Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To spend £400 of my own money to upgrade a work flight?

66 replies

Hungarian · 15/10/2025 09:48

I have a daytime flight to Toronto for a work trip soon. It’s on a weekend so technically it’s “me time”. Work will only pay for premium economy.

I got an offer through on my phone that I could upgrade the day flight to business class for £400. So effectively £400 for lounge access, fast track security, a nicer seat on the plane, better food, and quicker bags.

I’ve always wanted to try this airline’s business class product but would never spend my own money for a biz ticket. So £400 is probably the cheapest way for me to try it. DH thinks I’m mad to spend my own money to upgrade a work trip.

OP posts:
RubySquid · 15/10/2025 11:27

If itslong haul go for it. If it's euro business then not worth it

InTheNotswolds · 15/10/2025 11:25

Do you get a day off in lieu for travelling at the weekend? If so, could you forgo that and offset the cost against it?

Newnamethisway · 15/10/2025 10:19

Depends on how far you have joint finances and how much the £400 would make a difference to that and general family budget.

ForgetTheTomatoes · 15/10/2025 10:15

I would. We did it for a transatlantic night flight on the way back from our holiday to the US years ago. The lounge meant there was comfortable seating, food and drinks on tap before the flight. We also had a connecting flight from Dublin to UK so that allowed us access to the business lounge when we landed in Dublin too. We could shower, the toilets were nicer, there was again free food and drinks. Ours were about £400 per person.

Agix · 15/10/2025 10:04

Do it.

AirborneElephant · 15/10/2025 10:03

I’ve done it, albeit using points rather than cash. If it’s worth £400 to you then go for it. Most people like business for the flat bed which is probably why the day flight upgrade is cheaper, but if you haven’t done business before and want to try it a day flight is good for guzzling your body weight in champagne and enjoying the comfy seat and service. Which airport are you leaving from? Typically the Heathrow lounges are better than Gatwick or regional ones.

noidea69 · 15/10/2025 10:01

Could that £400 be spent on something better though?

Feel like if the genders were reversed everyone would be going mad at a husband spending that on work trip.

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 15/10/2025 09:58

I frequently upgrade things from the baseline provided by work, because I prefer those options. I often take taxis from the airport during daylight for example, even though decent public transport exists. I just prefer a taxi and don't mind paying for it

cestlavielife · 15/10/2025 09:52

Does that cover return as well?

MotherofPufflings · 15/10/2025 09:52

Nope, I'd massively resent paying for this myself unless I literally wouldn't even notice the £400. I'd rather spend it on something that would last longer than the duration of a flight, especially a daytime one.

Sajacas · 15/10/2025 09:51

If it is worth 400 to you, and you have 400, then do it.

Largestlegocollectionever · 15/10/2025 09:51

Why does it matter if it’s work or personal trip? Either way you still have to do the flight!
£400 sounds like a good bargain tbh.

PastaAllaNorma · 15/10/2025 09:50

It's not about the purpose of the trip. It's about the quality of your journey on your weekend.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 15/10/2025 09:50

Why not? If you can afford it and it will make you feel like you are having a treat for yourself then do it! X

Setyoufree · 15/10/2025 09:49

If you can afford it, I would I think. I know it's a work trip but it's your weekend!

CurlsLDN · 15/10/2025 09:49

If you can afford it, you’ve earned the money, spend it how you like!