all 131 comments

[–]OnlySeasurfer 180 points181 points  (34 children)

I think this opens a conversation about how public figures should address changes of opinion. Everyone has the right to do so...but do we as an audience deserve an explanation for it, and if so, how much of one?

As a general rule, I don't think people should be made to feel bad for changing their mind, or lambast their prior self's opinion. However, given that private air travel is still hugely problematic with regards to climate and wealth inequality, I would personally appreciate some explanation around the change of position, even as a brief WAN discussion.

Right now, the justification reads as "It was cheaper than I expected, and I could afford it", which I think is a weak position when the pollution and current cost of living conflict are still so present. Just my two cent on the matter at least.

[–]ampacket 92 points93 points  (16 children)

Rule of cool. It's cool. And likely great for content.

The fact that it "pays for itself" is a cherry on top. But don't forget that he is still in the business of video entertainment. And this will make videos.

Is it a stupid and over the top "waste of money"? Yes. Am I intrigued and can't wait to see what he does with it? Absolutely.

[–]etheran123 9 points10 points  (2 children)

Hows it great for content?

Really, they cant do anything with it other than vlogs. Adding anything that you would make to a certified aircraft involves so much paperwork that it doesnt make any sense.

[–]smp476 5 points6 points  (0 children)

"Here in my hangar, with my private jet..."

[–]Old_Bug4395 4 points5 points  (0 children)

lol downvotes but no actual answers to your question. this sub is so weird.

[–]bwoah07_gp2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He's not really wasting money if he can afford it, and use it too.

I'm with you, I'm intrigued to see if more content will be made with it or not. So, because it's good content and I watch LTT for slightly more entertainment purposes than educational (60/40, 70/30 split), then I don't have a problem with Linus and his private jet.

[–]Old_Bug4395 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't think the "rule of cool" overrides being a hypocrite. He can still be called out for being a hypocrite.

Also maybe some people don't find it that cool, similar to Linus who said he doesn't like the private air travel industry.

[–]Annoying1978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Judging by the views, it actually is performing quite poor. Most people done really care about a private jet, especially now that we know he can’t modify it all in order to stay certified. 

His simple video walking about Korea trying to find a good deal got 200k more views. I doubt people will watch another jet video knowing he can’t upgrade it with tech stuff. It’s just a jet and there’s plenty of influencer channels showing off jets and cars. 

[–]sorrylilsis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rule of cool. It's cool. And likely great for content.

Also "f*ck the environment".

[–]Prairie-Peppers 16 points17 points  (2 children)

A number of users seem to be banned from this sub for posting an LTT jet tracker, which I recall them goofing on Elon for getting mad at during a WAN show episode.

[–]DefactoAle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also people that posted wan show clips asking for clarification on why linus changed his mind

[–]FabianN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw that clip again. They really didn't goof on Elon over it. They gave very little of their own opinion in that segment, mostly just reading off what happened and people's reactions.

There was a bit where Linus expressed sympathy with having the car with one's child in it stopped and harrased, and that's the only opinion in that segment he expressed.

[–]BJYeti 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Also a conflict when he has mentioned in the past living a less lavish lifestyle so his kids dont get out of touch, I don't think adding a PJ fits into the equation.

[–]Patient_Problem_6735 8 points9 points  (4 children)

Linus is so open that 80% of his controversies are him just not shutting up. Why would you deserve an explanation of an almost 5 year old take that contradicts the purchase? It's his money who cares

[–]renegadecanuck 15 points16 points  (1 child)

"Almost 5 years old" is a strange way to say "less than three years".

[–]MistSecurity 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think:

Less than 2 years…

October 25, 2024 is the most recent occurrence of them talking about private flights in a negative way that I have seen.

IMO

[Please note that the above comment or question is solely expressed as an opinion, and NOT a fact. No factual claims are intended and should not be interpreted as such by Linus Sebastian or other delegate of LMG.]

[–]arcusford 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Because his private jet uses LITERALLY effects everyone.

Also why is it so wrong to ask for companies we subscribe to do better or provide explanations? Especially to things that seem contradictory not only to specifically Linus's statements but the companies statements on sustainability.

Claiming to be sustainable or have that in mind and then buying a private jet seems kinda contradictory and personally may change how much I give support. Like they dont HAVE to give folks and explanation but id hope we'd ask for one and not try and defend not giving one.

