Four reasons why Kate Moss was on budget airline EasyJet

We try figuring out why a multi-million supermodel would want to fly budget

Supermodel Kate Moss probably gave budget airlines their best advertisement when it was reported earlier this week that she was escorted off an EasyJet flight by the police upon her arrival in London’s Luton Airport for allegedly being “disruptive”. Her crime? She helped herself to vodka from her own luggage when she was refused alcohol by the flight attendants.

Some might ask why the airline would call the police over what seems like a minor incident; others have noted something even curiouser: Why would Moss who made an estimated £4.6 million last year (S$9.55 million), fly budget from Bodrum, Turkey — where the 41-year-old was celebrating her pal Sadie Frost’s birthday? (Incidentally, Frost, designer Jemima French and model Rose Ferguson were also on the flight.)

Then again, budget airlines have become very attractive in recent years, especially if you’re flying within a region. The plethora of budget airlines out there provides a lot more choices — even for those who can afford travelling on a private plane. While we won’t know why Moss wanted to go budget, here are some educated guesses:

1. SHE WANTED TO MAXIMISE HER ITINERARY

There are many travellers who prefer flying budget simply because they want to make the most of their destination stay. For example, you can get an early flight to Bangkok with TigerAir, which has a 6.30am flight daily, and you can always take the latest flight back, which is on a Jetstar flight at 9.30pm, giving you more time to spend in the city.

And who wouldn’t want to spend as much time in Bodrum? The beach town is known as the St Tropez of Turkey for its gorgeous scenery, stylish hotels and party vibe. However, it retains its soulful historical appeal — evident in the whitewash houses and its majestic harbour castle. Even if Moss didn’t want to explore, it’s hard to tear oneself away from chilling at the picturesque Lifeco Bodrum Well-Being Detox Centre, where Frost held her party. 

2. SHE LIKES THAT BUDGET AIRLINES ARE GOING TO MORE DESTINATIONS

The opening of new routes by budget airlines is a real cause for celebration for frequent flyers such as Moss. In Europe, for example, EasyJet has reportedly launched 26 new routes for summer this year. They include smaller hip cities such as Porto in Portugal and Split in Croatia, along with Stuttgart in Germany and Essaouira in Morocco. Over here, Scoot is launching its flights to Osaka in July and will fly to Melbourne from Nov 1. It’s also adding more flights to the Australian cities it currently flies to, such as Perth, Sydney and Gold Coast, come October.

3. SHE WANTED TO JOIN THE RANKS OF OTHER BUDGET-LOVING CELEBS

Kate Moss isn’t the only celeb to embrace flying on the cheap. Even royalty doesn’t thumb its nose at saving money. Prince Harry is famously known to be a fan of flying on budget airlines such as Wizz Air. His brother, Prince William, and the Duchess of Cambridge took budget carriers Flybe back from William’s cousin Zara Phillips’ wedding in Edinburgh to London. The royal couple did it again when they flew to the French Alps for their ski trip on EasyJet. American budget carrier Southwest counts A-listers such as Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake among its fans; although they may not take Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong any time soon: He got into hot soup with Southwest when he was told by a flight attendant that his pants hung too low and was eventually booted off the flight for his snarky reply. 

4. SHE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY BUDGET AIRLINES FOOD

Apparently the real reason Moss caused all that ruckus boiled down to sandwiches. According to a fellow passenger at the back of the plane, Moss was infuriated that EasyJet ran out of the sandwiches she wanted and started shouting at the flight attendants who were taking a break. What was so delicious about those sandwiches? According to EasyJet’s website, the sandwiches they serve are “freshly made from the local produce” and are “sure to satisfy”. But we think she simply needed some carbs. Eyewitnesses said the model was upset to see the flight attendants eating and yelled” “It’s f****** all right for them to eat pasta when we’re hungry.” Pack a burger next time, Kate!