constant inter action with you would be mentally distressing.
the man is correct
I spent 6-7 hours sitting in coach yesterday. I’m 6’ tall. On one flight the guy next to me was a few inches taller. Neither of us could move, stretch or really even shift our weight. There was no way to use a laptop or read a report without prying eyes. That can be done easily in First class with the larger seats and more privacy.
I fly 5-6 times a year so it’s manageable. I imagine a cabinet secretary flies almost weekly. I admire the Trump administration requiring commercial transport, but in the case of certain cabinet members. first or Business class is an acceptable thing.