Celebrities frequently make extraordinary demands when flying, ranging from booking entire first-class cabins for privacy to requiring specific amenities and personal services. These requests often stand in stark contrast to the typical travel experiences of ordinary passengers.
Pop icon Mariah Carey reportedly once paid $118,000 (£70,000) to secure an entire first-class cabin on a British Airways flight, solely to ensure her privacy. Her demands extend beyond the aircraft, with a past request for a red carpet lined with candles to be rolled out for her late-night arrival at a London hotel.
In-Flight Entertainment and Comfort
Madonna has also made notable in-flight requests. In 2010, during a delayed flight from New York to London Heathrow, she reportedly performed yoga in the aisles, causing frustration among fellow passengers before she and her party disembarked via bus. More recently, The Sun reported that the singer travels with her own private chef who prepares sushi for her on British Airways flights, adhering to her strict dietary lifestyle and avoiding processed foods.
Amanda Holden, known for her television work, has expressed disappointment with budget airline Ryanair for not providing ice for her rosé wine. Her co-host Alan Carr humorously recounted her frequent requests for ice, likening her expectations to those of a high-end restaurant.
Actress Megan Fox manages her fear of flying by listening to music from her youth, specifically Britney Spears, stating it is "not the soundtrack to my death."
Royal Travel Preferences
Members of the British Royal Family also have distinct in-flight preferences. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoyed a martini before flights and requested a bowl of her preferred sugar-free Velamints be placed beside her and in her dressing room. Flight attendants were instructed to liaise with her dresser to ensure her bed was made correctly, and she would often bring her own pillows. Her preference for Malvern water was also a consistent request.
King Charles III has demonstrated a commitment to environmental concerns in his travel. He has requested that standard jet fuel be replaced with sustainable aviation fuel for official government and charter flights, a move praised by aviation industry leaders.
Queen Camilla, who reportedly dislikes flying and turbulence, has had her travel itineraries adjusted accordingly. In 2018, she returned from a royal tour of Australia earlier than scheduled due to her aversion to flying.
The Prince and Princess of Wales utilize the exclusive Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport, a lounge frequented by other royals and high-profile figures. Here, they have access to a private butler and can choose from a menu curated by a Michelin-starred chef.
Princess Anne is reported to have a penchant for Fray Bentos tinned meat pies, a request that deviated from typical first-class catering. According to former royal pilot Graham Laurie, these pies, along with tinned vegetables and potatoes, were often prepared with homemade gravy for the Princess.
Other Notable Demands
Beyond these named individuals, other anonymous celebrities have made remarkable requests. These include chartering an entire plane to be filled with white Casablanca lilies, demanding complete darkness by covering all windows, and hiring a private jet from New York City to South Florida simply to retrieve a mobile phone. Another celebrity reportedly employed food tasters to vet their in-flight meals.