Kid Rock faces backlash after his private jet with shocking feature is spotted at airport: 'Money cannot buy class'
Lindy Whitehouse
Mon, February 9, 2026 at 11:30 AM UTC
2 min read
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- Kid Rock's private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 601-3R, has been criticized for its tacky artwork and negative environmental impact, with around 40% of its flights being empty return legs, according to The Guardian.
- Private jets, like the one owned by Kid Rock, are popular among the super wealthy for their convenience in travel, but they are extremely wasteful and contribute significantly to pollution, prompting calls for more sustainable modes of transport.
- The use of private jets and other unsustainable forms of travel by the super-rich is exacerbating climate change, with critics arguing that curbing such practices is essential for reducing harmful pollution and addressing economic inequality.
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Private jets are a controversial topic, often sparking outrage due to their status as a symbol of growing economic inequality and climate destruction.
A recent sighting of Kid Rock's private jet at an airport in Michigan prompted criticism from a group of people on Reddit for its tacky artwork and negative environmental impact.
The jet, parked at Charlevoix Airport, is a Bombardier Challenger 601-3R midsize jet that can carry between 9 and 12 passengers, as per Guardian Jet. This aircraft is flown fairly regularly by Kid Rock and his team, conducting around 170 flights in 2024, according to Celebrity Private Jet Tracker.
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Private jets have grown in popularity among the super wealthy because they enable them to travel at a time that is convenient to them, as well as access a wider range of airports. However, this mode of transport is extremely wasteful and receives considerable backlash from people due to the excessive pollution it produces.
Many of the trips taken by people using private jets are short-haul flights that could be replaced by more sustainable modes of transport, such as taking a train or even driving. What makes matters worse is that, according to The Guardian, up to 40% of these flights are empty return legs and don't carry any passengers at all. This consumes a large amount of fuel on unnecessary trips.
Curbing unsustainable travel, like the use of private jets and superyachts, is important for reducing harmful, heat-trapping pollution that is causing the planet to warm. While ordinary people take steps to curb the amount of pollution they produce, such as driving electric cars, switching to solar panels, and eating more plant-based meals, the emissions of the super-rich are increasing exponentially.
This post received a lot of negative comments from outraged readers, who felt that this display of wealth was out of touch with the realities of everyday life.
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"Money cannot buy class," wrote one commenter.
While another added, "All these private jets for celebrities need to be outlawed."
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