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7 Celebrities You Might Spot While Flying Commercial

Jan. 04, 2018
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4 min read
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If you think Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are the only world-famous celebrities opting for an airline seat in coach when they fly, you’re clearly mistaken. From royals to politicians to actors, these famous faces decided to ditch their private jet suites and first-class seats for a spot in the back.

1. Prince William

Prince William might be the Duke of Cambridge, but like his brother, he doesn't mind dallying in coach. In 2014, the prince flew economy twice on domestic US flights, from New York to Washington DC and from Memphis to Dallas. While not in coach, his better half Kate Middleton was spotted flying commercial from London to the Netherlands on her first solo trip abroad in 2016. It's clear that the Royal Family makes time for budget-friendly flying when needed.

PHOTO: VIA TWITTER/@WILLYPUMAROL.

2. Brad and Angelina

The former A-list couple took many commercial flyers by surprise when they flew economy class on an Air France flight from Paris to Nice back in 2015. According to Vanity Fair, there's no specific reason why the family chose to fly coach from the French capital to the Riviera resort.

Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images

3. Bernie Sanders  

The Vermont senator spent the first half of his presidential campaign flying coach. In fact, Sanders is no stranger to the middle seat in economy. Behold the infamous social media selfies of the politician tagged #SandersOnAPlane.

4. Mitt Romney

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee was frequently spotted flying coach. He’s even been pictured in the infamous middle seat, with an exit row thrown in from time to time. Sadly, privacy doesn't seem to matter much to those who spot Romney.

5. Paris Hilton

Yes, this might come as a surprise but Paris Hilton is also a commercial flyer. After several years of flying private, Paris told The Mirror: “I fly commercial as well. Whatever it takes to get where you’re going. I don’t mind going commercial ... I’m normal."

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6. Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba is an avid commercial flyer. Back in 2012, Alba was spotted flying economy class from Los Angeles to New York. According to Perez Hilton, the actress reportedly flew in the coach section while putting her kids up in first class.

7.  Nicholas Cage

In 2016, an Okanagan couple spotted Nicolas Cage on their flight from Vancouver to Kelowna. According to Global News, the pair were looking for someone to switch seats with when they spotted Cage wearing a large black fedora, black sunglasses and tan coat. Although the actor was traveling on the DL, the inflight run-in ended with a nice selfie with Cage.

Photo by GVK/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Featured image by WireImage

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.