Whether actors fly first class or not often depends on a few key factors like their level of fame, budget for travel, and personal preferences. While flying first class is seen as a luxury experience, not all actors opt to spend the extra money when traveling for work or leisure.
The Allure of First Class
First class airline seats provide more space and privacy, high-end amenities, better service, and an overall more comfortable experience than flying coach. For celebrities who often get recognized in public, the privacy of first class can be appealing. The spacious, lie-flat seats allow them to relax and avoid crowds. First class menus also provide gourmet food and drinks for a fine dining experience at 30,000 feet. Flying first class can set the tone for a luxury vacation or allow actors to arrive well-rested for important business meetings or film premieres.
Factors Determining If They Fly First Class
Level of Fame
A-list celebrities at the peak of popularity often fly first class when traveling for work or personal reasons. The extra privacy and comfort help them avoid paparazzi and fans. Big studios will sometimes cover first class flights for the biggest movie stars as part of their luxury treatment. However, character actors and those just starting out in the industry are less likely to splurge on first class plane tickets.
Travel Budget
The decision to fly first class often comes down to budget. Studios, networks, or other corporate clients will sometimes cover the cost of first class flights for actors as part of their overall compensation on big projects. This is especially true for international trips where they want the star talent to arrive well-rested. First class tickets cost several times more than flying coach, with premium services. Many actors have to pay for their own travel or stick to a certain budget limit if flying for personal vacations, and opt to save money by flying coach.
Personal Preferences
Some actors simply enjoy the first class experience and see it as essential. They factor the extra cost into their yearly travel budgets. They may feel it’s critical for privacy, comfort, or as an indulgence they’ve earned from success. Other actors try to maintain a low-key lifestyle and have no problem slumming it in coach to save money, even if they could afford to fly first class. They’d rather spend that extra money in other ways. Personal style, values, and habits around money all shape preferences.
Examples of Actors Who Fly First Class
There are certainly many A-list actors and celebrities known for flying first class when traveling the world. Here are a few examples:
- Tom Cruise is one of the most famous actors to routinely travel first class, whether for film shoots, vacations, or personal trips. His luxury treatment on flights is likely covered by the studio for work. For leisure, he can easily afford the cost.
- Beyoncé and Jay-Z are a power couple who almost always opt for first class. With their level of wealth, comfort and privacy are priorities. They’ve even been known to rent out entire first class cabins on flights.
- Robert Downey Jr. has said he enjoys first class for international flights when traveling long distances for filming. He’s starred in blockbusters like Iron Man so studios cover the cost.
- Oprah Winfrey is another celebrity who only flies first class, whether for her former talk show or personal reasons. She has the means to make the experience part of her brand.
Examples of Frugal Actors Who Avoid First Class
While there are plenty of actors living the first class lifestyle, many stick to coach seats despite having fame and fortune. Here are a few well-known examples:
- Kristen Bell has expressed how flying first class “makes her uncomfortable” and that she flies coach unless it’s a special occasion.
- Sarah Jessica Parker chooses her family’s comfort over luxury and says they stick to economy class for trips.
- Jeff Goldblum is passionate about being eco-friendly and says he avoids first class due to the carbon footprint concerns.
- Michelle Obama famously opted to fly coach as First Lady, showing it can be accessible no matter your status.
Conclusion
In the end, flying first class is a personal choice based on an actor’s career status, available budget, and travel preferences around issues like privacy, sustainability, and living a flashy lifestyle. While A-list movie stars may get the full first class treatment, many celebrities keep it simple by flying coach – it’s not necessarily expected or required once you’ve made it in Hollywood.