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Rick Steves runs a multimillion dollar tour company, has written countless guide books, and starred in hours of travel TV, and is a vocal proponent of cannabis legalization in the United States. He knows his way around the world, but the one thing he won’t do is fly in a premium cabin.
I’m a fan of Rick Steves. I love to watch his PBS show, Rick Steves’ Europe, and have learned a lot from him. But, our travel style could not be more different. In several episodes, he mooches free samples off of vendors and recommends travelers do the same. He’s up for free cocktails in a hotel happy hour, but also steers travelers to stay in pensions (hotels with few or no amenities). It doesn’t surprise me that he recently told The Washington Post: “As long as I’ve got an aisle and a seat that reclines, I’m happy.”
I commend him for donating millions of dollars to causes that he believes in, but come on Rick, you can spring for a Business Class seat and a room in a luxe hotel. The 68-year-old can afford to travel in a more posh manner, but chooses not to do so. If he had his way, planes would be outfitted with only one travel class. Thankfully, he’s in the minority as premium cabin leisure travel is surging. Travel Pulse reported earlier this year that “one in three travelers either booked a premium option or considered one.”
Anthony’s Take: Sorry, Rick. We’re not aligned on our travel styles, but I’ll happily share some edibles with you.
(Image Credits: Rick Steves and Alexander Schimmeck.)
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9 comments
I agree with Rick Steves about economy class in one way. Morning JFK LHR departures in economy are better than red eyes in business class.
How about if you only had enough miles for one free business class trip versus a free economy class trip to Europe and another trip to Asia?
Rick likely also pays for his air travel and doesn’t use points and miles to live larger than he is, as some people do.
I’m not sure if that was directed at me, but 99% of my F/J seats are purchased with cash.
are you suggesting that it is in some way BAD to use points (an earned benefit) to fly for free or more comfortably? do you think it is also bad to use coupons, accept discounts at stores (etc) when they are offered? turn down BOGO offers because your are not paying for the second item? Confused here
He recommends budget travel that’s as authentic as possible to the local culture which is why he recommends the little bed and breakfasts and such he does over massive chain hotels with points and loyalty programs and credit card offers. His readers are budget focused and want to travel as much as possible on their dime, which is why he flies economy. I respect him more for that since that’s the experience he recommends to his readers. If he flew first class everywhere and stayed in St Regis hotels while recommending his readers do the opposite I’d respect him a lot less. Instead he’s actually going through the experiences he recommends to his budget conscious readers!
How tall is Rick?
“Morning JFK LHR departures in economy are better than red eyes in business class.”
Strong disagree. I’d never want to waste a whole travel day in the air, We get very limited PTO in the US and I can’t imagine willfully wasting daylight hours in the air for a long weekend (or even week) abroad when redeyes exist.
What makes you think he’s into edibles?
1 in three has ‘considered’ a premium option? Well of course. I ‘consider it’ every time I fly but those $14000 business class tickets from the West Coast to Europe or Australia stop me every time. . . .that is a stupid poll and a dumb question. Of COURSE people consider premium cabin options . . .