To fly Premium Economy whilst my boyfriend is in Economy?

[sneta]

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 ?

When one of us flies business for work, the other will often accompany and fly premium or economy to keep the trip cost down. Really, sitting apart isn’t going to kill anyone for the 11 hours or whatever it is you’re onboard. Sit back, get a few drinks and enjoy the films!

I think I would discuss it with him. In reality he's choosing his treats in life, this is yours, you've offered to pay towards it, you haven't just done it and dumped him in economy.

Realistically someone who hasn't booked for their kids to sit near them could board and move you from each other anyway.

I wouldn't swap though. If this is your treat but I would see if he would be offended if you did it.

We've done this/would do everytime - free will and all that

I think that's different ringdonna.
I presume he is not giving them the choice to fly first with him plus they are married so the cost should be joint.

If fly in premium or biz and leave him to it and no way would I swap seats .

I’d fly not if fly !

Hmm, I'm a bit on the fence.

I don't actually think YABU as you've given him the choice and offered to share the cost. But I don't think I'd feel right about doing it myself. Even though the flight itself isn't anything pleasant or sociable (even in Prem Econ), I think I would feel odd about peeling off to a more comfortable environment and leaving my OH in cattle class.

I also think it could set the start of the holiday off with a slightly resentful/snippy feeling - if he has an uncomfortable flight he might feel irritable that you've had a much nicer time, and by contrast you might feel annoyed that he's moaning about it when he had the choice. And it could set the tone for any other disagreements on holiday - if he wants to go to an expensive restaurant or do an expensive activity and you don't, how would you manage that? If you refused then he might feel resentful that you would spend the extra on the flight but not on something else.

These are just possibilities. I'd suggest talking to him about it and gauging his view. He might not mind at all, in which case, happy days.

But I would tread carefully.

@sneta you said that your incomes are similar but you earn more. Can you give us more info as to how much more? If you’re on £40k and he’s on £39k then fair enough but if you’re on £40k and he’s on £30k then I think yabu.

I have about 3k more "disposable" income than him. But he gets given much more by his own family, although that's by the by I suppose.

If he doesn't want to pay, why don't you treat him? He's your boyfriend after all.

You have 3K more disposable income per month?

Where the it’s your 1st or 30th holiday together. I’d still do everytime

DH wanted to send me business, with the rest of them in premium economy. I'd rather we all went together.

But in your case - you go do your thing, and you're paying, you make sure you enjoy it. He doesn't value flying other than coach - fine, he can do his. You do yours!

I think this is one of those times when compromise should come to the fore. You describe him as dp and not a casual boyfriend so I would make a joint decision to do the same thing. It doesn’t really matter which option you chose but you should chose it together and both should make compromises along the way. Otherwise you’re just 2 people on the same holiday, not forging a life and memories together.

I’d be upset if I was your boyfriend - I don’t think it’s a good idea for a first holiday together personally - but he might be far more relaxed about it - you could just casually suggest it and see how he feels about it

I would fly premium and I wouldn't swap either. He has the option and he's choosing not to pay for it as he prefers to spend money on other things!

Unless ’making memories together’ necessitates sitting together eating off plastic trays and watching the kind of film you’d never watch anywhere other than on a flight, then I think how you fly is entirely irrelevant to the strength and duration of your relationship.

Eeek just booked it and now already having second thoughts on it

I'm even thinking I might cancel and save myself money

What’s the problem? I gave up my business class seat to my wife (I wouldn’t dream of her being in Economy, even traveling alone!) but she made such a scene about an ‘unwell husband’ as we approached the gate to board, the staff threw up theirs arms in exasperation and upgraded me! Phew, I was impressed and realised why I was married to this normally composed person capable of throwing such a mighty fit, when required!!

Haha great story !

Why not go on different airlines, or even to different places, if you both enjoy time apart?

I flew first class while my DH & DS17 went economy. I had booked my flight separate and got a fantastic upgrade deal, they weren't offered such deal - only problem was at the airport when I swanned off to the first class lounge , they got right hump 😂

I'd do it, and so would my partner! And whoever upthread said they don't even sound like friends, that's mad –I've travelled separately from friends who fly a lot for work so can get better seats with air miles. All you do is eat, sleep and watch films. As it's usually too loud to chat while eating, none of those are group activities.

@Kalit2 yeah she sounds great

How long have you been together