Wasn't it something very similar that got Tom Price fired?
Price was padding his travel expense account. When I first read this, I thought this is an Obama rollover who wants to avoid speaking to conservatives.
No, this guy is taking the heat. The left would easily plant someone to sit next to him, and then to start an argument.
Besides, these guys run up so much frequent flyer miles, they can upgrade all the time easily.
In short, I agree, he should be flying first class.
Price was flying private charters. Big difference. I have no problem with a Cabinet Secretary flying first or business class; but not their subordinates.