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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Upgrading seat on a flight

63 replies

espoleta · 03/07/2023 01:58

Currently have a long haul flight booked with DH and DD5. Due to some restriction in premium economy, one of us had to downgrade our flights and DH and I did rock, paper scissors and he lost.
Just popped on to the delta app to sort something out for another flight, and saw that I can upgrade this long haul (overnight) flight to Delta one for £300 per person. Getting a flat bed and getting DD a good night sleep would be amazing as we have a full day travelling when we get to the other side (a 4 hour train journey, then drive etc)

I have mentioned it to DH and he is not keen for us to upgrade.

I totally get it, I really do, but I still want to do the upgrade to ensure that DD gets a good night sleep (and let's be honest, me too!).

AIBU to consider upgrading anyway? We're lucky enough that money isn't an issue.

OP posts:
SoftAsABearsElbow · 03/07/2023 13:05

Is it a retun flight?

Can you split it so whoever goes business on the way out, sits in economy with the dog on the way back. And vice versa?

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:07

Unfortunately not @SoftAsABearsElbow
It was a multi leg flight and it’s the last one!
after that it’s trains, ferries and car rides

OP posts:
Mix56 · 03/07/2023 13:10

upgrade, then one sits with the dog going out, & the other coming back

PinkFootstool · 03/07/2023 13:12

Talk about a drip feed as to why someone is in economy.....

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:16

@PinkFootstool its in the OP though?

Due to some restriction in premium economy, one of us had to downgrade our flights and DH and I did rock, paper scissors and he lost.

OP posts:
Blossomtoes · 03/07/2023 13:18

espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:16

@PinkFootstool its in the OP though?

Due to some restriction in premium economy, one of us had to downgrade our flights and DH and I did rock, paper scissors and he lost.

The dog isn’t.

PinkFootstool · 03/07/2023 13:24

Restrictions in PE I took to mean there were only 2 seats available. V poorly worded and screams goady.

VenusClapTrap · 03/07/2023 13:29

Put the dog in the hold.

BillyNoM8s · 03/07/2023 13:29

Well someone is always going to lose if the dog has to be in economy.

I would upgrade and swap with DH halfway through the flight.

PegasusReturns · 03/07/2023 13:29

Before the dog I thought you were being unreasonable - you all fly business or you all fly economy.

if someone has to fly with the dog that’s just the way it is. No point you and DD suffering unnecessarily.

but it would be reasonable to rock paper scissors again. I can’t understand why you didn’t just book business in first place

SeaToSki · 03/07/2023 13:33

Can you upgrade, sleep better and then do all the driving when you get there? The difference between delta one and PE is pretty substantial and 300 is a good deal

SoftAsABearsElbow · 03/07/2023 13:33

espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:07

Unfortunately not @SoftAsABearsElbow
It was a multi leg flight and it’s the last one!
after that it’s trains, ferries and car rides

Ah.

Is there any other way to even it out a bit? Perhaps the economy-sitter gets some money to spend on something frivilous they want. If that's not really a treat (because they could do that anyway) then is there something else? A peaveful sit in first class on the train maybe?

Weepingwillows12 · 03/07/2023 13:36

I am totally missing the point here but how do you have a dog longhaul in economy? Do you need to book it it's own seat? What about when it needs the toilet?

On your actual question. Go for it. You weren't sitting together anyway and will be easier with the baby.

pikkumyy77 · 03/07/2023 13:37

Pay someone who is going economy to take the dog.

BruceAndNosh · 03/07/2023 13:39

I flew a Business Class domestic flight in USA with American Airlines and the woman sitting next to me had a dog with her. However it was a support or a service dog (no idea which)

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:39

@Weepingwillows12 i totally get the questions about the dog. So basically it’s a 9 hour flight overnight and he will go to the pet relief area on both sides (so just before we leave and just as we arrive). We might put a nappy on him, but probably not.
He goes in a soft bag and is placed under the seat in front of us.

OP posts:
ticketstickets · 03/07/2023 13:40

I don't know if this is feasible, maybe the airline won't allow this, but can you split the time? Switch over half way.

PinkFootstool · 03/07/2023 13:40

SoftAsABearsElbow · 03/07/2023 13:33

Ah.

Is there any other way to even it out a bit? Perhaps the economy-sitter gets some money to spend on something frivilous they want. If that's not really a treat (because they could do that anyway) then is there something else? A peaveful sit in first class on the train maybe?

Show quote history

There's no physical barrier between the classes of seats. No reason at all why two grown adults can't swap during the flight, especially if they speak to staff beforehand to explain.

Also Delta don't state dogs are banned in higher cost seat areas, just that numbers are restricted in each cabin. Worth checking in case another booking has dropped out and you all sit together.

I also wouldn't put an animal in the cargo hold.

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:40

@BruceAndNosh its so annoying this route is one of the only routes that a dog can only fly in economy. It’s for transatlantic flights.

OP posts:
Basilthymerosemary · 03/07/2023 13:46

Take advice and rock paper scissor.

If you aren't willing to gamble- don't upgrade.

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:47

@Basilthymerosemary honestly, I don't think I want to gamble...

OP posts:
notsofamous · 03/07/2023 13:48

BarrelOfOtters · 03/07/2023 11:58

Try and upgrade him at same time - but I 100% would and swap over half way.

You can’t just swap.

Original poster
espoleta · 03/07/2023 13:50

@PinkFootstool unfortunately they do for transatlantic flights. Annoying Air France has followed suit. If the dog was a support or service dog he could fly with us in the higher class.
The vet said I could get him registered as an emotional support dog but that felt like gaming the system.

OP posts:
ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 03/07/2023 13:56

I'd just get him registered and upgrade everyone to Delta One.

Will he wee on a pad? Mine would; could do that in the lavatory.

Prettypaisleyslippers · 03/07/2023 14:01

Can you leave DDog at home with a sitter? Seems like a lot of stress for him? Planes/trains etc