Barbara Corcoran Refuses First-Class Luxury – 'I'd Rather Sit In Coach And Gift My Family 3 Plane Tickets With The Savings'

Barbara Corcoran might own a collection of stunning homes across the country, but when traveling between them, the millionaire business mogul prefers the cheap seats. The Shark Tank star, who pocketed $66 million in 2001 by selling The Corcoran Group, says flying first class isn't worth the splurge – even when you're as rich as she is.

"I figure a coach ticket costs about 25% of a first-class ticket," Corcoran shared during a recent appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show. "I get the free miles and I can give them away. I have everybody in my family flying on my free miles." For Corcoran, the joy of gifting travel to loved ones far outweighs the temporary comfort of a first-class seat.

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She even admits to feeling a sense of pride while flying coach. "I guess I could afford to do both," she said, referencing the option to fly first class and still give away tickets. "But I won't because I'll be in coach feeling smug knowing I have three plane tickets that could take somebody somewhere. It accumulates, you know?"

Her approach to travel isn't just about saving cash – it's also about making sure her homes are always filled with people. "There's not a single bed in any of my homes that's ever empty," she laughed. "Boy, is that satisfying?"

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Corcoran's frugal travel habits don't stop with airfare. She's also sworn off airport spending. Instead of buying overpriced meals, she packs her food. Her go-to spread? Fresh fruit, cheese, and a baguette or croissant. 

"When I sit there and open up my little gourmet meal, I'm telling you, it's much better than anybody's getting up in business or first class," she told CNBC Make It back in 2018.

The business powerhouse has stuck to this mindset for years, stating that she "couldn't fathom justifying" the cost of first-class or business-class tickets, even with her wealth. This sentiment feels particularly relatable as air travel becomes more expensive. 

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According to the International Air Transport Association, average ticket prices jumped by 24.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, leaving many travelers rethinking their priorities.

Interestingly, Corcoran's pragmatic travel philosophy contradicts the habits of many high-net-worth individuals. A report from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) found that 70% of ultra-wealthy travelers routinely opt for first class or private jets. But for Corcoran, the choice to stick with a coach isn't about deprivation – it's about making her money work harder for the things that truly matter.

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