I’m a Millionaire: Here’s Why I Always Fly Coach
Written by
Heather Taylor
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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Take a moment to imagine what you think a millionaire does with their money. Odds are fairly high you think they drive an expensive car, live in a big house and fly first class when they travel.
In reality, millionaires are far more nuanced than stereotypes lead us to believe. The city of Seattle, for example, ranks number two in the U.S. for millionaire density. One in every 14 people in Seattle is a millionaire, according to The Seattle Times.
Yet, it could be hard to recognize when you’re in the presence of one. Today’s modern millionaire may drive a nice car (possibly used), live in a nice but not necessarily ostentatious home, and opt for coach seats instead of first class.
Why wouldn’t you pay for a luxury plane seat if you have the money to do it? Here’s what a millionaire has to say about the benefits of flying coach instead of first class.
‘Real Joys Aren’t Found in Fancy Plane Seats’
Bryan Clayton is the CEO of online marketplace GreenPal, which has been referred to as “the Uber for lawn care” by “Entrepreneur” magazine.
After selling his first big landscaping business, Clayton hit millionaire status at age 32. He could have easily started spending his money on first class seats, but there was one problem. It didn’t feel like something he would do, or really wanted to do.
“Honestly, sitting in one of those slightly bigger seats up front just because you fork over extra dough? That’s not how I roll,” said Clayton.
Over the last year, Clayton said he has traveled through more than 50 countries and discovered the real joys aren’t found in cushiony, oversized airplane seats. Instead, Clayton has put his hard-earned money toward dining on delicious meals or staying in hotels in unique cities and areas.
All of this has paid off for Clayton in ways he says a first-class ticket comes up short.
The Benefits of Embracing a Coach Mindset
“By sticking to coach, I’ve easily saved tens of thousands of dollars,” said Clayton. “That money goes a lot further when you’re talking about real experiences, not just a few hours in a comfier seat.”
And while not everyone, millionaire or otherwise, is sold on flying coach, Clayton wants fliers to consider embracing the coach mindset. The simple act of flying coach now will pay off in the short- and long-term.
“You could be using your extra cash on investments, experiences or even saving it for something big,” said Clayton. “Flying coach isn’t just about saving a few bucks. It’s about making smart financial choices that add up big time.”
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