RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines Fly Economy, Receive Online Praise

Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, are being praised online after being spotted flying in economy class on a commercial flight. A TikTok video showed the couple being escorted separately onto the flight and then sitting in economy next to several passengers.

Social media users have compared Kennedy and Hines to prominent Democrats like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who have criticized billionaires while traveling in private jets. “Meanwhile, Bernie and AOC flying on private jets because ‘we must fight the billionaires,’” one user commented, noting the contrast.

The video features Kennedy, dressed in a suit and tie, while Hines wore a relaxed gray sweater. The couple appeared to be departing from Washington, D.C., although their destination is unknown. They were seen sitting together on an American Airlines flight, with Kennedy engaging with a security guard as they boarded.

Critics have pointed out the extravagant travel habits of Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders. A previous report indicated the luxury Bombardier Challenger 604 they used costs approximately $15,000 per hour to operate and consumes 365 gallons of fuel every 1.32 hours.

A study published in the journal Nature revealed that individuals who frequently travel by private jet can produce nearly 500 times more carbon emissions each year compared to the average person globally.

In 2017, former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price faced backlash for his own chartered flights, costing taxpayers more than $1 million during his tenure.

Despite the praise, some users characterized the couple’s economy class flight as ‘performative,’ suggesting Hines could fly at a higher class due to her celebrity status. Others, however, commended them, with one user stating, “RFK Jr. flying economy while the ‘people’s champions’ ride private jets.”

Sanders previously justified his private jet use during his campaign, claiming it was necessary to reach his supporters efficiently. He said, “You think I’m going to be sitting on a waiting line at United while, what, 30,000 people are waiting around?”

The sighting of Kennedy and Hines has sparked conversations about the travel choices of public figures, with many expressing their thoughts on social media.