Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To pay (or not?) for a city break offered to you last minute?

64 replies

Ilikeyoursleeves · 13/11/2025 20:20

A friend had booked a city break to Amsterdam with her friends this weekend, Saturday to Monday. I don’t know the friend group (4 of them were going) as it’s a different friend circle but she’s just told me one of the friends suddenly can’t go for medical reasons.

If you were asked if you wanted to go in the friends place would you think you would be expected to pay for it in full / partially / not at all? For the hotel and flight that is.

OP posts:
Crochetandtea · 13/11/2025 20:28

I wouldn’t ask for the full amount if I was the person who couldn’t go. I think a contribution towards the lost money should suffice. If you wouldn’t pay full price and then the ££ to change the name then I wouldn’t go tbh. You’d be doing them a favour to offer half. Better then the nothing they’ll get if no one goes.

Screenager · 13/11/2025 20:26

If you can’t afford it, just say ‘sorry I can’t afford it’… they may reply with oh! It’s free!

Hotchocolateandsnow · 13/11/2025 20:25

I would expect to pay what the original person paid any additional costs like changing names on the flight are paid my the original booker.

It’s a bonus if the original person pays half or doesn’t accept the money but I would always offer

beasmithwentworth · 13/11/2025 20:24

If you don’t know then why not just say.. ‘sounds lovely. Before I commit, can I ask what the details and costs are please?’

Luxio · 13/11/2025 20:23

Yes I'd expect to pay in full especially if it was because the previous guest now couldn't attend for a medical reason and I'd imagine if you didn't take up her space she would be able to claim on her insurance so wouldn't be out of pocket.

beasmithwentworth · 13/11/2025 20:23

Are you posting as you don’t know if you are expected to pay (or how much) or that you don’t know what is being asked is reasonable?

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 13/11/2025 20:22

I would decline as it’s not clear and could be costly to go be the outsider.

JudgeBread · 13/11/2025 20:22

Yeah I'd expect to pay, be a bit cheeky to expect to be taken on a free holiday on someone else's dime

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 13/11/2025 20:22

Yes. I’d expect to pay. Why wouldn’t you?

Arlanymor · 13/11/2025 20:22

I imagine you'd pay whatever the admin cost is to change the name on the plane ticket. And then, yes, pay for the hotel that you're staying in and enjoying.

missmollygreen · 13/11/2025 20:22

Yes, I would expect to pay.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 13/11/2025 20:21

i would expect to pay

Greenflowering · 13/11/2025 20:21

Yes, I would expect to cover all costs.

Sittingonthefence83 · 13/11/2025 20:20

I’d expect they would want you to pay in full tbh