Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) reportedly spent over $550,000 on private jet travel in 2025, funded through his campaign account. This spending comes in the wake of a national tour he took with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) aimed at combating oligarchy, as detailed in recent Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings.
A significant portion of these expenses was incurred during the first half of the year, which coincided with their tour. In April, during a break in the tour, exclusive images surfaced of Sanders boarding a Bombardier Challenger luxury jet at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. It was noted that a congressman from New York was also present on the jet.
Further footage later showed the two disembarking in Sacramento, where they planned to participate in a rally later that evening.
The Bombardier Challenger, operated by Ventura Air Service, is marketed as having one of the roomiest cabins in the business jet category and provides exceptional comfort for passengers. Rates for such jets can reach as high as $15,000 per hour, according to the company.
Sanders’ FEC records indicate he spent at least $354,000 on private jet services from Ventura Jets in 2025 alone. Other companies he has utilized include NJet and Cirrus Aviation Services.
N-Jet emphasizes a personalized experience, claiming customers can always travel in style and comfort, with safety being paramount.
Despite his strong advocacy for the Green New Deal and his labeling of climate change as a critical global threat, Sanders defended his use of private aircraft in a past interview, stating, “It’s the only way I get around.” He argued that his schedule requires him to connect with large crowds frequently, stating, “I’m not going to wait in line with 30,000 people at United Airlines.”
This isn’t the first time Sanders has relied on private jets; during his 2020 presidential bid, his campaign expenditures for private jet travel exceeded $1.9 million. He utilized companies like Apollo Jets and Advanced Aviation Team.
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s use of private jets has drawn criticism, particularly from climate activists who point out that such jets are often far more polluting than commercial flights. Ocasio-Cortez herself has called out the excessive use of private jets by wealthy individuals, expressing her frustration at how many are needed.
In response to inquiries about the spending, Sanders’ office did not provide any comments by the time of publication. A conservative political communications consultant remarked on the apparent hypocrisy of liberals criticizing others while using private jets themselves.
In addition to Sanders’ significant spending on private air travel, Ocasio-Cortez has also allocated considerable funds for upscale hotels during their tour. For instance, her campaign paid $3,165.76 to the Leo Kent Hotel in Tucson around the time of a rally. She also incurred expenses at multiple luxury hotels across the country in 2025 but did not respond to questions regarding the justification for such spending.
