have to endure Delta First Class
Good for the Senator. He deserves a moderately comfortable Delta recliner, mini-water bottle, maybe a pre-departure beverage (if they feel like it), a light meal, AVOD, couple electrical outlets, and some free WiFi (if he’s a SkyMiles ‘member’). So ‘premium.’
Thank goodness he did not “fly the friendly skies” (lest he risk the Dr. Dao ‘special’), because they often still charge for WiFi ($8/800 points, psh.)
When AI takes over and we have fully automated luxury communism, everyone will fly first class
They’re already doing it on La Compagnie. I wish all seats were lie-flat.
Without wishing to be rude, the fact that this somehow counts as “news” in the US is quite close linked to why your country is gradually destroying itself, FYI.
We’re doing fine, Tom. Sure, gas is a little more expensive and jobs are harder to come by, and our President is corrupt, crazy, and rude, but, like, for most of us, fairly normal life. Wish healthcare and housing were more affordable. Would also be nice if workers and consumers had better protections. But… have you seen our air craft carriers? And we do have a bunch of billionaires. Woo…
I have been on flights with Bernie 15+ years ago when I was living in Vermont, back then he was flying economy and once was across the isle from me. If he paid for the seat what's the big deal? I'm not saying this as some Bernie supporter either, if this was my least favorite politician I would say the same thing where if they paid for it then who cares? If they are receiving...
I have been on flights with Bernie 15+ years ago when I was living in Vermont, back then he was flying economy and once was across the isle from me. If he paid for the seat what's the big deal? I'm not saying this as some Bernie supporter either, if this was my least favorite politician I would say the same thing where if they paid for it then who cares? If they are receiving special treatment or free tickets then i have a problem with that. Don't give into political hysterics here please, this is one of my last refuges from politics.
The British royals are criticized if they are in anything above economy when flying commercial. It's all just news fodder. I'm not a Bernie fan by any stretch. And, I don't particularly care what he flies or what toilet paper he uses. Are there not bigger issues that command our attention?
Here's an idea Ben - keep out of anything that may be considered politcal. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but sharing them will invariably trigger emotions.
Nah. Let Ben and everyone say what they wanna say. Ignore or engage. The “no politics” trope is tired, lame, and weak. “We want the jobs the comet will bring…” (Don’t Look Up)
He needs to make money. There isn't much interesting content on here for years now. No one can use miles and hotels points for anything useful anymore. There's no big deals anymore at all.
So clickbait it's got to be. I don't judge him for that.
As always, anyone is free to start The Republican Travel Blog. I’m sure it will have ones of readers with dynamic content about Daytona, Joplin, and Galveston.
This is actually ridiculous. An 84‑year‑old man working on a domestic Delta first‑class flight is not news. It just shows that people don’t know what democratic socialism is—it’s not communism. Delta domestic first class isn’t luxury; it offers more space, but that’s it. Senators are constantly traveling and working, so this should be treated as non‑news. The only people making this news are agitators and those looking to spin things.
"people don’t know what democratic socialism is—it’s not communism."
Precisely. Democratic socialism still leaves plenty of room for capitalism in luxury markets (in the economic sense; basically anything that's not reasonably defined as a necessity). Since air travel's not a necessity, there's no hypocrisy in him flying up front.
(When he talks about "the 1%," he probably isn't going after middle-class folks who get the occasional free upgrade!)
The man is old af, let him live. Let him enjoy a little space and comfort.
You do select your click-bait articles exceedingly well Ben. You post and the racists, antisemites, the ignorant and politically motivated bigots, all come out to vent their spleen. Reading the comments is highly indicative of the state of the Union, most educational, thank you Ben.
A good chinovnik finds his comfort by manipulating the low information masses. A red mission accomplished success story.
Or an intentional desire to spread misinformation.
I've flown JL on their domestic F on an A350. Now THAT is truly 1st class. US domestic F should really be called premium economy and even that's a stretch!
Ben, every sentence - and there’s a lot of them - you write with the word “nowadays” would mean exactly the same without it.
And that’s about as important as where Bernie sits on a plane.
LOL I feel the same about how almost every article on here has the words “For context,” in it at some point. We know it’s for context. That’s why it’s in the article.
