A minor social media firestorm erupted on The Right when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was spotted flying first class on American Airlines last Sunday from Austin to New York JFK. I linked to the story and scoffed at the notion that this was scandalous.
One Mile at a Time doesn’t think the optics are good though also acknowledges American Airlines first class isn’t luxury, so this is being completely overblown.
Personally I agree that the optics here aren’t good. I think they’re a lot less bad than when AOC attended the Met Gala, but I can appreciate that someone who is staunchly a person “of the people” might not want to sit in first class from an optics standpoint on principle.
If I’m AOC I’m flying first class when possible for the extra space to work. Socialism in our time doesn’t just happen on its own, it’s hard work, and she needs to self-exploit her labor value to the maximum extent possible. Bear in mind that:
- If this was paid and not an upgrade, she wouldn’t have been using taxpayer funds. She was in Austin campaigning. If anything it’s DCCC or PAC donor dollars at issue, so it’s a matter for donors to decide whether they’re getting value for their investment or not.
- People think she’s being hypocritical because first class is what she’s against but that’s not true, she just wants corporations to give first class away to everyone free.
- And American Airlines Oasis (Kodiak) first class can hardly be considered luxury. It has less legroom than American used to offer, less comfortable seats, and no seat back entertainment. And since the trip occurred prior to the return of hot meals to sub-1500 mile flights, she’d have been offered something like this to eat:
- Even Air Koryo has business class. In socialist paradise “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Bernie Sanders has been spotted in American Airlines first class and flew private and insists that his suites have bath tubs. So, no, this isn’t going to undermine AOC’s popularity one bit – nor should it.
Besides if she manages to stop the New York LaGuardia ‘train to nowhere’ and it winds up replaced by something more sane, what traveler would begrudge her a bit of time in American Airlines first class? Plus she had to fly into JFK thanks to LaGuardia’s perimeter rule. Maybe she’ll support rescinding it.
aoc= hypocrite
Totally agree Gary!
That NY Post story was just a troll job…..
I thought dogs weren’t allowed on airplanes… what gives?
“Socialism in our time doesn’t just happen on its own, it’s hard work”
Hmm, no, it’s not. All you have to do is a keyboard “freedom fighter” (as I have actually seen her ilk write on twitter LMAO), and just vomit the-more-shocking-the-better soundbites. You know – stuff like “student debt is violence!” and other stupid nonsense like that.
That’s it.
This is what happens when all your ideas and policies just don’t work – all you have left (pun intended) is being a nut (I’ll clarify that I do mean the radical left, which is unfortunately taking over the US Democrat party).
Someone’s politics are crystal clear . . .
AOC is ignorant and a hypocrite.
AOC AND LITTLE DONNY SHOULD START THEIR OWN SOCIALIST PARTY!!
https://mises.org/power-market/trumps-road-socialism
Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years.
Socialism is what they called public power. Socialism is what they called social security.
Socialism is what they called farm price supports.
Socialism is what they called bank deposit insurance.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
When the Republican candidate inscribes the slogan “Down With Socialism” on the banner of his “great crusade,” that is really not what he means at all.
What he really means is “Down with Progress–down with Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal,” and “down with Harry Truman’s fair Deal.” That’s all he means.
– President Harry’s Truman’s remarks in Syracuse, New York on October 10, 1952
?? What is so special about AA First Class – that is just how economy looked when Bernie was young. A lot noise about nothing
Can we stop giving this communist not socialist any news. She is an embarrassment to our country.
The comments section here was already becoming a cesspool. Not sure AOC content was the best choice.
I must disagree with Gary. AOC’s signature issue is inequality. Regardless of how much AA has devalued first class it is clearly superior to coach. Recognizing that the two classes are unequal, she chose the superior option. And, FWIW, I bet she took advantage of the free upgrades that airlines routinely offer Congressional Representatives representatives. Yes; it is hypocritical for one who decries inequality to chose the superior choice.
@Dan –
I actually can see your point. But – AOC and her ilk are not socialists. They present themselves as such, but are actually communist, not to mention bolsheviks and straight up radicals. They wish to tear things down (in order to create a eutopia of course, not improve).
As they’ve been using “socialism” as their goal, it’s inevitable that it would be used against them.
I would prefer people push back on her and her ilk by plainly saying that they are communists / bolsheviks (which they are both).
The optics are always bad for America’s most famous bimbo socialist.
Flying up front isn’t a big deal but AOC makes it a point to hate on everything that isn’t government coercion and isn’t full blown communism. She hates White people and she hates White people and Conservatives having freedom. She blames productive people for wanting to have safe neighborhoods, good security, and for wanting to keep their earnings and spend it how they choose.
Little donny and AOC can start their SPACE FORCE PARTY!!!
