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Nobody is safe from the flight delay monster - even billionaires!
Formula One racing is not very popular in the United States, so I'll forgive you if you don't have a clue who the gentleman on the right is. Bernie Ecclestone is the current president and CEO of the companies behind Formula One racing. Mr.Ecclestone has amassed a net worth of almost $4 Billion thanks to a combination of his slick management skills and some very lucrative TV deals. On average, over 55 million people watch each F1 race, making it the most popular sport in the world.
So, with that much cash and power, I was surprised to read that he flies regular airlines, just like the rest of us. And just like us, he too gets delayed when things go bad. After the final race of the season this Sunday (Go Lewis!), Bernie was stranded on the tarmac of Sao Paulo airport for 7 hours.
Once the plane finally made its way back to the UK, the flight crew went "illegal" (a term meaning they had reached their maximum shift duration) and the plane had to divert to Madrid to load a new crew.
The ground delay and diversion meant the BA flight didn't land at Heathrow till 9:20PM, almost 9 hours later than scheduled. I've been in much worse delays, and my experiences never made the news - I guess it pays to be super rich!
Of course, the smart people took their private jet to Brazil, including the team boss of the world champion, Ron Dennis.
(Via: F1Complete)
Who else has been causing trouble in the skies?
Filed under: News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Koos IJtsma Nov 6th 2008 3:43PM
Hello Scott,
Thank you for your interesting article. We really like to see you are doing fine over there and miss you here.
We would like to eat together at mr. Wong in Amersfoort together and have many fond memories of those times and you are welcome here any time.
Kind regards, Koos, Bas and Jeroen from Holland.
jennifer Nov 7th 2008 2:16PM
Oh for crying out loud, the smart people were the one's who spent a bunch of money on a private jet to avoid a delay? What do you suppose is keeping them from being as rich as Ecclestone? Do you suppose it could be their spending habits?
Matthew Nov 7th 2008 3:11PM
While you're right about certain people 'over-spending,' you might want to realize that the 9 hour delay, alone, probably costs a man worth $4 Billion much more than the leasing of a Private plane...
In my opinion, he will be leasing a Private Jet real soon. ;-)
"Time is money"
TAZ Nov 7th 2008 2:23PM
People are People, no matter what they do. Some just make more money that others. It doesn't matter hwo someone is, situations happen. geezzz
Adam Nov 7th 2008 2:25PM
Wah !!!!! Another Billionaire has to wait around with the common people! Is this really news worthy???
H Smith Nov 7th 2008 2:33PM
Who cares?
JANE Nov 7th 2008 2:54PM
HEY, EVER SEE THE WORLDS SMALLEST VIOLIN?
arcy Nov 7th 2008 11:40PM
Like the one that will fit between your forefinger and thumb and plays "My heart bleeds for you"
TAZ Nov 7th 2008 3:09PM
People are People, no matter what they do. Some just make more money that others. It doesn't matter who someone is, situations happen. Airports are airports and delays can be expected for anyone. geezzz
scoobe2 Nov 7th 2008 3:19PM
if you have so much money why fly commercial? please if i was worth a few billion i would never fly commercial again. not because of the people but because of what a pain in the ass security is especially when you have small kids. its not as expensive as some may think. my husbands former employer had a small plane which cost him 30 k a yr to maintain. if you have the money well worth it. no bag fees no security your kids can act up and you can brign your pets.
Bev C Nov 7th 2008 3:56PM
That is the smartest comment i have read all day.. yes no worry if some frustrated airline employee kicking you and your child off the plane. And your beloved family pet is allowed to fly sitting next to you not under you>> TOOCHE
H Smith Nov 7th 2008 3:33PM
Thats nothing! I was stuck in the dutch harbor airport for two days outside! (They close the doors at 7:00PM)
carm Nov 7th 2008 3:33PM
poor billionaire! that's why he has so much money, cause he doesnt spend it. instead of enjoying the luxuries that his money can give him. you cant take it with you!!! it's yours! enjoy it! why are you still working and making deals at your age? retire in some island and enjoy the rest of your days. l bet when he dies he'll leave all his money to some dog foundation
rita Nov 7th 2008 3:50PM
He should have used his own private jet like all the other billionaires do...
tese42s Nov 7th 2008 3:52PM
I have a bunch of junk to clean out of my trunk. It's really interesting junk. More interesting than this millionaire story.
kaye Nov 7th 2008 4:23PM
Get a freaking haircut!
Al Schrader Nov 7th 2008 5:15PM
I have found that money has its limits. Knowledge & skill are more valuable. Air travel is subject to weather, mechanicals, etc. When traveling by air, always schedule your flight 12 hours or more in advance of your arrival time. And have contingent dinig & entertainment on both ends... alfredschrader@aol.com
Kathryn Stevenson Nov 7th 2008 5:46PM
Oh Pleeeease! An airport delay "nightmare" is NOT a 7-hour delay! This article was RIDICULOUS! Now if he had been forced to wait for 3 days, THAT would have been a "nightmare." It must be nice that an inconvenience which most of us (and we own 2 planes) have to contend with frequently, qualifies as a nightmare for this billionaire. Because frankly, it means that he doesn't have more important things to complain about.
jim burns Nov 7th 2008 5:58PM
Andy Warhol has risen from the dead!
bev clarke Nov 7th 2008 6:28PM
hey scoobee, I agree with you.. Why taKe the chance that a disgruntled stressed out flight attendant will kick you and your child off, cuz a baby may cry??? Also our beloved pets can sit with us not under us in an uncontrolled enviroment.. The horror stories one hears about this are too scary