A TRAVEL writer who owns a multi-million dollar company has revealed why he prefers flying economy to business class.
Even though Rick Steves could easily afford to settle into a more comfortable cabin for his flights, he believes company class should be deleted entirely.
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The 68-year-old built a travel empire with his company, which employs more than 100 people and generates $120 million in revenue a year.
He has been a pioneer in discovering unpaved travel routes in Europe for Americans and has popularized many hidden gems.
But despite being a millionaire, you can surprisingly find the travel mogul next one for you in an economy class.
Although Steve spends about three months a year abroad and often takes long-haul flights, he doesn't mind the cramped seats.
He told the Washington Post: “It never occurred to me that I was suffering.
“As long as I have an aisle and a reclining seat, I'm happy.”
That's because Steve has an egalitarian worldview – an idea that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities.
The travel expert even suggests abolishing economy and first class altogether and leaving only one cabin for everyone.
He also refuses to sign up for airline loyalty programs that he believes “complicate our lives.”
A true egalitarian, Steve often donates a portion of his fortune to charities and causes close to his heart, while he gave away his $4 million apartment to a local nonprofit.
Steve often chooses the back of the plane – the most hated seat among passengers travelers.
Flight attendants warn passengers not to sit there if they don't like it experiencing turbulence, with aircraft that vibrate much more at the rear than at the front.
Moreover, passengers who sit in the back have to wait longer to get off once the plane has landed than those seated closer to the front, because of the way people get off.
But despite that, another frequent flyer shares Steve's preference and emphasizes it booking the back row has many positive aspects.
The backseat of the plane also has other admirers, including one of them flight attendant Annie Kingston who said that people sitting there can get extra freebies that other people don't get.