Hot take: Airlines should get rid of class seating and all seats should be standardized in the economy format
Zosia: Class divides infiltrate everything we do. They infiltrate our day-to-day lives and have started to exploit our oceans and air. For example, back in 2023, the passengers of the OceanGate submersible passed during an implosion after spending $250,000 dollars per ticket. Similarly, Katy Perry paid $150,000 to take part in the Blue Origin NS-31 mission. Access to niche locations has only been accessible to the ultra-wealthy. One step towards closing the inequality gap is making airplane travel equal to all.
Isaac: Class divides are definitely evergrowing, and they only get more visible by the day. But in order to fund these ventures, like space and deep sea travel, we need to get money from the buyers who are willing to pay premium prices in order to make them commercially available. Don’t you want to go to space or the deep sea? Additionally, If airplane seating is standardized, airlines can jack up prices relentlessly because they, more or less, have a captive audience. First class seats are way more expensive than the value they offer, so those passengers help fund the airlines that we all use.
Zosia: While it is absolutely true that having an exclusive market for the ultra-wealthy is extremely lucrative, solely relying on this very limited group of people is dangerous for our economy. Instead, a focus could be put on levying higher taxes on these very groups, where the profits could then be allocated to stimulating the economy even more. Having classes on airlines only gives those with the means to separate themselves from the commonfolk. Putting everyone in standardized seating that is the same among every airline would bring people from all walks of life together and could prove that everyone has more in common than originally thought.
Isaac: Though it is true that communal spaces foster some sense of humanity, it is a worthwhile trade off for the sake of monetary gain. Providing cheaper options allows flying to be a viable option for a greater number of people. If seats were to be standardized, prices would be standardized, in order to turn a profit, the price of plane tickets would have to go up. It is better to provide a variety of options in order to attract a variety of people.
Zosia: This argument implies that class segregation is worth a few extra bucks. That instead of meeting or even being in the vicinity people of different socioeconomic backgrounds is not plausible. In conclusion, it is vital that steps be taken to lessen class divides and lowering them in the air can be a first step.
Do you have a Hot Take? Inspired by the hit short-form show SubwayTakes hosted by comedian Kareem Rahma, this new brand-new column will offer a space for some open dialogue about a topic you’re particularly passionate about. Similarly to the show itself, if you are someone with a hot take, please message Zosia @ bowluk9777@oshkosh.k12.wi.us and see if you can get on the same page.
The take must be original and should be something you’re eager to speak on; this makes for the best and most interesting argument.
Of course the objective of this column is to be a light hearted space to voice a fun conviction, and although any topic is up for discussion, talking points shouldn’t incite violence, inspire hate speech, or instill fear.
by Zosia Bowlus-Jasinski
Published October 6, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue I