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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Husband refusing to sit in economy class

216 replies

waterfallrainbow · 09/01/2017 18:13

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...

OP posts:
SapphireStrange · 10/01/2017 12:09

After all, he is coming on holiday with us when he doesn't want to.

Get a refund on his seat and leave the miserable martyr bugger at home!

If he just doesn't want to come can't he just say that, rather than fussing about his seat and his knees?

On another note, I'd LOVE to go to Jordan. Please tell us what it's like!

LiviaDrusillaAugusta · 10/01/2017 12:18

I've told DH when we have a baby he will be taking it in business class with him!

If you are that 'unbonded' that the only way to family unity is to go for a holiday in the sun (which one of you is being dragged reluctantly to) then I would hope that the last thing on your minds would be having a baby!

MitzyLeFrouf · 10/01/2017 12:31

What's wrong with thinking a family holiday might be beneficial to all? Confused

raspberrysuicide · 10/01/2017 12:33

It was 25 degrees in the Algarve over Christmas. That's only a 3 hr flight.

SpicyTomatos · 10/01/2017 12:53

Just make sure you familiarise your kids with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade before they go. Just to maximise the sensation coming out of the siq in Petra. A colleague of mine was amazed how much his kids enjoyed the whole thing.

Also, depending on how worldly travelled your kids are, the desert is a good option, and you can even stay overnight.

LiviaDrusillaAugusta · 10/01/2017 12:55

What's wrong with thinking a family holiday might be beneficial to all? confused

Because OP specifically said it was for 'bonding' after a shit year and yet the fact that the DH doesnt want to fly for longer than three hours doesn't seem to matter to the OP. She's determined to have her holiday in the sun.

It's not going to start the holiday on a positive note is it!

NavyandWhite · 10/01/2017 12:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Strongmummy · 10/01/2017 13:10

Sorry, not read the whole thread but is the OP going to Jordan? I'm Jordanian and the flight is way over 3 hours and it can be really cold in winter. It often snows in Amman and the north. Best time to go is May or October.

downwardfacingdog · 10/01/2017 13:12

I don't think he is BU. It seems like you've reached a reasonable solution. Not sure why people think he should just suck it up. I have 36" legs and find travelling in economy hellish. I would never be able to afford business class, but did get bumped up to economy plus once and it was brill.

Strongmummy · 10/01/2017 13:14

Just caught up now and read that OP is going to Jordan. Definitely not a winter sun destination in my view, but I hope you enjoy the food and culture of my fatherland of course. Personally I would have gone to the Algarve/Canaries......

Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 13:24

Strongmummy we're going to Aqaba. All insider tips gratefully received! It's supposed to make it up to an average of 26 degrees, so fingers crossed.

Been to the Canaries before, not bad, apart from the billboards for the Sun, and the ghetto blasters on the plane which are not really my thing.

OP posts:
Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 13:25

Spicytomatos Ooh good idea re Indiana Jones!

OP posts:
Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 13:28

ivykaty44 I did not know that they did that! Thank you! V useful info.

OP posts:
BringMeTea · 10/01/2017 13:31

Sorry to be negative but please do manage your expectations. Aqaba in Jan/Feb is NOT winter sun. Please do try to see some of the cultural delights. I highly recommend Jerash too. Amazing Roman ruins.

AHedgehogCanNeverBeBuggered · 10/01/2017 13:43

I've not RTFT but he needs to get over himself. Sitting in cramped conditions for a few hours (and he can get up and stretch his legs every half an hour if he wants) will NOT damage his knees! My DH is 6'6" and he manages economy even on long haul flights, he just gets up frequently and tries to book aisle seats.

Why can't he fly economy in one of the extra legroom seats if he's such a baby he can't put up with being a bit squashed for a few hours?

Lasvegas · 10/01/2017 13:52

My DH always sits in extra leg room. He is 6 foot 3. I am 5 foot 3. Most of the extra leg room seats wont let an under 18 sit in them so I sit separately with DD. Back fro South Africa in economy was last straw with the moaning.

I don't and wouldn't pay for his flight though.

wasonthelist · 10/01/2017 13:59

he's such a baby he can't put up with being a bit squashed for a few hours?
What a nasty attitude.

Strongmummy · 10/01/2017 13:59

Aqaba is an ok seaside resort and you're right the weather is ok now. I'm sure if you're staying at a good 5 star hotel it'll be great (the town itself isn't attractive and the port and public beach isn't nice). From there you can easily get to Wadi Rum which is stunning. If you're camping out it gets very very cold at night. Petra is also quite close and again is amazing, but you aren't guaranteed the weather. I've been many times and the last time was in late March and it rained/was pretty overcast. Jordan is only a small country, but it's full of history and culture. It's really best enjoyed in the springtime or autumn. I hope you have a marvellous time

liletsthepink · 10/01/2017 14:15

YABU, I wouldn't want to have a long flight if I was tall with dodgy knees.

Pp have mentioned walking around, but you can't just get up and move around on a flight when you feel like it as the cabin crew have to go up and down with their trolleys. If the seatbelt sign remains on you have to stay in the seat. You also have to be considerate towards other passengers around you so it will keep disturbing them if you continuously move around a crowded aisle. Delays are not unusual so a 4 hour flight can often become 4.5 if the plane has to wait to take off or land.

My last short flight left me needing hospital treatment due to back problems being made worse. After my last experience, I know that I would never fly again unless I can afford to upgrade.

Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 15:13

BringMeTea and StrongMummy yes that was my thinking - if we can't reach the Caribbean then at least we can see some amazing culture. Might pass on the camping out in the desert in the middle of winter though!

OP posts:
Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 15:13

and at least it will be sunny enough for vitamin D creation I assume...

OP posts:
MPerspective · 10/01/2017 15:22

You should have had first dibs on booking him a seat near the emergency seat...next to the toilets for good measure. Leg room issue addressed, and for the price of economy. Result.

Original poster
waterfallrainbow · 10/01/2017 15:35

MPerspective oh trust me I did suggest it. No, I'm resigned to my fate. We'll just have to stump up for premium economy or business when the former is not available.

OP posts:
Caterina99 · 10/01/2017 15:39

My DH and his dad and brother are really tall (over 6ft 6). We just book the extra leg room seats. It's not that much extra

Bettyspants · 10/01/2017 15:41

An extra 1k?? Just for him? Ridiculous. DH is 6'4'' with multiple issues from a serious rta leaving him unable to walk for 6months. We've been on long haul flights , could afford one of us to upgrade but not the whole family. He wouldn't do it.