I always find it sort of cute, smart, and hilarious, how airline CEOs like to flex about how they fly economy any chance they get, even if they’re not asked about it. Here’s the latest example of that — this showed up in my algorithm, and it gets at a bigger point that I think is interesting to discuss.
In this post:
Delta CEO talks about his flying habits, traveling in economy
Fortune published a short video interview with Delta CEO Ed Bastian, about his travel habits. He mentioned a few things that I think people might find interesting:
- Bastian is usually one of the last people to board, and the Delta teams are always rushing to make sure he’s there, because planes won’t wait for him
- Bastian was asked about how he passes time on flights, and he answered that he usually catches up on emails; he then threw in how many times when he travels, he’s in economy, often next to the restroom
- He said customers often recognize him and come back to economy to ask why he’s there, and he claims he says “that’s about what my ticket could afford”
- He said that his fellow economy passengers often “have a lot of fun” when he’s there
- He was asked what his favorite snack and drink to order is, and he said Biscoffs and Coke Zero
- He was asked what his favorite airport is, and he said Atlanta, because it means he’s home
You can see the video for yourself below. For context, Bastian earned $27 million last year, making him the world’s second highest paid airline CEO (the previous year he earned $34 million, and was the world’s highest paid).
Why airline CEOs fly economy, and love to brag about it
I’m sure someone will be around shortly to suggest otherwise, but I’m not writing about this to pick on Bastian. It’s just that these were some recent comments he made, and it gets at a bigger trend I’ve noticed.
It doesn’t matter which of the “big three” airline CEOs we’re talking about, they all love to mention how they often fly economy every chance they get. “What did you have for breakfast today?” “Well, you know, I was flying… in economy… and…” As you can see above, Bastian threw in how he was in economy in reference to a question about how he passes time on flights.
The major airline CEOs absolutely fly economy on domestic flights with some frequency. They also often fly in first class, and also fly private. You can also bet that on long haul international flights, they always fly in premium cabins.
So, why do these people who make tens of millions of dollars per year fly in economy on domestic flights, when they could afford whatever they wanted? I’d argue that them flying economy is probably one of the more strategic things they could do in terms of perception:
- For one, the reason they’re often in economy is because they’re planning travel last minute, and first class is sold out; all these airline CEOs of course get unlimited positive space travel in the most premium cabin, if there are any open seats
- An airline CEO isn’t going to fly on a competing airline in first class just to avoid economy on their own airline, as the optics of that would be awful
- In terms of employee perception of management, flying in economy makes them a lot more relatable, and these kinds of stories spread fast; sure, maybe the CEO is paid as much as a couple of hundred employees, but at least he travels like the rest of them (sometimes)
- Airline CEOs are sort of celebrities among brand loyal customers, and I’ve seen a countless number of stories go viral, when people were shocked to see CEOs in economy
- Airlines make a large percentage of their profits from their loyalty programs, and first class upgrades is one of the biggest perks that makes people want to earn elite status; it looks better when the CEO isn’t taking up one of those seats
- I love Bastian mentioning how he’s usually among the last to board, as if that’s a sacrifice he’s making; something tells me that he doesn’t have to gate check his bags too often, so that’s actually the best time to board 😉
But anyway, what Bastian says is true of the industry. Airline executives often do fly economy on shorter flights, and it’s probably the best ROI they can get in terms of goodwill while in public. But internationally they almost always fly in the most premium cabin, and also don’t be surprised to see them at FBOs.
Bottom line
Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently mentioned how he often flies in economy, in response to a question about how he passes time on flights. Some people are surprised to hear these kinds of things, but it’s super common for airline CEOs to fly in economy on domestic flights.
For one, they often plan last minute (or have plans change), and there simply aren’t any first class seats available anymore. But even beyond that, the optics of them flying in economy is great, so I think that’s a big motivation as well.
What do you make of Bastian’s comments, and the practice of airline CEOs often flying in economy?
