Darlings, if you’ve ever sipped a mimosa at 35,000 feet while luxuriating in a fully reclining seat, chances are you were surrounded by fabulous company. According to a new study from YouGov, gay men are booking first or business-class flights more than any other demographic.
The data shows that in the past year, 8% of gay men treated themselves to first-class travel, doubling the percentage of heterosexual travellers (4%). Meanwhile, 3% of bisexuals and 2% of lesbians upgraded their sky-high experience.
And here’s the real tea: First-class cabins have a noticeably higher concentration of gay men than the rest of the plane. While gay men account for 3% of economy, they make up a dazzling 5% of first-class bookings. It’s giving elite – and we love to see it.
First-Class Life: Marriage, Babies, and Boarding Champagne
It turns out first-class passengers aren’t just here for the extra legroom and free-flowing bubbly – they’re also more likely to be married (55% vs. 50%) and have children under 18 (38% vs. 27%) compared to their economy-seat counterparts. Talk about jet-setting power couples!
California Dreamin’ & European Eleganza
Unsurprisingly, the top destination for first-class travellers in the United States is California, with 11% of them heading to the Golden State (compared to just 8% of non-first-class travellers). Because where else would one go to be fabulous, famous, and well-fed?
For those with an international passport stamped extravaganza, Italy and the United Kingdom are tied as the most sought-after global destinations for first-class fliers, each luring 7% of luxury-loving travellers. Ciao, amore! Cheers, darling!
So, while the study doesn’t spill the tea on exactly why gay men are booking more first-class seats, one thing is clear: we know how to travel in style. Economy? We don’t know her.
United Airlines is our official WorldPride airline partner, making your Pride dreams take flight! Don’t miss a moment of the festivities – book your flights now at united.com
