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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be annoyed at evening flight before school?

100 replies

TheCeiling · 23/02/2022 07:23

So DDs dad is taking our 5 year on a little holiday abroad to Portugal. Found out he has booked the return flight so that she will get home for approx 9.30pm, with school the next day. There were earlier flights available. AIBU to be annoyed by this?

OP posts:
Porcupineintherough · 23/02/2022 07:24

As a one off I wouldn't worry about it.

GeneLovesJezebel · 23/02/2022 07:25

Yes, she should be home in time to calm down and go to bed.
What if it’s delayed ? It’s madness

Joystir59 · 23/02/2022 07:26

It was probably cheaper than earlier flights. It isn't a problem really is it?

crumble82 · 23/02/2022 07:26

I’d be annoyed too. But she’s 5 so I’d probably keep her off school for the morning and if that causes childcare issues let him be the one to deal with them.

newnameforthis76 · 23/02/2022 07:28

It’s a one-off. It’s not that big a deal.

astoundedgoat · 23/02/2022 07:29

YABU. As it’s clearly a short trip, and he has booked an evening flight so they get to have some mileage out of their last day and not just go to the airport in the morning.

The future of a 5 year old will not be blighted because she went to bed late one time in reception.

R0tational · 23/02/2022 07:31

"Madness". Jeez, it's fine. Chill.

Hollyhead · 23/02/2022 07:31

Meh it’s a one off, we get back from our holiday in May half term at 4am, the DC are going to be in school for 9am 🤣 it’s just one day.

Wannakisstheteacher · 23/02/2022 07:32

It’s a one off so they can get the most out of the last day. Really not a bit deal at all.

skippy67 · 23/02/2022 07:33

It's fine for a one off. If she's too tired for school the next day, keep her at home. No biggie.

SmallOrFarAway · 23/02/2022 07:37

I'd be annoyed too. My ex would likely do something similar to save a few quid without thinking it through. My 5yo would be an absolute mess, overtired but also wanting to still go in school the next day. If the flight is at that time does that mean they'll have checked out at 10-12noon and been hanging round an airport for hours? I wouldn't want to be supervising mine in that situation, she'd be out of her mind! Unless it's making a savings of hundreds I wouldn't want to do it, but is it you bearing the brunt or him?

snowdropsanddaffodils · 23/02/2022 07:42

Are you saying you'd never do it OP? Or is it just because it's your ex doing it?

Suretobe · 23/02/2022 07:43

@skippy67

It's fine for a one off. If she's too tired for school the next day, keep her at home. No biggie.
And what if the OP has this little inconvenience known as a j.o.b?
OinkyO · 23/02/2022 07:45

Bit annoying but he's her dad. Maybe she could go to school from his the next day so that he deals with her tiredness?

OinkyO · 23/02/2022 07:45

@skippy67

It's fine for a one off. If she's too tired for school the next day, keep her at home. No biggie.
The ex can do this. Why should OP have to deal with the fallout.
arethereanyleftatall · 23/02/2022 07:49

I wouldn't be annoyed, I would just assume it's a lot cheaper. At 5 ot doesn't really matter if she's a bit tired one day at school.

Bunnycat101 · 23/02/2022 07:51

That flight isn’t that bad if she’s home for 9.30. She’ll probably sleep a bit on the plane/in the car home. I think you’re being excessive. If she was returning at 4am you’d have more of a point.

Frazzled2207 · 23/02/2022 07:53

Well we’ve just booked a hol where our 6yo will get in about midnight.

As a one off it’s fine. We’ve not been on a proper hol for years.

I won’t be insisting he is at school first thing, he’ll be there later in the morning

HowToMakeFriends · 23/02/2022 07:53

@snowdropsanddaffodils

Are you saying you'd never do it OP? Or is it just because it's your ex doing it?
I must admit, I did wonder this too!

I think it will be fine OP, if it was the day before her GCSEs I would be bothered, but I think at her age she'll be fine as a one off.

Mummytobe93 · 23/02/2022 07:56

Oh come on now, all these posters lately who complain that child wants a sleepover at grandparents or ex partner taking child on holiday … just enjoy child free time to yourself!

If ever in doubt, just put the child’s interest first instead of your own and you’ll get the right answer 🙄

ApolloandDaphne · 23/02/2022 07:57

She will be fine. A little weary maybe but ready to go in to school and tell her friends about her holiday.

RowanAlong · 23/02/2022 08:02

It’s just one of those things. I’d enjoy the free time, then (ideally) let her lie in and take her in to school a bit later. She’s only 5, there will be zero long term impact in her health, grades, etc.

Original poster
TheCeiling · 23/02/2022 08:02

A good mix of for/against here! The flights weren't any cheaper. Tbh I would've taken the earlier flight and given her the chance to unwind. He visits his gf there every other week so it isn't a holiday he has saved up for particularly.

OP posts:
RowanAlong · 23/02/2022 08:02

Or she’ll just be a bit overtired at school but fine by the next day.

OhWhyNot · 23/02/2022 08:06

Its fine either keep her off if you can

She will probably want to go in and tell her friends about her holiday and coming home so late which is exciting (even if they are grumpy)