My daughter upgraded to Business Class on a flight! She’s 18!

[pietersburg]

DH has chastised her for being a spend thrift, and wasteful. I’m proud of her in a way

She is travelling 14 hours with a rich friend who travels Business. She’s only ever been in Economy, extra leg room seats at best I’ve flown Business for work a few times and it was great.

Her friends parents wanted to upgrade but DD said sorry no she couldn’t afford it. So they said ok if you make a contribution they’ll
pay, so they came to the sum of £180.

It’s come out of her savings for her spending money whilst back packing.

Who’s being unreasonable, me or dh? I think it’s OK, as it’s a one off and heavily subsidised.

This is why we book seats forward of the wing as soon as possible when flying. ppO² is about 25% lower at the back by the time you reach altitude.

That seems odd. Why would it be lower? Surely the air pressure would be similar throughout the plane. I thought that healthy people have no problems with the slightly lower ppO2. Is there a guideline that those with health problems who need more oxygen should sit nearer the front?

18 year olds are not millennials.

It’s not really about the oxygen but the fact that in economy the air is recycled. Anecdotally lots of people comeback with respiratory problems and colds, sore throats after flying

What type of business class seat you get on British Airways is also down to the route you're on. But regardless of what the seats made of there is absolutely no way the footrest rest is anything other than grim. Its a disgrace that the national carrier of the Uk lags so far behind in flat seat technology - as well as a whole host of other things.

It’s not really about the oxygen but the fact that in economy the air is recycled. Anecdotally lots of people comeback with respiratory problems and colds, sore throats after flying

The air is only partially recycled and it goes through filters so I don't think more likely to have bacteria/viruses etc than other crowded spaces. I really don't think it will be any different in business versus economy. They aren't pumping fresh air into business and recycled into economy!!

I read a report (which I’m sorry I can’t link as it was a few years ago) that the air quality is definetly poorer in economy. It’s something like 90% better in first class. I think some planes are so old that their technology isn’t up to much either.

I read a report (which I’m sorry I can’t link as it was a few years ago) that the air quality is definetly poorer in economy. It’s something like 90% better in first class. I think some planes are so old that their technology isn’t up to much either.

Was it an official report? I'm very sceptical that it is true. There is no mention on the internet by the airlines that the air is better and if it is not advertised why would it be different. Also, how would they stop the air in economy mixing with the "high quality air" mixing with the air in economy. They are not separated with air tight seals. I have heard of an airline that puts humidifiers in first class (not business) so the air wouldn't be as dry but that isn't going to effect "quality".

Also, how would they stop the air in economy mixing with the "high quality air" mixing with the air in economy in club class.

Ive just asked cockpit crew children about the better air in business and they've had a good laugh.

And yes, Lufthansa have humidifiers in some of their aircraft.

complete nonsense about the air being any "better", worse or different in different parts of the plane.

It’s something like 90% better in first class ???

completely meaningless statement.

what do you even mean by "better"??

user is making a joke, I think

I agree - air is no different in economy or business!

user is making a joke, I think

Hopefully although I wouldn't be surprised if it was an urban myth.

I think if your daughter’s friend’s parents want to help her upgrade to business class that is their decision and your daughter’s as she is technically an adult and it’s not a massive amount of money involved for your daughter. I don’t know why it’s even an issue. I think her paying a contribution is fair enough but it was their decision to upgrade and why should she sit on her own in economy, so it’s fine they’ve helped out. Good luck comes our way at times in life and we should grab it with both hands. Life is for living and this is a nice experience for her to have and I think you should both feel excited for her not making her feel bad. Good for her!!

Maybe perhaps your husbands’s issue is that you couldn’t afford to help her but these other parents could? Men are very proud and perhaps he feels bad about that and his way of dealing with it is criticising your daughter. I think she should just have a fab time, live it up coz she’s young and she should make the most of it. A bit of luck came her way and that’s not a bad thing!