I'll Do Better #35
Family Gathering
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In an equitable world, there would be no business-class service on airlines. First class would not exist either, and the aircraft would be designed for the comfort of all equally. Sadly, our economic model demands that some pay more for a seat while others pay less, and the only way to achieve that price differential is to offer luxury levels of service to the few.
I’d never traveled first class, nor did I wish to. I’d traveled business class a couple of times when V.M. Viceroy sprung for the tickets, only ever on long-haul and when I was expected to start work on the day I arrived at my destination. My financial means didn’t allow me to dismiss the five times multiple cost differences between economy and business classes, so I was extra grateful to Weinreider for the luxury itinerary they organized for us.
We all sat in business class, although, for most of the flight, Emily actually sat in my lap while Hannah sat in Scott’s, mostly sleeping. My brother, the only one among us who paid for his ticket and being a great advocate in extracting value for money, drank half a bottle of champagne by the time we leveled out at thirty-two thousand feet.