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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To fly Premium Economy whilst my boyfriend is in Economy?

83 replies

sneta · 03/09/2019 23:27

Basically, found a really good deal on premium economy long haul. Not only is it a good service, but I also need to get some more points to keep up status/ earn airmiles etc.

So I want to take advantage of this deal and fly premium Econ, but my partner of 4 years wants to save money and go regular. We are each paying for our own flights.

So I am going to suggest to him that he flies econ, and I'll fly premium.

I'd consider swapping with him for one flight, I'm sure they wouldn't notice.
I'd get 2 x hold luggage with my flights, and he could then not pay for hold luggage and we can have one each of mine.

Is this an outrageous idea ?

OP posts:
Derbee · 04/09/2019 01:23

I’d want to travel together, but if you need the miles/points etc then do it. You’ll still be on the holiday together

CustardySergeant · 04/09/2019 01:28

I agree 100% Torridon19.

Shoxfordian · 04/09/2019 05:57

As it's your first holiday together, I would try to sit together but it's your decision

Rezie · 04/09/2019 06:12

It's totally fine. Especially since you offered to pay for the difference for him so it's not a "fuck you poor person" situation.
My brother and his wife went to Australia this year. He was offered an upgrade to business class and declined due to traveling with his wife. Five minutes into the flight she fell asleep and woke up when they were almost in their layover. So he was on hoanown reading books and watching movies the whole flight 😁

Airlines in Europe no longer let you sit together without paying extra. There is no way me and bf are going to pay extra for sitting together. Therefore he pays extra for leg room and I take the free seat.

nononever · 04/09/2019 06:17

Totally agree with Torridon19 100% too. And not just because Torridon is one of my favourite places Grin.

LemonTT · 04/09/2019 06:26

If someone did that to me I would be unhappy and never travel with them again. Firstly because it would put pressure on me to upgrade. Secondly because I want to travel together and plan together and agree a budget together. Doesn’t bode well for a long term relationship.

AlwaysCheddar · 04/09/2019 06:57

Just flying in economy will extend your flyer miles do you’re being a bit unfair on your boyfriend.

Original poster
sneta · 04/09/2019 08:21

Hmm it seems opinion has changed, I was ready to bring the topic up with dp. Flying regular econ will not bring miles as they're heavily reduced fairs, so don't get full points.

I'm tempted to say bugger it and fly cattle class with no luggage at all just to spite him- he can put up with my complains Grin

OP posts:
Tonnerre · 04/09/2019 08:33

What's the difference between the two fairs financially?

Sorrysorrysosorry · 04/09/2019 08:37

this is our first trip together long haul

Might be your last! He’s NBU to not want to spend money. I get that you want the extra comfort but ...
If someone did that to me I would be unhappy and never travel with them again. Firstly because it would put pressure on me to upgrade. Secondly because I want to travel together and plan together and agree a budget together. Doesn’t bode well for a long term relationship.

Original poster
sneta · 04/09/2019 08:51

We both have similar incomes, mine is probably larger. However we prioritize different things, non economy flights are one of the real big things I like to spend on.

Whereas he likes his expensive gym membership, clothes bought on the high street etc

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 04/09/2019 11:32

Bearing that in mind, @sneta, I think you should pay for a better flight and let him sit in economy in his new clothes. Both of you are making your choices. Whatever you do, don't let him sit in your seat - that would be crazy.

Fallofrain · 04/09/2019 11:55

Id be peed off if my partner didnt sit with me.
I agree with pp if this was reversed to my boyfriend chose to sit in 1st and leave me alone in economy every one would be protesting

Cassilis · 04/09/2019 11:58

So if he’s getting expensive gym treats and you get expensive flying treats.

This does NOT mean you subsidise his flight or give your return journey in Premium!

Horehound · 04/09/2019 12:03

I don't agree with torridon. Because the bf has actively made the decision not to upgrade. Op has offered to pay half the cost too and he still says no. If the situation was reversed people would say "what's the problem, you had the choice.."

Op, I'd definitely do it and i wouldn't bloody swap! Have a fab hol

By188b · 04/09/2019 12:18

OP, your boyfriend will benefit from the status you achieve by flying in premium/club/first (lounge/priority boarding/seat selection) so I wouldn't at all feel guilty for spending more to attain status. Just hope you don't get a magic beep to club or the green eyes may well get greener!

Hobbesmanc · 04/09/2019 12:24

awww Isn't the shared flight part of the fun of a holiday? I enjoy my OH company - I'd hate flying separated

Bluntness100 · 04/09/2019 12:24

Don't offer to swap. He can afford it and doesn't Wish to.

Let him fly economy, you fly premium, meet at rhe other end.

44PumpLane · 04/09/2019 13:04

Do it!

You're adults who are about to spend 24 hours a day in each others pockets on holiday, I'm sure you can cope to spend the flights apart. Particularly since most flights are spent reading/watching TV!

PooWillyBumBum · 04/09/2019 13:09

If you have similar incomes enjoy the premium econ. If you're early in your relationship, there's no need to be pooling resources or subsidising his lifestlye (especially when he makes different choices).

I wouldn't mind if it were me.

MarshaBradyo · 04/09/2019 13:09

Yanbu but don’t swap.

Celebelly · 04/09/2019 13:11

I probably wouldn't for long haul (longer than four to six hours or so) as I think I would want to sit together for that long a flight. But I totally wouldn't care about shorter flights - we never pay for seats on budget airlines so often aren't sitting together anyway.

Croquembou · 04/09/2019 13:14

And they say romance is dead...

mankyfourthtoe · 04/09/2019 13:15

Same income but he chooses to spend his money elsewhere then I'd go for it and not swap

Ringdonna · 04/09/2019 13:20

My BIL is pretty well off, always flies FIRST on BA and puts his wife and teenage DD in economyHmm

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