It really depends on the board member is. Imagine you have a board member who has been one of the key people who have brought your VC funding. You're about to start up a series B and again, he's one of your rocks.
Now you're having some extra meetings to get things straightened out. You know he typically flies first class in any case. Do you want to ask him to inconvenience himself (which is really what you're asking him to do) so that you can use him to raise more money?
While youy may say that this is a basic lack of assertiveness -- I could see the board member saying, "You're missing the forest for the trees."
It will also depend on how independent the board member is. Some board members are relying on your companies success. Others may be just there for the ride.
It should less of a problem for startups, where all the board members will be investors.
Now you're having some extra meetings to get things straightened out. You know he typically flies first class in any case. Do you want to ask him to inconvenience himself (which is really what you're asking him to do) so that you can use him to raise more money?
While youy may say that this is a basic lack of assertiveness -- I could see the board member saying, "You're missing the forest for the trees."