Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Travel Quandary – Looking for Thoughts

27 replies

Plantymcplantface · 25/04/2025 13:08

My husband is 100% against air travel for environmental reasons and has vowed never to fly again. He’s very black and white about it, and there’s no room for discussion. I respect his stance—he’s passionate and principled—but it’s tricky.

He’s travelled loads in the past (Europe, Australia, Egypt etc.), and we did a bit together when dating. But now, with teenage daughters, we haven’t flown in years. Our youngest has only been on a plane once—as a baby. I haven’t travelled much myself, and I’d love for our girls to see more of the world: different cultures, languages, places.

I’m open to compromise—we’ve done boat and train trips, and I’d happily pay carbon offset costs—but he won’t budge. I feel stuck between wanting to respect his values and wanting to give our kids (and myself) some broader experiences.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s navigated a similar value clash:

  • Is it fair for one partner’s view to shape the whole family’s experience?
  • How do you handle this when compromise isn’t possible?
  • Am I being unreasonable for still wanting to fly occasionally?

Really appreciate any thoughts!

OP posts:
bigknitblanket · 25/04/2025 13:12

You’re not joined at the hip, and you’re entitled to travel by plane if you want to.
I appreciate his PoV, and have cut down on flying myself but it’s easy for him to have his principles now when he’s already travelled widely.

Coffeeishot · 25/04/2025 13:10

Take your kids I understand if it's his views but life is too short not to visit other countries,get ferries and trains, fly if you want.