@klaus: underrated comment ;)
Only $27 million for the CEO of Delta Airlines. That sounds low.
It’s a great idea. Builds empathy. See things your least fortunate customers see.
But, I don’t buy it. This ‘man of the people’ farce seems like a PR stunt, any time any airline CEO suggests they fly their own airline’s worst seats.
It also makes sense for a CEO to truly understand what the experience for the majority of their customers is like.
Ted Turner always flew economy.
Actually its not true! A mjority of his flight he flies PS upfron in first class/Delta one dpedning on the route. Many FAs have even reported saying they only see him in first class on flights they work. Curious why this video was presented how it was
It is such a peacefully quiet existence living in the brain cell of a plain OMAAT tr’l. The skull is completely devoid of anything but the single cell life form, hardly a single brain wave to rock the boat, bliss, pure unadulterated bliss, isn’t that right plain j?
Doubt he enjoys it. Quite often fat cats do this so the surfs don't come at you with pitchforks and torches.
God, this site's Delta obsession has become unbearable. We're now dedicating whole articles to analyze and dissect 40 second clips of relatively innocuous statements.
Carsten Spohr should be ordered by the court to take 30 flights per year in different booking classes with other airlines.
Then he would realize what a poor in-flight product his Lufthansa offers.
If he is usually one of the last to board, does he also set positive example by being the first to volunteer when gate agent says "federal regulations require that we gate check 27 bags for this flight"? :-)
Not bloody likely, mate.
Which federal regulation are you referring to?
He should also fly UA and discover why it is a much better product!
…. on the contrary Steve, he should already know that Delta is higher in the world rankings than United, yes?
the "Brit" that is fascinated by Delta and spends his day trolling US airline sites...
what a joke.
In difficult times like this I often ask myself: what would Tim Dunn do here? He would of course have offered his premium seat to the DL CEO so that the CEO does not need to slum it in coach. I think there is something in that for all of us, don’t you?
With a "thank you for your service", perhaps?
Branson would always stay back in Economy. Virgin would hold a business class seat for him, which he would refuse. The only time he would use Upper Class would be for work/meetings or if he was feeling a bit unwell.
Crandall and all the other grey old CEO's of the "ancient past" would ALWAYS be in First.
We live in a different world today. If the Economy class of your own airline is too crap for the CEO, then it should not be in the air.
Ryan Air CEO (Michael OLeary) says he flies EI in J for transatlantic because he can sleep on the plane and be productive the next day for meetings. Every product an airline offers has a purpose and a market. There are a lot of individuals who will only select a seat based on cost. Others in J or PE have different wants and will pay a different amount.
Hi Brian,
that is incorrect. (And doesn’t make sense because EI is a direct competitor).
Quote: „Most of my long-haul travel is transatlantic, so I tend to fly United from Dublin to Newark, which is the best of the New York airports for connections. Schipol is Europe’s best airport for connections, so I generally fly KLM via Amsterdam. My least favourite airport? I avoid Heathrow like the plague, due to the complexity of getting through it.“
@jordan
it's an interesting PR soundbite but i assume Branson just used a private Jet unless it was a purposeful staged flight?
Perhaps I'm wrong though. it's not like Branson was taking VS to his private island in the Caribbean...
Senior airline executives, board members and their families' positive space 1st Class travel privileges often allow them to bump customers, but it has led to some horrendous PR and employee relations incidents.
As you pointed out, the reason for passengers thinking boarding early is a privilege is having enough space to stow their bags. Bring on the larger overhead bins. Interestingly, the military and specifically the Navy customs of hundreds of years prescribes that...
Senior airline executives, board members and their families' positive space 1st Class travel privileges often allow them to bump customers, but it has led to some horrendous PR and employee relations incidents.
