Flying kids business class on upgrade- would you?

[Leax]

We're going on a 9 hour return flight with 8 hour time difference on other side, my partner flies a lot and can has free upgrades he can use to put us all in business class, the kids are aged 10 and 12. A couple of the upgrades will likely expire without being used if not used on this trip. I initially said no way to the kids flying business class. Just because of uncomfortable feelings around spoiling them, that it should be something you work for/don't get at that age etc etc. I am aware of how privileged they are in many ways in their lives and this seems like a huge extra thing in that regard.
Partner thinks that it makes sense as we"ll all be a lot more rested on other side and on return.
Wouldn't go business class and leave them in economy at this age, but have suggested one of us stay with kids one each leg and the other goes business class. What would you do?

I think it’s lovely for all of you all and it sounds like maybe your partner is away a lot. This is the trade off, dad works away a lot and we get these rare treats.

Do it!

DC’s have flown business as long as they can remember as DH and I always upgrade (on points) but have regularly reminded DC’s that being to do this is special and that they are very lucky.

I think you’re overthinking it! This thinking could apply to a lot of things otherwise... whether they grow up entitled and spoilt wont depend on whether they fly business with you but on how you raise them IMO.

I think you're cutting off your nose to spite your face - honestly it won't spoil the kids and if it does a little bit does that matter anyway. Plenty of privileged kids travel business all the time, whether they appreciate it or not is down to parenting. You could say you're spoiling the kids to go on holiday at all!

I'm airline staff so mine are used to business. I come down on them like a ton of bricks if they complain about being in economy (and laugh at them!) but business is nicer for everyone. I wouldnt spend 9 hours in economy over free business class just to make a point.

Best thing about business for my kids is the lack of queuing BTW. They don't care about the seats, food, service etc!

I think you're overthinking it. Business isn't so amazing that they will become spoilt brats overnight. I'd do it in a heartbeat, anything to make life more pleasant!

Go for it, it would be a waste to let it expire, and enjoy it.

I can't possibly see how only letting child experience it and martyring one parent would benefit the family more so than just enjoying the opportunity for everyone. (Plus I've never found business class to be life-changing, just at least more comfortable)

*one child

I totally would, they will love it.

Have flown business class many many times ( Emirates) with dd since she was 5 months old.( 13 now) Always had points as parents lived in Dubai and we then lived in oz so Was back and forth lots. She has always appreciated and enjoyed it and has great memories.
If you can do it then why not. X

As long as they behave, don’t fidget, keep their voices down and are polite, I don’t see the problem. As long as they know it’s a huge treat and a privilege.

I’d definitely do it.
Agree with pp that if you’re going on holiday somewhere 9 hours away, then you could argue that ‘spoils’ them just as much as the method of getting there.
Enjoy it! (And if you decide not too, I’ll gladly take the free upgrades from you )

Do it! They'll soon learn what economy flights are when they have to pay for themselves

They should behave and be polite but I wouldnt worry too much about their voices, if you get a couple of talkative blokes in your cabin they will be drowned out anyway. There isn't any need to behave in a different way to any other class of cabin in the aeroplane, it is just a more comfortable way of traveling.

Ffs. One trip on business class won't spoil them. Children get spoiled by being given everything they want every time they ask for it not by having nice things.

Absolutely - I fly mine long haul in biz