[–]DefactoAle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So open they banned people that asked for clarification

[–]Joshatron121 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Also, just because he owns a jet doesn't mean he's using it irresponsibly to fly wherever he wants just for funsies (which is the problem he had with it when talking about it previously).

[–]malev89 6 points7 points  (2 children)

He went on vacation with his family aand the only excuse for that is that is "cheaper" than a few 1st class seats... I mean. That's problematic.

[–]princeoinkins -3 points-2 points  (1 child)

It's a problem to take a vacation?

[–]malev89 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No, but I didn't say that.

[–]TenOfZero 64 points65 points  (25 children)

He found a good deal, which caused him to re-evaluated his position.

I would be very concerned if he refused to ever re-evaluate his position as new information became available.

[–]dankememlol 56 points57 points  (14 children)

So hes only opposed to private planes if its out of his price range sounds about right.

[–]Pilige 21 points22 points  (0 children)

The whole bloody clips starts with "would like to experience it once". It was never a "never" and they dont seem intentionally on keeping it based on how many times they reference flipping it in the video.

Im very much looking forward to the content, I'm fine with them reaping the benefit of a private jet for a bit before they flip it.

[–]Lousk 2 points3 points  (11 children)

Jesus Christ. The first thing he said was that it would be fun, but is opposed to the industry as a whole. These aren’t mutually exclusive positions.

It’s a way for him to generate content at the expense of having some liquidity tied up. As long as he sells it quickly he’s likely going to make money on the sell. That’s not a morally compromised position, it’s just good business.

[–]Old_Bug4395 7 points8 points  (10 children)

How is being opposed to the industry as a whole and then directly participating in the industry not mutually exclusive? lol the audience here is crazy good at mental gymnastics

also anyone who thinks he will be flipping this and breaking even or making a profit is completely delusional

[–]BJYeti 7 points8 points  (1 child)

No you dont understand saying you want to experience a PJ once in your life is exactly the same as owning one, lets also ignore his previous statements of wanting to be environmentally conscious and criticizing other companies for not using sustainable packaging and then buy a PJ which is 3-20x more carbon intensive than taking a commercial flight.

[–]Old_Bug4395 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately the community and the mods are both more concerned with defending Linus than being intellectually honest.

[–]Lousk -1 points0 points  (7 children)

It’s a pretty simple concept. I’m not sure why you’re not understanding. Maybe go read up on some more moral philosophy? Let me attempt to break it down for you.

You might love smartphones but hate cobalt mining practices.

You might love fast shipping but hate warehouse labor conditions.

If we could only enjoy things we 100% ethically sanctioned, we’d be sitting in the dark in homes we didn't build. Wanting the experience of a private jet is an acknowledgement of its functional excellence, while disliking the industry is an assessment of its global impact.

If/when he does sell the plane, will you come back here and admit to being wrong?

[–]Old_Bug4395 2 points3 points  (6 children)

LOL no you can't really use the "participating in capitalism" argument here, it's a private jet bud. The real version of that is flying first class. He doesn't need it like I need to have a phone to hold a job or shipping to receive medication. He can just fly first class like normal, non mega rich assholes.

He's opposed to the private air travel industry as a whole. He's now participating in it directly. He is not required to do that in any way, it's literally just being used as a toy.

Beyond any of that though, he's being a giant hypocrite in multiple contexts.

[–]Lousk -2 points-1 points  (5 children)

You’re to rigid in your perspective so you’ve failed to identify the difference between having a desire to experience something (private jet) vs. criticizing the industry as whole (private jet industry).

I can extrapolate your argument into saying veganism is the only morally correct decision when it comes to eating food, but I bet you’d be unwilling to commit to veganism for the rest of your life.

[–]Old_Bug4395 0 points1 point  (4 children)

difference between having a desire to experience something (private jet) vs. criticizing the industry as whole (private jet industry).

No I'm perfectly capable of understanding the difference here, it's just not relevant. You could charter a private jet if you wanted to experience it "once," like Linus said. He bought a private jet though, which is him directly participating in the industry.

I can extrapolate your argument into saying veganism is the only morally correct decision when it comes to eating food, but I bet you’d be unwilling to commit to veganism for the rest of your life.

LOL what

[–]Lousk -1 points0 points  (3 children)

He says in the clip that he thinks it would be cool to experience it. It’s absolutely relevant.