As you pointed out, the reason for passengers thinking boarding early is a privilege is having enough space to stow their bags. Bring on the larger overhead bins. Interestingly, the military and specifically the Navy customs of hundreds of years prescribes that senior officers are the last to board a vessel and first to disembark. I have heard stories that Pan Am Captains back in the day deplaned prior to anyone else probably due to maritime custom and their boat plane history. There is a great bit by a comedian about how absurd it is that passengers can't wait to rush onto this claustrophobic metal tube one second earlier than necessary. Now deplaning ASAP makes more sense.
As for senior execs flying in coach it is obviously contrived with this generation of airline leaders. They have all heard the stories of real leaders like Herb and Neeleman who would actually help the flight attendants. Authentic servant leadership is hard to find these days, but at least they know they need to pretend.
Airline CEOs and their families should be required to fly coach (or whatever the class most people are flying) at all times. That’s just eating their own cooking.
They shouldn't. J and PE are the most profitable parts of the airline business. They should be familiar and experience all parts of their business and competitors. Airlines react to what people are willing to pay for. If people only shop based on price, you get the current Y cabin.
Delta, United and especially American must have some extremely gullible customers who know no better than the ‘points and propaganda’ game, yes?
Former DL employee here. Used to be a big fan of his but he's really become so enamored with his own public image that it feels disingenous (in some ways, a parallel to what's happened to Delta as a whole). Two reflections:
1) Don't make a big deal about slumming it in coach just for the wow factor. I'd rather you just fly upfront and own it. Most senior folks in Corporate America (MD,...
Former DL employee here. Used to be a big fan of his but he's really become so enamored with his own public image that it feels disingenous (in some ways, a parallel to what's happened to Delta as a whole). Two reflections:
1) Don't make a big deal about slumming it in coach just for the wow factor. I'd rather you just fly upfront and own it. Most senior folks in Corporate America (MD, VP, SVP, C-Suite) fly confirmed first/business because that's what their company allows. It makes sense when you spend a lot of time on the road and need space to work / rest / arrive refreshed. Flying economy doesn't make you a good guy, just like flying first/business doesn't make you a bad guy.
2) I vividly remember him sitting in Delta One on ATL-SEA back when they used to run 763s on the route. All of the flight crew was so excited. To his credit, he made the rounds across forward/mid/back galleys to chat with crew. Ed, just remember: all it takes is being a decent human, regardless where you're seated!
I am surprised that ceo's do not fly eco on a competitor. That way they can compare that product against tje eco of the airline they work for. And see how they are doing compared to the competition.
They do. There have been reports of airline execs flying other airlines. Just like crew regularly fly other airlines.
@JdV - its actually not easy for airline executives to fly Economy Class on another airline. There is invariably someone who flags the PNR and gets a VIP flag added with upgrade, etc.. It can get quite embarassing.
I’d be more concerned if a multibillion-dollar company I invest in had its senior executives flying in coach. Every minute of their time is valuable to the core duties the board hired them for—whether that time is spent resting or working. It’s similar to having a private driver: not because the person isn’t capable of driving, but because it ensures they can stay rested and focused on what truly matters—their primary responsibility to the company...
I’d be more concerned if a multibillion-dollar company I invest in had its senior executives flying in coach. Every minute of their time is valuable to the core duties the board hired them for—whether that time is spent resting or working. It’s similar to having a private driver: not because the person isn’t capable of driving, but because it ensures they can stay rested and focused on what truly matters—their primary responsibility to the company and its shareholders.
For anything other than an airline ceo: sure. But for an airline ceo, it's useful information for their job, plus PR as Ben notes.
I’m always puzzled by airline CEOs’ mistaken impression anyone gives a damn about them. Why is their face on the safety video? All of these interviews are for whom? Maybe if I had $ invested in their airline, I’d care what they say. Otherwise, who cares about how he flies or what he says?
First: the airline's name is Delta Air Lines...three words
Second: Delta is the official airline of the United States Olympic team. Ed flew over for the opening ceremony and then returned. The "meltdown" occurred as he was in the air. The fact that he flew DeltaOne has no bearing on his effectiveness as a CEO.
