RFK Jr. and his wife praised for flying economy class with everyone else as AOC and Bernie enjoy private jet

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, sparked praise and virtual applause after they were spotted on a recent flight.

RFK Jr. was touted as a “man of the people” online after a TikTok video shared how the former Democrat and his wife were seen on a commercial flight – both sitting in economy class with fellow passengers.

Hines, whose new memoir, “Unscripted,” takes a look at her journey from Hollywood to Washington, can be seen in the video sitting next to her husband, who has the window seat.

THERE HE IS! Health Sec. Bobby Kennedy spotted on a basic economy flight with his fellow Americans, along with Cheryl Hines

A man of the people!

The country loves Secretary Kennedy — he’s doing a FANTASTIC job

pic.twitter.com/We3ITbGWab

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 19, 2025

“Robert Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines on my normal flight this morning,” the original TikTok video was captioned, with an  #americanairlines hashtag.

“I love how he’s just flying in economy with everybody else!” one user said in the comments.

“That’s kinda cool,” another wrote while one noted, “He needs better security though.”

@corneliussene Robert Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines on my normal flight this morning #roberykennedyjr #cherylhines #americanairlines #flight #goodmorning ♬ original sound –

The image of the couple flying economy prompted a wave of comments about how Democrats opt for private jets to get around, with specific criticism of US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

“Meanwhile bernie and AOC flying on private jets because ‘we must fight the billionaires.’” one TikTok user wrote.

“Walk the walk – he’s flying commercial while Dems fly private flights across the country and world,” another chimed in.

The responses were echoed on X, where Kennedy and Hines were applauded.

Robert F. Kennedy and Cheryl Hines have my vote for flying basic economy class. Kudos to them both!

— Pippin (@Leigh52rw5rdv9b) October 19, 2025

Finally, a public servant who doesn’t act like royalty. Respect

— Elara (@HelloElara) October 19, 2025

I keep becoming a bigger fan of him all the time.

— Chuck Tompkins (@ChuckTompkins96) October 19, 2025

Lots of respect for Kennedy & Hines!!

— Stephen Wilber (@Stevedubu1) October 19, 2025

Many expressed concern for RFK’s safety.

I hope all the seats around him are secret service

— Chesna Ellis (@ChesnaEllis) October 19, 2025

He IS a man of the people. He needs more security though.

— Erikaaa (@ErikaC47) October 19, 2025

This can not be recent. No way a sec is just going to be traveling like that anymore. Must be old.

— Damion Knudsen @KnudsenPetrophysics (@DamionKnudsen) October 20, 2025

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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