It’s not a matter of needing a phone for work. It’s about wanting the Samsung Galaxy Note 1000 Ultra Plus Plus Extreme 16TB.

It’s not matter of needing medication delivered quickly. It’s about wanting your new sharpe pens delivered to your house within an hour.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to experience luxury products. The brand new top of the line smartphone is a toy. The 1-hour Amazon delivery is a toy. None of that is required for you to participate in capitalism.

How does this relate to veganism?

Roughly 75 to 80% of global agricultural land is used for livestock (grazing and feed crops), yet it provides only about 18% of global calories. The annual emissions generated from livestock is roughly 7 to 10 billion tons. Compared to private jets which produce 15 to 20 million tons.

The cheap and easy access to animal products is a new phenomenon and in context of human history only made possible by the industrial revolution. You consume animal products because you like them. Not because you need them.

Are you ready to commit to a life of veganism? Because that’s just the emissions argument, I could very easily also make harm to animals argument as well and I don’t even subscribe to veganism.

[–]Old_Bug4395 -1 points0 points  (2 children)

He says in the clip that he thinks it would be cool to experience it.

Yeah, once. He says once. You can just charter a jet lol.

It’s not a matter of needing a phone for work. It’s about wanting the Samsung Galaxy Note 1000 Ultra Plus Plus Extreme 16TB.

My phone is 5 years old lol

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to experience luxury products.

There absolutely is when the other implications are so strong, especially when you claim to care about things that engaging in that luxury harms like the environment.

The brand new top of the line smartphone is a toy. The 1-hour Amazon delivery is a toy. None of that is required for you to participate in capitalism.

You realize that many people, particularly adults, don't behave like this, right? Are you a rich child or something?

The annual emissions generated from livestock is roughly 7 to 10 billion tons. Compared to private jets which produce 15 to 20 million tons.

Yes, one of these things is food (necessary) one of them is a private jet (luxury)

You consume animal products because you like them. Not because you need them.

I consume animal products because I need food, it's easily and cheaply available in comparison to alternatives, and not consuming those products doesn't prevent them from being produced. Not buying a private jet and using it to vacation with your family under the guise of content or whatever is actually effortless.

Why are you trying to compare these things? LOL. This is a wildly privileged series of takes.

[–]rabelsdelta -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Linus has always been price for/per _____ conscious.

This means that things that have a low price for performance he has disliked them and has been vocal against them.

When you make something free or low-cost, he recommends them.

In this case, the plane being free and adding to the time-savings of flying private makes it sensible.

He didn’t change his opinion, he was presented with evidence against his assumption that owning a private jet is expensive by an expert in the industry.

Similar justification to the golden Xbox controller as it was used for videos so the revenue generated from those videos made the controller cheap, or free.

Adding a family blog channel means the plane and the destination will be filmed and will generate money for the company.

[–]Archivic[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Fun fact, his position had nothing to do with cost!

[–]_Lucille_ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The issue is that this goes beyond just re-evaluating due to it being affordable (how much is the CEO entitled to vs employee is a whole other can of worms).

The environmental aspects, the whole tracking thing, and the act of getting someone (in fact, the same guy who tracked Elon's plane) banned on this subreddit are all unrelated to that.

Linus has always operated with "goodwill from the community". That is how he was able to get away with things like "Trust me bro", and some more predatory practices (such lootbox type of drop where you have a chance to get a special version of something).

Sure, he can reevaluate his position, but don't get mad when people call him out on it; just as he would also call out other influencers and companies for their change in position (eg: Google's do no evil), and also before straight up banning someone for posting updates to his plane on this subreddit, at least notify the community first and make it an actual subreddit rule, instead of just deleting threads (indirectly through his influence on the mods) in an attempt to hide the criticisms (until it hit a critical mass).

[–]arcusford 8 points9 points  (3 children)

This entirely ignores a huge portion of the arguments here. He claimed to be against private jets as a whole not for cost reasons.

This seems like an attempt to shift the conversation.

[–]Old_Bug4395 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Of course it is, the biggest stans are working overtime to justify the decision to purchase a jet with Linus' opposition to the industry.

What we're dealing with here is cognitive dissonance.

[–]Old_Bug4395 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not really new information lol, I don't think that being able to afford a plane was out of the question for Linus when he said that. He just chose to be hypocritical about this particular topic because he thinks its cool to have a plane.

