To Risk Upsetting Other Travellers

[JustPurple]

I am going back to work at the end of October and am looking to squeeze in a last minute holiday before I go back. We will be flying long haul and have an 8 month old baby.

We usually fly premium economy when we travel with TUI because I'm not great with large groups of people. WIBU to take an infant into premium economy? I feel like people would be cross if she made any noise when they've paid out for an upgrade, presumably for a calmer and more enjoyable experience. The baby doesn't usually cry for any length of time but she's never flown before.

[mindutopia]

Yes, I think it’s kind of rude. I fly premium as well when I can, but we don’t do it with dc. I would just sort of feel like a jerk.

Can you try to book on a flight where economy has a smaller section? Some of the ones with an upper deck have a small section of economy up there and I find that’s less stressful than being in the main one. Or there may be a smaller section of economy on the main deck as well.

[Stompythedinosaur]

I would. Other travellers have paid for extra legroom, not the absence of children. I imagine the extra space will be handy travelling with a baby on your lap.

[Cornettoninja]

I was really hesitant to fly with dd because of the same worries. Ended up flying short haul not long before she turned 2 (which was fine btw) at which point I realised a plane is an enormous white noise machine.... I think you’ll be fine if she’s suseptible to white noise.

It’s a bonus if she still breastfeeds or takes a dummy - both would help with potential ear discomfort.

[NightCzar]

I think it's fine. I wouldn't take a baby in first but PE is ok.

[PrincessaCarrisi]

It's not rude!
Book the premium economy if you want to!

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Of course YANBU - you are entitled to fly in premium economy as much as the next person! More room is much easier with a baby too.

[DrWhy]

As someone else said, they are paying for more space not a baby free environment. I’ve travelled business class for work and that often has babies and children in. If we could possibly afford it now I’d go in the class that gave us most room for the toddler!

[LyraLieIn]

The airline could easily not allow children in PE if they wanted to, so I don't think you need to worry. It's an airline policy decision - they've decided it's OK so no need for you to second guess it.

[Imamouseduh]

What? Of course it’s not rude. I don’t understand why you think it would be. It’s only premium economy, not a private jet.

[redexpat]

Your baby has just as much right to be there as the next person.

[WorldWideWomble]

Rich people have babies too.

Poor people aren't the only ones who should have to listen to babies, while also sitting in the shit seats.

[WorldWideWomble]

Also the better the seats the more likely they can afford noise cancelling headphones

[thecarrottree]

You pay for the seat, sit where you want to.

[AynRandTheObjectivist]

There's nothing rude about it, MN batshittery strikes again. Ye gods. FFS. No, nobody likes being stuck on a plane with a crying baby but they also don't like being stuck next to people who fart, stink, get airsick and so on. Unfortunately, unless you've got yourself a private jet, you just have to suck it up and realise that it's public transport and everyone has as much right to be there as you.

[Sewrainbow]

Yanbu if you can afford it why shouldn't you? Like pp said they've paid for more room not baby-free environment. It certainly isn't rude!

[newmummy0094]

@JustPurple
I think it's fine as long as you don't go business class.

[Whereisthegin1978]

I don’t think it’s rude to take a baby in premium or first. Your money, your choice.

[ChipsAndKetchup]

I'd be more worried that you're flying with TUI frankly

[TuathaDeDanann]

I think it makes the other travellers' extra spend worthless. So I wouldn't do it personally as it's bad enough having a crying baby on a flight but it'd be so upsetting to have paid extra and still have a crying baby. Nobody can stop you though.

[WelcomeToShootingStars]

It's fine to take a baby in any part of a plane.

The only issue is with people who ignore their upset baby or badly behaved children.

[GaspingGekko]

I've come across a few babies in business class and premium. The only time it bothered me was the one woman who didn't try to keep her child quiet. She just drank lots of wine and left the baby screaming in the bassinet. Several cabin crew came over to ask if they could help or take the baby but she refused, for the whole 11 hour flight.
So unless you intend to leave your baby crying I think YANBU.