“Pay to play” America — when middle-class dreams become luxury perks

Once seen as the land of shared opportunity, the U.S. middle-class dream is now being sold in premium packages. Companies like Disney, Delta, and American Express are transforming everyday experiences into tiered privileges — a phenomenon economists call “pay-to-play capitalism.”

Source Financial Times

Disney now charges up to $900 per hour for VIP tours, while Delta Airlines profits more from luxury lounges than its core passengers. Even credit giants like JPMorgan and AmEx have raised fees on premium cards while adding exclusive benefits.

Analysts warn this model deepens America’s social divide. As corporations target the wealthy 1%, the rest are left behind — forced to pay more for less. The “American Dream,” once defined by equality and aspiration, has become a luxury only the rich can afford.