Should celebrities and news people get free rides in fighter jets for alleged publicity purposes?

No.

The government allows civilian celebrities and reporters to take so-called publicity rides in 50-300 million dollar fighter jets, while denying those who served and would like to take a ride that same privilege. In order to get one of these rides you have to be wealthy, a celebrity (wealthy or not), or a reporter. Few politicians get these rides. I don't think we should be footing these expensive rides, even for a movie publicity shot, that are usually free (I know, the movie makers reimburse the government for the use of the flights, but not nearly at what they cost the government) people who can afford to pay for their own thrill rides. Or reporters either, unless it is a legitimate news story. The Air Force and Navy, or the Army for that matter doesn't need publicity to attract fighter pilots this way. I don't think we should be spending the money on the fuel and maintenace required, nor jeopardizing 100 million dollar aircraft for fun rides.