"Those were upgrades on airlines with open seats... They do it for V.I.P.s. They do it for congresspeople. They're empty seats. It costs the airlines nothing."
"While members of Congress do get some perks while booking flights, owing to their status as frequent fliers and government employees, there are strict ethics regulations prohibiting the acceptance of lavish gifts or engaging in a quid pro quo."
"So many members of Congress, they either get the top-tier status, or by virtue of the kind of tickets they buy, they're really always at the top for upgrades."
"Some travel and government reform activists have sought to crack down on the benefits, arguing they create a conflict of interest and benefit the airline industry, but they remain."
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