Customers were not "stranded for weeks". One forgets that multiple airlines, healthcare companies and others were affected by...
First: the airline's name is Delta Air Lines...three words
Second: Delta is the official airline of the United States Olympic team. Ed flew over for the opening ceremony and then returned. The "meltdown" occurred as he was in the air. The fact that he flew DeltaOne has no bearing on his effectiveness as a CEO.
Customers were not "stranded for weeks". One forgets that multiple airlines, healthcare companies and others were affected by the Crowdstrike debacle. That doesn't excuse Delta's failure to rebound promptly. Delta happened to be the biggest screwup.
Typical CEO virtue signaling. Dude, you're a CEO of a major multinational corporation. Save the "do gooder" total fake image and just fly private. I certainly would.
When you lead a global mass transit brand, you should experience all components of its business and product. Engaging with some of your customers randomly is helpful too.
…. again Brian, if a CEO samples the product and fails to improve upon it, then he has failed, yes?
He can only improve the product to the extent Y customers are willing to pay. AA years ago did extra leg room in coach, they removed it whem customers wouldn't pay the cost of the betrayal space. DL runs a punctual airline with polite staff and decent tech.
Brian, are you posting on behalf of the Delta propaganda machine? It certainly sounds like it to me old bean.
"Typical CEO virtue signaling."
Wouldn't you rather have a leader signaling "virtue" than modelling corruption?
Most people would.
Would he really be catching up on emails when in economy given how easily his seat mate (or anyone behind him) could peek at his screen?
Did Ed talk about that time that he flew on DeltaOne to see the Paris Oympics.
That time when his airline meltdown and his customers got stranded for weeks while he was enjoying the opening ceremony for several days.
Funny, it didn’t seem to come up…
Delta CEO earns $27 million/year …. bonkers earnings for abject failure!
Delta Airlines is only just inside the top 50 World Airlines, it lost a place from last year’s ranking …. to the thinking person that is a marked management failure indicator …. either bin him or trim his obscene salary.
Lol. Delta is the world's most profitable airline with ownership stakes in many of its alliance partners. His target audience is more than just the flying public, but the employees and shareholders. For a failure, Delta has a market cap of $37B, revenue of $61B and turned a profit of $3.5B.
…. that being the case Brian, why is it not the world’s best airline?
A $27 million dollar salary is a great example of everything that is wrong with America.
I thought Bastian flew DL economy because it was so premium and it is as good as other airline’s first class ;)
Would be so cool to sit next to him flying in economy.
Better question: why do you omit so much actual aviation news from your blog? Trump administration blocking Mexican carriers, new AA planes and route announcements, Alaska dropping 25% of flights from SFO, etc. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/dot-cancels-13-transborder-routes-mexico-21129241.php
Don’t forget Day 34 of the govt shutdown and no paycheck for ATCs. Except for Mr. Eskimo, anyone else think that’s ridiculous?
He flies economy so DL can continue to afford paying terminated former employee Tiny Timmy D $.00002/word to defend them slavishly
Naw, believe it or not, Tim does it for free, dawg. Love of the game. Mah man can’t stop Keep Climbing!
This is just virtue signaling. Does anyone actually believe the majority of his domestic flights are in economy? If that's indeed true then there is almost certainly no chance he's in the middle seat. They are probably giving him a whole row at the back. Delta has a habit of blocking the last row on many aircraft for crew use. I think I'd rather have a whole row to myself than a middle extra-legroom seat at the bulkhead.
He flies economy so Delta can cheat a diamond million miler out of an upgrade by selling an upgrade for $26.
If you want the upgrade for $26, nothing is stopping you from paying for it too. Entitlement from pax who only pay for a Y seat and expect PE F or J for free is tiring. Airlines are in the business of making money, not giving seats that can be monetized away for free.
…. Seriously Brian, are you posting on behalf of the Delta propaganda machine? It certainly sounds like it to me old bean.
It seems you are obsessed with Brian