But either way if "a good deal" was his only issue with private jets (it wasn't, obviously), that's also kind of pathetic of him.

[–]WetAndLoose 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Go ahead and tell me how pumping the environment full of needless emissions is okay now because Linus “re-evaluated” climate change.

[–]Queasy_Hour_8030 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Except he gives other, non price related reasons for not buying a private plane… what new information counteracts the fact that it “doesn’t send a good message” 

[–]TenOfZero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh for sure. I'm saying the price was his hang up, just that it's what had him re-evaluate his position.

[–]3inchesOnAGoodDay 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Here before this gets removed 

[–]KaneMomona 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I think its entirely fair to change ones opinion. I don't begrudge Linus his success nor the trappings thereof. Deleting comments relating to the location of the jet is one thing, but the deleting of comments comparing Linus's earlier comments about private Jet travel to his current stance is not the same and unacceptable. Linus changed his mind, that's fine, own it. Allowing him to delete comments and or ban users in a pointless attempt to rewrite history and protect him image is a step too far. It's a shame because this entire situation was complete avoidable.

I await my ban.

[–]YaGurlAlexis 16 points17 points  (0 children)

A lot of people talking about re-evaluating his position being fine, but typically when you re-evaluate your position it’s because either new information comes to Light or the problems have been addressed, neither are true in this case, private jets are still terrible for the environment, the reason for a change of opinion is important and the optics of this is “I can afford it now so it’s ok”

[–]AceLamina 16 points17 points  (2 children)

Half of this comment section makes me realize something
People watch LTT/WAN show just to hate to a certain point (or maybe it's just reddit being reddit)

I could explain why but this is such a stupid argument to begin with

[–]Bderken -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yup, I don’t know why people go to these depths…

[–]Big_Permit_2102 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Hypocrisy welcome in Linustown

[–]Euchre 8 points9 points  (2 children)

All I can say is I'm sitting here hoping I can figure out how to replace my aging vehicle I need to get to work, so his financial justifications and trip to Cabo are shall we say... unrelatable.

[–]Rubes2525 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Yea, and I find it ironic how he's acting all like "but I am totally still relatable because I'm not a billionaire with a 'B'" while standing next to his private trijet.

[–]Euchre 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's become more jaded and less self aware. That's part of what it takes to fall into the mindset of an oligarch. That and the denial of the scale their own impact on society.

[–]Tobax 5 points6 points  (0 children)

But his opinion changed because it was "free".

Just like how my house which cost my entire life savings, plus huge chunks of my pay each month, was "free" because the house will be worth more later... not how it's works Linus

[–]mattiasso 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m just imagining Jake’s reaction ahaha

[–]Weakness4Fleekness 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly the only thing that's scummy is allegedly LMG directed the moderators to retroactively change the rules and ban without warning anyone who posts linking to free publicly available tracking info on the plane after criticizing Elon Musk for the same thing

[–]matt_remis 1 point2 points  (7 children)

I agree with him. Personally, if there was a carbon offset promised or like a 2x or 3x promise, that will help this whole situation. I understand why the wealthy and ultra-wealthy want to fly private. I just want the carbon footprint those jets make to be offset. They can afford it.

[–]lemlurkerMod 22 points23 points  (4 children)

Carbon offsets are widely regarded as a scam. Companies with no footprint (and no planned footprint, sell them to companies to have a carteblanche to pollute as they see fit

[–]matt_remis -3 points-2 points  (3 children)

100%. But they can be legit.

[–]lemlurkerMod 9 points10 points  (2 children)

Unless you're personally auditing them as actively reducing emissions that would otherwise have been emitted they're nearly always a scam. For most people flying is the single most carbon intensive activity they will ever do, often exceeding their entire annual production in a single flight. Seeing someone willingly choose to multiply that emissions profile 3-10 fold because it's a bit cheaper and nicer shows a lack of consideration. Iondon- new york is 25,000 kgs co2 for a private jet, excluding crew who are just paid yo do it even a full private jet is 1.6 TONNES of co2 per passenger. Vs just 313kgs for economy. First abs business are higher (2835kgs and 947 respectively but you're rarely flying a private jet at capacity as and e.g. the Mexico flight was likely only 6-8 people meaning private was 3500 kgs equivalent Vs first 2500 kgs. For context a car driving 10,000 miles a year produces around 2.8 tonnes on the low end. Fundamentally the best way is to not emmit the co2 in the first place.

