These days, it has been announced that several European Union countries support an initiative to impose a new tax on business and first-class airline tickets. Presented as an ecological measure, it aims to “offset” the higher per-passenger emissions of those flying in more spacious seats.
From the outside, it may seem like a reasonable proposal. But for those of us working in sectors like medical technology—where travel is part of daily life—the measure is not only unfair: it is fundamentally wrong.
Flying business class is no longer the norm, not by a long shot. Companies have been tightening budgets for years, and the vast majority of flights are in economy class. But when business class is chosen, it is because it is truly necessary: to arrive rested, to be able to work en route, or to connect several cities without compromising health or professional effectiveness.
Is it not reasonable that a spine surgeon flying long distances to attend a course or conference with tight schedules should be able to arrive well-rested? Is it not reasonable that a CEO or senior executive can arrive rested, saving time and gaining both efficiency and recovery? While the wine or meal served in business class might be considered a luxury—or even dispensable—the fundamental necessity, depending on the journey and the professionals involved, is rest.
But this isn’t about protesting that fact—it’s about the philosophy behind it. While this issue may not seem to fit directly within the spine industry, it is true that everyone involved in this sector travels a lot—and not for pleasure.
The most troubling message behind this is: “Since not everyone can afford it, let’s make sure no one can.”
Moreover, if this tax is applied only in Europe, who benefits? Non-European airlines: Emirates, Qatar, Turkish Airlines… will continue offering better service without this surcharge. European airlines will lose high-value travelers, but the planet gains nothing. Air traffic won’t decrease: it will just be diverted.
Instead of encouraging cleaner technologies or supporting real alternatives, the choice is to drag everyone down, penalizing those who work, who invest, who make the effort. And this, far from promoting a sensible ecological transition, creates frustration, demotivation, and loss of competitiveness.
In the spine industry—as in many others—traveling well is not a luxury: it is an occasional necessity. Punishing that decision with a tax ignores the reality of work on the ground.
Yes, we must care for the planet. But without punishing those who get up early, travel, and work.
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COVER IMAGE: https://www.freepik.com/