to put the children in economy while DH and I fly business class?

[OfCourseIveNameChangedForThis]

Testing name change.

Good the name change worked. Didn?t want a buppy vagine moment. And yes, I?m a coward because I think I might get a bit of a flaming for this.

Anyway, DH and I were talking about holidays and, in the past when we?ve been to the States with the kids, we?ve all flown business class (partly paid for with Air Miles).

We?d like to take the children away long haul on holiday again, but, as DH has deferred his bonus at work (and the Air Miles are used up), we couldn?t afford to all go business class. I suggested that maybe we all went Premium Economy where we?d get bigger seats than normal and a better chance of a decent night?s sleep, but DH won?t entertain that. To be fair, he does work long hours at a stressful job and will need to rested on the way back so that he can start back at work on our return, and the kids will be on summer holidays.

So the dilemma is this. Would it be fair to put the children in economy or premium economy while we fly business class? They will be 13 and 10 in the summer. Dh tells me this is more common than I think.

No it would not be fair. I can't believe you're asking.

If DH needs to be so 'rested,' then why can't you go economy too?

Think of the poor passengers who feel they have to look after your kids because you can't be bothered.

It's a bit of a long flight and your youngest is only 10. I personally wouldn't do this. Why don't you and the kids go premium economy as you suggested and let your DH to business seeing's he's the one not wanting to compromise.

Or go on a slightly shorter holiday and DH can sleep on your return?

To be fair Tess, they won't need looking after. They are pretty self sufficient.

Although I would secretly love a flight without children, it's a bit mean.

YANBU if the kids don't mind and if they will behave themselves. But personally, I would opt for premium economy for everyone. Holidays are about time together as a family, IMO, and I would be uncomfortable about travelling in luxury while kids were in cattle class.

I flew loads when I was growing up and quite enjoyed not sitting with my parents! We used to wait until the plane took off, grab our handbaggage and sprint for free window seats (started doing this when I was 8 or so - my mum didn't mind at all).

I should imagine your kids would be fine sitting apart at that age - if it's possible, maybe try to get them seats near the front of economy so you can see them easily. I'd also let the airplane staff know those are your kids and to report any disturbances to you soon as they occur.

Hope you don't get flamed, I don't think you're suggesting anything terrible...

Actually I'm totally opposed to people taking their children business class anyway. The clue is in the name people; unbelievably selfish.

In this case you are being even more selfish. FFS travel premium economy, or one of you in business, the other in economy with the children. Noone should be made responsible for looking after your children while you swan around in business class (unless that person is your paid child carer).

Yep, you're going to get a flaming. YABVVVU

I guess if your kids are used to being treated like this by their parents (as being less important), they'll be fine with it. It's not something I'd do, but then I'd also not have the attitude that dh needed special treatment because he's a hard working man either. Seems odd. Why not holiday somewhere you can afford where you can all be treated equally?

Honestly?

Your DH sounds like a total arse - he 'won't entertain' the thought of sitting with his children on a plane??

You would both be hugely unreasonable here.

1. You need to sit with / near your DC in order to supervise them for the benefit of other passengers.
2. What if (admittedly unlikely) there's some kind of emergency? Don't you think you should be with your DC then? Even bad turbulence can be pretty scary.
3. Doesn't really get a 'family' holiday off to the right footing does it.

So no, I don't think it would be fair.

not fair on other flyers -'maybe your dp goes 1st class and the rest of you go ecconomy?

You might as well go the whole hog and send the kids to Barnardos whilst you're on holiday...what is wrong with some people???

I doubt you would be allowed to leave your DCs alone in economy unless you paid for them to be UMs.

Yes. I'm glad I name changed.

My paremts did this but we were both in our twenties. No I wouldn't do this and wouldn't they then get classed as unaccompanied minors as they are too young to fly by themselves?

Yes.

Of course it would. If you don't have status, or only one, you may not be able to make full use of the lounges before flying as you won't be able to take the kids in as guests either remember.

I'd go down and visit them a few times in the flight, but I'm sure they'll be fine.

What is common is for children plus nanny to be in economy while parents fly business or first. Do you have a nanny?

Your DH is being totally unreasonable.
He goes on holiday with the family he travels with the family.
He is an ungrateful twat. If he is not careful I will send my 10 year old DD to give him a short lesson in his fatherly duties!
Not wanting to travel in premium economy with his own wife and 13 and 10 year olds - ridiculous.

No Bonsoir. No nanny. Hadn't thought about the UM bit.

I dont think YABU either, 10 and 8 are old enough to behave (and you know your kids best to know if they would!) And like cerys I used to love not having to sit with my parents (luckily, as my mum and dad aren't known for their timekeeping so we often got to the airport as the plane was practically taking off!!)

As a thought, if you wouldnt mind, why not DH and one child there, DH and other child back? So the kids get the experience...?

Surely a family holiday you are all meant to be equal and do things together? Yabvvu

I wouldn't. But then I'm a nervous flyer.

fivegomadindorset No if you're on the same flight most airlines are completely fine with it over 5.