This won’t even be an issue in a few years when AOC has made enough millions from her position in Congress that she can just fly private like all good politicians.
Wow, a pic of AOC with her mouth closed.
You mean the same AOC that wears a “tax the rich” dress to a celeb gala, while also maskless? And now she’s caught flying in F? Oh, how weird.
AOC work in 1st Class? The only work she does is run her mouth – hasn’t done a damn thing for her constituents except denied them jobs by helping block the Amazon deal. Since there aren’t any broadcast cameras in 1st Class, she won’t be working.
““The child-tax credit just ran out on Dec. 31, and now people are stealing baby formula.” – AOC.
Strange, I’ve never noticed any baby formula in Louis Vuitton? Maybe I’ve been looking in the wrong section – I’ll have to ask AOC where it is, as she seems to shop there often. Maybe next time I park her Tesla. (FWIW, she tips poorly and tells me to avert my gaze, lest her brilliance blind me.)
“AOC’s Flying First Class”, not “AOC Flying First Class”.
“Flying” begins a gerund clause that, as a whole, acts as a noun within the sentence structure.
Outside of handing out cheap shots all around this post doesn’t seem to have any point. I generally enjoy your rants but this lacks fun and cohesion.
Thank you Dan, that was a nice history lesson! This is why we can’t have nice things: because the right doesn’t want to pay their far share
while telling/controlling how others should live. Strip out all the fire breathing nonsense and there it is.
Sad…..
Jorge – Bullshit, The real reason why we can’t have nice things is because the lying liberals want to give freeloaders everything free while the right pays for all of the free shit.
American Airlines just wants to date her.
AOC is the democrat party Trump
People in the US confuse socialism with communism. They think the Scandinavian countries are socialist–wrong! The Scanidinavian countries are capitalistic/free market economies with strong social democrat welfare policies. I really wish people here would get their heads out of their behinds and clean the muck out of their ears.
AOC does not shop at Louis Vuiton. She does carry a Telfar tote bag, which retails for approximately $300 and is made of “vegan” leather (that is, plastic) and is manufactured in China. Telfar’s logo: © TELFAR “NOT FOR YOU — FOR EVERYONE”. I don’t know about “everyone” being able to purchase a $300 pleather bag.
Flying fiest class: well, she may have used award points or been given an upgrade. Or the DNC paid for it. But she would’ve made a much stronger personal statement had she sat in the back-of-the-bus, with the common folk.
The clueless call people Bolsheviks and communists even those who are not.
AOC is no supporter of commuinism nor of its Bolshevik variety. But good luck with getting Lord Trump worshippers to accept reality in lieu of their wishful thinking and lies.
@GUWonder –
Of course she and her ilk are bolsheviks. They state what the absolute truth is on every issue (it’s just the “Pravda”), and if you disagree – off to the gulag you go (which in their weak 2022 version is ‘cancelling’ you i.e destroying you completely for failing to accept the truth that is undeniable).
They have a lot in common with populists.
Unfortunately, Gary, your political views are crystal clear and once again do not have a place in your blog. We don’t read your blog to hear your views on politics. Really scraping the bottom of the barrel on this one. You were the first blogger I started following, but my time with you is coming to an end. Your posts used to be informative but have turned mainly into click bait. Truly sad, but as long as you’re getting paid for the clicks, nothing is likely to change
No, AOC has a degree in economics from a top rated university that now costs $75K a year, yet couldn’t get any other job than as a bartender. BU should be embarrassed – then again, they hired Ibram X. Kendi, so I guess that tells you where the place has gone.
AOC is not a real socialist, she’s LARPing. People forget that she tried to play Jewish for awhile, then decided faux socialist played better.
I neither know nor care a bit about politics. But I know that a loud-mouth like AOC should receive better advice … flying first-class is not a good idea for her image. Perhaps she could disguise herself … but she wouldn’t be able to keep her mouth shut so that wouldn’t work.
Yeah but you sh!t your pants if Ted Cruz gets a window seat instead of a middle so go F yourself
@Garyst16 – what can you discern about my political views from this post? Serious question.
There’s theory and there’s practice. Communism and socialism implemented only changes who controls the means of production and benefits from the labor of the people. It shifts those benefits to the political class away from the capitalist class. A good gig either way if you can get it.
I’m not saying that’s what she is. But it would be perfectly acceptable for her to have nicer things than the average person under a communist government because she’s part of the political elite. Pretty sure Stalin, Mao, Lenin, Castro etc weren’t riding the bus and living in one bedroom apartments.
Meanwhile, little donny is supporting SAUDI ARABIA, THE MASTERMIND OF 9-11 and RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS OF THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS.
Little donny has decades of phony financial statements..LMAO…WHAT A CRIMINAL…. https://www.yahoo.com/news/accounting-firm-drops-trump-organization-204744287.html
As my mother taught me, two wrongs don’t make a right. Each party has its hypocritical extremists.