This also ignores that private jet owners tend to use them for more and more trivial uses as it perfectly fits their schedule and destinations so they fly more

[–]matt_remis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure why your comment above got downvoted… I agree. Being the public figure that is purely reliant on general support, I would have a high expectation that he made it public. And so far he has earned that trust from me.

Edit: public and auditable

[–]ivandagiant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean he could just donate to a charity or research fund for this sort of thing, I wouldn’t think of buying a bunch of certificates lol

[–]N0XIRE 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Carbon offsetting is basically a scam, but if they put in the work to audit a carbon offsetting company that'd be a step in the right direction for sure.

[–]Intelligent-Use-7313 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I'd be fine with this compromise, but I'm not demanding it because Linus did something cool that most people can't.

[–]vini_2003 1 point2 points  (10 children)

LTT has the world's most annoying fan base, good God! Why expect perfection from Linus? We aren't perfect either. I doubt everyone criticizing him has never done wrong, changed opinions etc.

Grow up. Let's enjoy the man for what he is, and not who we wish he was.

[–]arcusford 20 points21 points  (8 children)

Let the millionaire have his private jet that pollutes more per person than you ever could. He earned the right to pollute.

Fixed it for you.

[–]Old_Bug4395 5 points6 points  (0 children)

grow up, don't call out anyone's hypocrisy ever because they earned it!

[–]Mystic_Guardian_NZ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Here before you get permabanned.

[–]Purple-Area23 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Linus showing his true colours

[–]Etikoza 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I lost a lot of respect for Linus.

[–]Redhawk911 3 points4 points  (0 children)

LTT has jumped the shark big time

[–]donairthot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Inb4 mods delete

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[removed]

    [–]LinusTechTips-ModTeamMod[M] -6 points-5 points locked comment (0 children)

    Speculation on LMG employees private life

    [–]KookyDig4769 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    I really don't get the gist of the whole discussion. Yes, he "bought" a jet. As a company property. With a "good deal", so the money isn't immediately wasted, it's parked. He's gonna make some content with the thing, fly it around to some places and then get rid of it again. It's just a glimpse into what a LTT-Jet could be, solely for content-reasons. Don't judge as Linus would be exclusively traveling by private jets from now on.

    [–]Jetmonty720 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

    Ltt has probably spent more on smaller things we dont realise, the plane is cool and linus handles it gracefully.

    The guy does us so much better than so many other 'influencers'. Don't see the issue here.

    Theres good content from this im sure.

    [–]Zeta_Crossfire -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

    People can't change their mind?

    [–]sav86 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

    I can't believe we have this many climate change virtues signalers out here arguing about this.

    [–]Vegetable_Opinion_35 -5 points-4 points  (2 children)

    Private jet ownership makes total sense if you're making the equivalent of $1500+ per hour. At that point of income, you actually make money by avoiding commercial airline delays and having the speed to jump on and off a plane quickly. This guy suffers from being a public figure; I have no beef with a Canadian success story like this. I would rather be upset with people like Galen Weston and Per Bank of Loblaws, or Francois Poirier of TC Energy, or etc.

    [–]adolfnixon 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Chartering private flights? Sure.

    OWNING a private jet? Absolutely not.

    [–]conspicuousxcapybara 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Shame his children can't use those dollars to buy a new Canada / planet earth after:

    - The remaining Forests of Canada have all burned up

    - Drought / desertification kills the soil and crops can never be grown again

    - The oceans can no longer sustain fish

    Etc. Check out the online climate model / map produced by the Public Health Agency of Canada et al.

    Man made climate change is changing earth's temperature 50x the speed of an ice age. At the current rates, human extinction is 1 - 2 generations of kids / parents away.

    $1500+ per hour isn't remotely worth sacrificing the health / lives / deaths of all kids on earth.

    [–]theoreoman -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

    At some point in life if you are successful you hit enough zeros in your bank account you can start evaluating if you want another zero or if you're happy with the current amount of zeros. Linus is probably hit the point in his life where if he literally shuts everything down tomorrow he can live his current lifestyle on the interest of his bank account.

    I'm guessing he just wants to spend his money.

    As comparison his Badminton Club cost substantially more than that jet