Kyle Larson takes a stand against luxury jets, choosing commercial flights instead for his NASCAR travels. While many drivers opt for private planes, Larson prefers the practical and cost-effective benefits of flying commercial, especially for his trips to the West Coast. But what made him change his mind about comfort and luxury? How Larson’s travel choices balance family, savings, and his down-to-earth mindset.
Key Highlights
- Kyle Larson prefers commercial flights over private jets for West Coast trips due to practical benefits and efficiency.
- He finds commercial flights more convenient, with better facilities and Wi-Fi accessibility compared to private planes.
- Choosing commercial flights helps Larson save money and accumulate air miles for future free trips.
- Larson values practicality and financial prudence in travel, balancing cost with family comfort.
- His decision reflects a focus on practicality over luxury, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and convenience in travel choices.
Kyle Larson’s Preference for Commercial Flights
Kyle Larson, a well-known NASCAR driver, has expressed a clear preference for flying commercial rather than using private team planes, particularly for trips to the West Coast. His choice stems from the advantages he perceives in commercial travel.
Larson, who drove Ganassi’s No. 42 Chevy for six years before joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2020, publicly stated his preference in March 2017. He cited several factors that influence his decision: the necessity of fuel stops on private planes, lack of Wi-Fi, and the general convenience of commercial flights.
These elements contribute to what he views as a superior travel experience. Furthermore, Larson mentioned that commercial flights offer better facilities than team planes.
This perspective emphasizes his practical approach to travel, prioritizing utility over luxury. His remarks, shared via USA TODAY Sports, highlight a pragmatic choice in favor of efficiency and accessibility over exclusivity in aviation.
Saving Money and Earning Air Miles
In conjunction with the practical advantages of comfort and convenience, Larson also sees financial benefits in choosing commercial flights. By opting for commercial airlines, he can greatly reduce travel expenses.
Larson acknowledges the high costs associated with private flying, particularly for trips to the West Coast, and openly admits to being mindful of his spending in this area. This cost-conscious approach aligns with his preference for accumulating air miles, which offers the potential for free trips in the future.
“I’ll fly commercial as much as I can, especially the West Coast stuff. I think commercial is better. The team plane — you have to stop for fuel. No Wi-Fi. Commercial’s not bad.”
“That’s a lot of money to be private flying, especially to the West Coast. Yeah, I’m cheap with my money when it comes to flying. And I like to rack up the miles so I can maybe get some free trips.” – Kyle Larson
While many NASCAR stars opt for private jets to navigate the demanding 36-race schedule across ten months, Larson’s approach diverges. His choice not only conserves financial resources but also provides opportunities to accrue valuable air miles.
This tactical decision highlights Larson’s practical mindset, as he balances the demands of frequent travel with financial prudence. By prioritizing cost savings and air miles, Larson effectively enhances the benefits of commercial flying without compromising his travel needs.
Kyle Larson’s Views on First-Class Tickets
Why did Kyle Larson shift his perspective on flying premium class?
At the outset, Larson was hesitant to spend extra on premium tickets. In 2017, he expressed dissatisfaction with buying a separate seat for his son Owen, following the birth of his second child, Audrey, in 2018, and his youngest, Cooper, in 2022.
As his family grew, so did his need for comfort during flights. Despite his previous inclination towards saving money, influenced by the considerably lower cost of coach tickets, Larson recognized the practical benefits and convenience of flying premium class.
“I’ll purchase a first class ticket now. But, a couple of years ago, I know (Ricky) Stenhouse and Danica (Patrick), obviously she’s a very wealthy person, but she doesn’t understand why I would purchase a coach ticket when coach is $120 versus first class being $500.”
“I’m going to save that money. But now, I fly first class. And, too, Owen (his son) is older than 2 years now, so you have to purchase him a seat, which really stinks.” – Kyle Larson
His decision reflects a balance between financial prudence and accommodating a larger family. The necessity to purchase additional seats for his children made premium flights more appealing due to the comfort and space they offer.
This pragmatic approach illustrates Larson’s evolving priorities, where family convenience takes precedence over purely financial considerations, thereby embracing a more comfortable travel experience.
Kyle Larson’s Return to the NASCAR Cup Series
The upcoming NASCAR season marks Kyle Larson‘s return to the Cup Series for his fifth year with Hendrick Motorsports. Starting with the season-opening Daytona 500, Larson aims to build on his previous successes with the team. His return is highly anticipated, as he is known for his competitive spirit and skill on the track.
- Team Continuity: Larson’s relationship with Hendrick Motorsports is solid, providing stability as he enters another season.
- Race Preparation: He has been actively preparing for the upcoming challenges by participating in diverse practice sessions.
- Fan Expectations: Supporters are enthusiastic to see if he can replicate or surpass his past performances.
- Technical Adjustments: The team has been working on car improvements to guarantee competitive performance.
His return symbolizes a continuation of his commitment to excellence in the sport. As the season progresses, Larson and his team are poised to make considerable strides in pursuit of victory.
News in Brief: Kyle Larson Takes a Stand Against Luxury Jets
Kyle Larson’s choice to fly commercially reflects his practical approach to travel, prioritizing cost savings and the accumulation of air miles over the luxury of private jets. By opting for commercial flights, he maintains a balance between comfort and financial prudence, even considering premium class tickets as a reasonable option when necessary.
As he returns to the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson’s travel preferences highlight his thoughtful consideration of both personal and professional factors in his decisions.
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