Yes! A core reason why Doctor of Credit is so incredibly readable and rapidly consumable... I wish there were a way to effectively point this out to this blog. It strikes me that he's not interested in constructive criticism though. Very often there's a lot of solid content and analysis, but I always save it for last (meaning I then often don't get to it) because it's so much more time consuming to read and...
Yes! A core reason why Doctor of Credit is so incredibly readable and rapidly consumable... I wish there were a way to effectively point this out to this blog. It strikes me that he's not interested in constructive criticism though. Very often there's a lot of solid content and analysis, but I always save it for last (meaning I then often don't get to it) because it's so much more time consuming to read and unnecessarily dense. (Two friends don't like it because they don't like a few of the words thrown around which you need to be an expert to understand, and the blog fails to ever define them in parenthesis, so reading it comes with friction.)
For me it’s the “a bit” and “quite” that seem the most abused
He can do what he wants. Flying Delta Business Class is getto on 767 and 330s, so it's perfect for a socialist.
Agree, non-news. Hardly the lap of luxury here.
He also flew private around the country to rant about oligarchy
Yeah, you also didn't think AOC flying first class was a problem either.
https://onemileatatime.com/news/aoc-flies-first-class/
I remember many Dems getting all hot and bothered when a gop cabinet member, Scott Pruitt , flew domestic first. Omg, the horror! Where was your defense then? Crickets. Of course Obama cabinet members flew private government jets, no problem there. Remember the tarmac meeting with Hillary?
I get it, you want to advocate for collectivist politics, but still want to...
Yeah, you also didn't think AOC flying first class was a problem either.
https://onemileatatime.com/news/aoc-flies-first-class/
I remember many Dems getting all hot and bothered when a gop cabinet member, Scott Pruitt , flew domestic first. Omg, the horror! Where was your defense then? Crickets. Of course Obama cabinet members flew private government jets, no problem there. Remember the tarmac meeting with Hillary?
I get it, you want to advocate for collectivist politics, but still want to enjoy the good life guilt free. How brave of you.
Sorry didn't mean that as a reply. Don't care enough to repost.
I'm not a Democrat, but I really don't see the problem here.
People must learn to choose their battles, sometimes.
TMZ needs to make money.
Ben needs his clicks.
Politicians, both left and right, and their disciples needs something to fight over.
The real overlords need to maintain the propaganda distractions.
You don't get it because you're just another brainwashed hypocrite.
It isn't about how bad first class is or he should fly basic economy.
It's the idea of separating people into 2 different class where one is superior to another.
It the old days the separation is clear.
The slaves
The whites
The men
The rich
The infidels
etc.
People preach and demand equality, yet nothing is equal...
You don't get it because you're just another brainwashed hypocrite.
It isn't about how bad first class is or he should fly basic economy.
It's the idea of separating people into 2 different class where one is superior to another.
It the old days the separation is clear.
The slaves
The whites
The men
The rich
The infidels
etc.
People preach and demand equality, yet nothing is equal but you're all hypocrites who successfully force a square peg into a round hole and say it's equality because both went through the hole.
Then you get the snowflakes to gaslight people into being brainwashed.
Once a few people start to catch on, you distract them with other issues like sports, entertainment, politics, wars, UFOs, Epstein files, Tim Dunn's Delta, etc.
I'm surprised TSA let him board the flight given that he's been blocking their salaries for so long.
Because he is not a threat to the flying public.
His biggest threat is to bankrupt the economy, national debt, and innovation, aka the source of money that actually pays TSA.
TSA can do themselves a favor and lock him up in the airport forever, where he can do minimal damage to their long term paycheck.
Thank you Eskimo.
Sanders, along with Senate Republicans, voted to fund the TSA. IT was Trump that blocked it.
How is this post “politics aside”? And if you “struggle to see any issue” then why write about it? You are also using this (non) issue to get clicks, just like others might be using it to gain political mileage. Don’t you think?
It's not controversial, but it is hilarious. They should just do what Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM are doing and sell that cabin as premium economy instead of pretending it's anything more than that.
This guy is the world’s most dangerous Zionist, notice how he works overtime to frame Netanyahu as a the problem and not the whole settler colony.
He’s a hypocrite of the highest order, no surprises here.