Husband refusing to sit in economy class

[waterfallrainbow]

We are desperate for some winter sun. But DH (who doesn't care about winter sun) has imposed some conditions: He will only fly for up to 3 hours in an economy seat because he says any longer will damage his knees. He is 6 foot 3.5 with very long legs. Trouble is, you can't really get any winter sun within 3 hours. I can't help thinking he's being a bit precious. In the end we've shelled out an extra £1k for him to fly business class while we go cattle class, which basically means I am paying for his flight. I have long legs too... We have to go on a cheaper holiday as a result. Slightly struggling with my attitude...

I'm really sorry but I saw the title and had visions of him stubbornly standing up in s classroom

I think he was willing to compromise on the 3 hours thing, you wanted a further away destination, this was his compromise. Although I might've just told him to stay home if he doesn't want to fly economy or at least pay for it himself rather than from joint money

I suppose it also depends how long the flight actually is.

If it was the Canaries, then for a 4.5hr flight it's not totally unreasonable to expect him to sit in the aisle seat and just stretch his legs as often as he can. If however its a 6hr+ flight then it's a much longer time to be uncomfortable. I recently flew with BA economy to the US and back and I'm a perfectly normal 5ft6 of reasonable weight and I found it pretty cramped and unpleasant after a few hours.

So you're looking at South Africa or Australasia? I'm with your husband - I wouldn't put myself through that flight in economy for a holiday I didn't really want.

If he'd be happy for you to go without him, YABU.

If he would sulk, HIBU.

He should have booked the front seat or the one over the wing. I travel with my 6' bil and 6'4" dh. Even long haul they didn't whinge.

It depends on the leg length not the height - DD is 5' 10 but has longer legs (36") than her 6'1 brother (33"). She finds long haul flights really uncomfortable but has to suck it up.

ExH (6'4) used to try to travel separately using this excuse. I suspect it had as much to do,with not wanting to put up with DC on the flight as to do with his leg length. If you're a family, you should travel together - don't put up with this.

I don't know, I'm only 5 8 but find all flights uncomfortable in cattle class these days, no leg room, knees againstseat in front (I wear a 33 inside leg) back of seat feels bolt upright. Awful

It depends, if he has something wrong with knees and tends to have long lasting physical complications after things like this then fair enough. If he isn't keen to go it is a waste of money, just go without him, it isn't essential for both parents to go and if you need more adult help perhaps another friend or relative would really enjoy the trip.

Hmm to be fair my DH is 6'3 and has back problems and sciatica and really struggles with economy seating (though he does it because we can't afford to go on holiday otherwise). I can see both sides.

What a diva.

You can get winter sun in the Canaries, Morocco... presumably loads of other short-haul places too? Although maybe you mean serious, sunbathing, hot sun.

Even a flight to the Canaries is awful on the knees in a normal seat if you're tall.

My DH is 6'4" I have an ex who is 6'5" I've travelled long haul with both without complaint. My DH requests by the exit for his legs but otherwise if not available just sits in an aisle seat and sticks his legs out for a stretch when no-one is walking past. Ex got given the exit seat without asking - the ticket people offered him when they saw how tall he is. Both travel without complaint.

Who is the "we" in this question? What is the definition of winter sun? Giving yourself skin cancer on a beach somewhere or what? Who else is wanting that apart from the OP? Why did DH have to come?

Flights with bad leg room can be murderously painful. My knees are bad so need to have space to move my legs a lot so I dont do long flights either.

No-one should be made to be uncomfortable but no-one should be denied holiday time either. If he doesn't need to come then don't make him and go find the sun.

My DH is 6'6 with 36" legs and says it's fine in economy. Not brilliantly comfortable but fine to go on holiday. We've flown long haul and he's never complained. Don't think I'd pay extra for him if he did though.

Sure, gleam, but the OP says 'He will only fly for up to 3 hours in an economy seat', which presumably means he's OK with flights to places like that.

DH is very big and always needs either Business Class or extra legroom.

When did sunshine holidays become a legal requirement BTW :) I must've missed the memo.

I'm small but really bad knees. Always sit in an isle but business class is a waste of money you could use for your holidays.

Tell him to suck it up buttercup. Some of us have to travel for work all the time. He is blooming lucky if all he is worried about is economy class for a holiday at the end of it.

He he. To be fair, I did suggest that but he pointed out (undeniably) that we need a family holiday for bonding.

You can get winter sun in the Canaries, Morocco...

I also came on to tell you to consider Morocco.

Honestly though, I wouldn't go with the decision you've made. Either get an extra legroom seat in economy, or frankly even an aisle seat for him to wander freely, or stay home, or he pays for the upgrade in a way that doesn't dent your holiday budget.

Also, Hello Daily Fail journos! This thread is of a type that may interest the lazy twunts.

WhiskyAndTwiglets Are you tall and/or long legged?

Cheaper to have left him at home.

EssentialHummus
Good shout - I wonder if I can get odds at Paddy Power on how long before this winds up in the Heil or Heil Online.

Does he actually tell people he's 6ft 3.5 inches.... 3.5! Like a little kid who tells you he's not 5, hes 5 1/2.