Dude26,
Repeating a lie, akin to your Lord Trump’s habit of doing so, won’t make your repeated lie become true.
Gary,
Will you be doing a piece on the Netflix documentary about the Boeing 737-Max? It has some Ted Cruz grandstanding in it that reminds me of how he’s one-upped Chuck Schumer.
@Gary Leff – “what can you discern about my political views from this post? Serious question.”
Even though you didn’t ask me – it’s pretty obvious which way you lean (or who you voted for in the previous election) in this article (and esp. previous articles):
“People think she’s being hypocritical because first class is what she’s against but that’s not true, she just wants corporations to give first class away to everyone free.” – AOC’s campaign on paper (since day one) is all about fighting for the oppressed, minorities, common worker, socialism is great, etc. Knowing this, you writing the above shows you’re just giving flak cover (read: justifying her actions). AOC wants *nothing* to do with equality when it comes to herself, but she wants equality for everyone else. She is like someone I knew growing up – he was always talking about how great socialism is, but drove off in a fairly new BMW. Needless to say, no one in my circles took him seriously – and actually got sick of hearing his hypocritical rants about how terrible capitalism is.
Meanwhile – outside of this article, there are times in the past where you wrote stuff that sounds like a carbon copy of what the Democrat party wants you to say/preach about. (For example. – advocating the supposed effectiveness of vaccines despite evidence saying otherwise, or talking about Jan 6th (e.g. – ” I thought the protests themselves were baseless” even though Time magazine basically bragged a month after Biden took office how the media and big tech colluded with left wing leaders to rig the election in their favor. )
Anyways – despite the above – I have to admit: You definitely cover the travel industry well. However, there’s a reason why a lot of people keep mentioning your political bias – and it’s a simple reason for it: It shows based on your writings (or what you don’t write).
@GUWonder –
“Your Lord Trump”. Seriously? Who the heck said anything about Trump? You know, I noticed you pop in once in a while in the comments section, and I always thought you were taking a serious tone usually.
But, this is just…bizarre.
You actually did go off the bolsheviks playbook right here – casting someone as “trumpist” (could have been “racist” / “transphobic” / who knows what else), and that’s it. Case closed.
Anybody of any political persuasion would fly first class if they can manage it. The right wing focus on AOC is truly pathetic.
If I had to guess Gary’s intent of this post, It reads a bit like sarcasm, though he needs to ramp it it up a bit to get that point across. If you’re going for that angle, you need to be over the top, otherwise people take you seriously.
Read a book by P.J. O’Rourke, then try again. I recommend “Parliament of Whores”.
Yes Parliament of WHORES!!! https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/trumps-american-carnage/
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/trumps-american-carnage/
As to if she is qualified:
“Ocasio-Cortez attended Boston University, where she double-majored in international relations and economics, graduating cum laude. ”
So: over 25, US Citizen, and a resident of the area she represents.
Clearly, no bankruptcies, or a tendancy to lie incessantly, so she can’t be a GOP Presidental candidate.
As to flying domestic first, my company only covers coach… I haven’t flown coach in decades. That’s shy we do what we do to sit at the front of the plane.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/trumps-american-carnage/
Anybody know when Centurion lounge at DCA opens?
In addition to dedicating his adult life to advancing the wonderful ideas of Ayn Rand, Gary is apparently a troll. And not a very good one. Or maybe good enough based on the comments? But again, Gary has dedicated his life to the ideas of Ayn Rand. Him making fun of someone’s political beliefs is cute. I’m sure markets will just straighten everything right out any day now.
Of course she has just as much right to spend her $$$ (or more likely OPM) to buy whatever she wants including LV handbags, designer clothes, and yes, first class travel.
That said she is – like Nancy, Bernie and most politicians – a limousine liberal and a hypocrite.That is because she wants to steal our money (via taxation) and transfer it to herself and others to spend on F seats. There is no way around that no matter how many gymnastics Gary does.
Gary got some clicks tonight!
Name of the game baby!
“Slow Sunday” is for stirring the pot to try to run up the numbers. It’s more that than any reflection of a remaining interest in the Sunday morning talk shows about politics.
I think it’s great that there are folks in this thread writing that I’m a devotee of Ayn Rand, and others saying I’m a flak for the Democratic Party. Which is it, people? You can only choose one!
@GUWonder – I’ve had an incredibly busy stretch and haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, though I plan to
I’m calling total BS on ‘she just wants corporations to give first class away to everyone free’. She wants a safety net and health insurance for everyone, not first class on American. As part of her JOB she probably flies a lot and gets upgraded sometimes- big deal.
She’s braindead like most of the people that support her. Remember her entire accomplishment in live was being a bar tender
She’s communist and should take cargo.
