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

[OfCourseIveNameChangedForThis]

Testing name change.

Don't seem to remember mentioning anything about husband's "higher status"?

My 11 and 13 year olds are well used to flying long haul but they would still need the input of an adult.

what's wrong with dorset?

Totally agree about it not being fair on the other passengers

Oh please don't do this, it sends the message to your kids that they are worth less than adults.

I agree with that.

DP has friends who, when they take their children (teenagers) out for a family meal, tell them they can only order the cheapest things on the menu. So Mum and dad sit there with steaks or whatever, and the kids sit there with the cheapest pasta dish. Tight twats. Either don't go out, or go somewhere cheaper.

I used to go on hols with my cousins and if our parents had done this we'd have been thrilled. Presumably you know hether they get sick or scared or whether they'll play up.

All of the flights I have ever been on have cabin crew which are paid to do this.

Bah! Quoted the wrong thing...

"why is cattle class 'good enough' for his children, when it isn't for him?"

Because they're smaller and don't need as much leg room and can sleep ok on a reclining seat.

Lol at pickgo.

if I were sat next to a couple of kids whose parents thought it was ok to seat themselves in the better seats, I would judge oh, yes I would

in 8 hours, those kids are going to have needs

obviously not of the bum-wiping variety, but of the the "how do I do this" "what time is it" "are we nearly there yet" "I've got my seatbealt stuck" variety

parent your own children, OP, don't leave it for someone else to do

I don't necessarily think it will make your children feel they are inferior. I have no doubt thy would enjoy it. However, it is grossly unfair on whoever they end up sitting next to (perhaps someone who work long hours in a demanding job and needs to sleep but can't afford business class)

What's wrong with premium economy this time? Business class is lovely, yes, but only fopr (a) the wall to wall free booze or (b) sleeping when doing the red eye.

Yes you have more room but I have no truck with those people who moan like hell about having enough legroom. It's only a few hours, yes it is uncomfortable but not impossibly so, I am 6 foot and never really have found it a problem. And premium economy has plenty of room imo.

If it is a family holiday, I think you should travel as a family.

My 11 and 13 year olds are well used to flying long haul but they would still need the input of an adult

Do you mean if there was an emergency or just generally?

GOML. Last time we went business, the younger child didn't like the poncey food there! So the stewardess got him something from economy instead. But it was his choice.

Oh please don't do this, it sends the message to your kids that they are worth less than adults

Oh for heavens sakes... this is the sort of attitude that gives children this inflated sense of entitlement. In the OPs case, they are not being left at home with a load of microwave meals while the OP swans off to exotic destinations... they are not going to suffer because they dont get to have the extra bit of luxury that business class offers and that adults would apprectiate much more than two kids would.

Children fit into economy seats much more comfortably than adults, and paying extra £££s just so they could be in Business would be absolutely wasted on them..

Am I the only one who would just refuse to take responsibility for any kids sitting next to me?

Surely looking after the kids is the responsibility of the parents and/or the cabin crew? I would not feel any obligation to act as an unpaid babysitter.

I think a 13 year old is probably capable of sorting out their own seatbelt up and finding the moving map. They can use ipads at 18mo now

OP, the fact your husband thinks this is a good idea means he reckons he is higher status than his kids

and the fact that you are seriously considering means that you in some way have been persuaded that he is

but if it is about rest, then come home a day earlier. you seem to think your dh will reject this idea though.

he can't have it all ways, tbh. he can, of course, choose to pay for a better class ticket for himself than his children. but why would coming home a day early form holiday be such a problem, if it is not about feeling superior?

that way, everyone wins - you all get exciting longhaul destination (some shorthaul destinations are exciting and interesting too, you know), you don;t have to give in to your misgivings about the different cabins, and your dh is rested for work. why would he need so much convincing? especially since the problem is finances, and this is the best solution for that too.

"My 11 and 13 year olds are well used to flying long haul but they would still need the input of an adult

Do you mean if there was an emergency or just generally?"

Just generally and randomly.

BINGO sense of entitlement.

The only one with an inflated sense of entitlement and his own impirtance here is the OP's husband.

Your husband sounds dreadful, do you not work hard the rest of the year (I'm sure you do!).

And do you really know that your kids will be beautifully behaved? Frankly all the unattended kids I've ever sat next to on a plane never are, but maybe yours are the exception!

I can't really understand the attitude, but I don't suppose your children will be scarred for life. Your DH does sound very precious though, your oldest is 13 you'd think he'd know by now that holidays aren't like before you had kids!!

They ask questions, they may be asleep when the meals come round, there may be a disagreement... nothing major but all stuff that needs a parent.

OP, the fact your husband thinks this is a good idea means he reckons he is higher status than his kids

But parents should have a higher status than children. . Children are not mini adults..