Normally she would fly private air Give the gal a break since her broom is still in the shop getting repaired. Seems AOC was involved in a multi-broom collision over Washington with Hillary and Nancy.
Haha, well said. She’s a hypocritical politician who uses real issues for her personal advancement and populism. It’s good that her hypocrisy is highlighted from time to time
Nothing like a little snark meat for the hating class. Enjoy your meal.
I don’t like AOC in the least but this is a non issue. Politicians fly first all the time.
I wonder if most people even know that the airlines GIVE members of Congress FF status? That has been true for years!
BFD. So she flew first class. I am not in love with her politics, but if she got upgraded or paid for the upgrade, I don’t really care. Enjoy the extra comfort when you can.
Kogger J.
accomplishment in live was being a bar tender
Read what you wrote. A bit brain dead I would say. You really should read your posts out loud so you can catch your errors when you want to ding someone you love to hate.
Gary, you unleashed a hornet’s nest with your comments about AOC. I read your blog for news on the travel industry not AOC’s travel habits. The intensity of the hatred from many of the comments is appalling.
john- The “intensity of hatred” is nothing compared to the destruction of America that aoc is doing.
American is generous with their upgrades, I should know. If she has American status because she flies a lot, good for her. People just love to hate, they are so blinded by their politics. Sadly, it always has been like this in this country, social media now makes more people aware of it.
Nothing like some red meat for the MAGA mouth breathers!
And for chumps like David Miller – you know the Blue states are the net makers and the Red states the red takers, right? Too bad you’re just another dumb uneducated cuck.
@UA-NYC New York City would last about three days after red New York decided to cut off your food, electricity, fuel, and water supply and would be perfectly content without you, so don’t be so smug. You can’t eat derivatives, REITs, or swaps and that slog up 80 flights to your palatial penthouse in the sky is going to get really old once the elevators stop working.
AOC flying first class doesn’t compare to the multiple times Trump used to take Airforce 1 down to Florida at tax payers expense, then I hear we used to have to pay for crew and secret service accommodations at his resort ,
I chose one, amigo: you’re an Ayn Rand fan who happens to be among the mix of Republicans who have principles such that Trump has not become your worshiped Lord.
Gerrit – Really??? I guess brain dead Biden flying to Delaware 25 times his first year on Air Force One at taxpayers expense is OK with you? At just that rate, if he lasts 4 years, the United States can look forward to this traitor flying to Delaware 100 or more times.
Kogger J,
It’s quite an accomplishment to run for public office so as to get elected as a US Congressperson from NYC. When you manage to run for US Congress and get sworn in as a federal legislator, then I’ll make sure to remember to come back and ask what you accomplished. She grew up between the Bronx and Westchester and didn’t end up going to my idea of a great college/university, but she also seemed to have done reasonably well in her STEM-related classes up to that point. To your future chagrin, her focus in and after high school shifted to economics and politics. And now she’s in an accomplished position to have her mere existence set you off even over trivial things like her flying enough to have airline frequent flyer status and the perks that come from it.
I thought Biden took Amtrak to Delaware? Why would he fly AF1 – that would take longer? Maybe Marine One to Rehobeth.
I guess AOC couldn’t catch a lift on Al Gore’s private jet.
Krogger – You call her “accomplished”- really?? Accomplished only in lying . You are really ignorant.
@C_M educate yourself chump
https://www.moneygeek.com/living/states-most-reliant-federal-government/
@UA_NYC – Those numbers don’t say what you think they say. And you haven’t refuted my argument – upstate New York could own you in three days. The only question is, did you earn your money, or are you like Trump – you inherited a pile from Daddy and like people to think you did it all by yourself?
I feel badly for you guys who get so riled up about politics. A politician at any level is an emotional cripple. They have no interest in the people of the US, they just want attention, recognition and power. They accomplish nothing but they’re good at throwing our money at projects … it’s all a sideshow for the chumps that believe a politician has some interest in the job. Find something to get excited about that actually matters … like education, or non-gov’t programs to feed hungry children or 501c3s who help disabled veterans get their lives back.
Would you please, please, please stay out of politics? Your comments are disgusting and are not why I read your blog. You clearly have very little understanding of what the democratic party’s actual goals are. Of course, accuracy doesn’t spark teaser headlines. Knock it off and stay in your lane.
@mbh
Why this was one of his best blog post
Go masked up in your home
@mbh Why this was one of his best blog post
AOC, like most politicians, revels in her “specialness.” There is very little about her that cares for the little people. It is great to be at the top looking down. Who wouldn’t want to be there?
AOC received 10,000 bonus miles as compensation through Loyalty Lobby because they didn’t serve her fresh oats in first class
AOC should get that pecker wrecker of a set of teef’s fixed. Free dental for all! lol