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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To keep cabin class a surprise on big upcoming holiday?

127 replies

Digitaldedado · 10/05/2024 05:34

DH, DSS (16) and I are travelling to the UK for a month in late summer from Australia. DH and I have decided to splurge and fly business because it's the first and potentially the last time we'll all fly home as a family. DH and I have done tonnes of research, watched videos online and got really excited about it. DH and I both want to surprise DSS at the airport with the 'upgrade' however there is a small part of me that wants to tell DSS ahead of time so he can get excited.
AIBU to keep it a surprise or should we tell him and enjoy the buildup? I'm completely torn.

OP posts:
LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 18/08/2024 04:48

This is supposed to be a nice treat for him but it’s all about you and you getting that moment to surprise him. Stop being so selfish and let him know so that he can look forward to it .
why pay all that money but then reduce the experience for him by not letting him enjoy the build up.

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 18/08/2024 04:51

He will find out at check in and be confused in front of the check in person. You won’t be in a position to explain at this point in time so he’s likely to feel confused and stupid.
this could all really backfire. Why take the risk?

Justsayit123 · 18/08/2024 06:29

Tell him in advance!!!

MumsGoneToIceland · 18/08/2024 06:48

I would tell him ASAP. If you want to maximise his excitement from it and it give him more time to think about it and enjoy it. At the airport there is so much going on that the time availability to sit and absorb it and get excited for it will be tiny.

This gives him time to plan the menu, look up what the experience is like and get excited. My DC have travelled in business class a few times through my staff perks but we don’t know until the last minute if we will get it. They talk about it in advance each time asking if we will get it and I have to tell them to assume not but I know if they could be told yes in advance they would talk about it a lot before the trip came up and would be lovely to hear their excitement. Enjoy your trip!

Musicaltheatremum · 18/08/2024 07:29

Digitaldedado · 17/08/2024 23:32

We don't want to pack heavy, we are travelling around and only want to worry about the logistics of 2 bag each (one carry one checked)
Plus every time we've flown he's been way under anyway, he isn't a heavy packer anyway. Getting 2 32kg bags wouldn't be important to him. We don't think he'll twig at the desk as we often check in at the business desk if it's the same as the priority member one (same as the lounge) It's so exciting and I'm delighted we are able to do this as a family. It 'might' be our last flight to Europe as a family all on the same flights as next time we travel he'll be 18 / at uni so might not want to come etc
That being said we are already looking at B/C to Thailand next year.....

Very sensible, also, if you are flying internally you possibly won't have the same allowances as the business class.

Itsallfunngamesuntil · 18/08/2024 08:05

Don't rob him of the joy of anticipation

Bettergetthebunker · 18/08/2024 08:12

CubistViolin · 17/08/2024 22:49

Not necessarily. My tween hasn’t suffered enough longhaul in economy to be that excited by an upgrade. I think a large part of the appeal is comparative (‘not awful! Yay!’), so I take the point of the poster who says it may depend on how much he’s flown before now.

Show quote history

My children have only flown BC and they definitely appreciate it when we fly. I’ve shown them what economy looks like which was helpful.

Flibflobflibflob · 18/08/2024 08:23

I would have been excited at 16. I used to fly a particular leg quite a lot and got a few surprise upgrades, was delighted each and every time. It’s probably not that exciting for people who are used to it. But it’s still really nice for those of us who aren’t used to it. I’d tell him before.

SoupDragon · 18/08/2024 08:54

Itsallfunngamesuntil · 18/08/2024 08:05

Don't rob him of the joy of anticipation

Equally you could argue "don't rob him of the surprise"

Bluebellsanddaffodil · 18/08/2024 09:03

Digitaldedado · 17/08/2024 23:32

We don't want to pack heavy, we are travelling around and only want to worry about the logistics of 2 bag each (one carry one checked)
Plus every time we've flown he's been way under anyway, he isn't a heavy packer anyway. Getting 2 32kg bags wouldn't be important to him. We don't think he'll twig at the desk as we often check in at the business desk if it's the same as the priority member one (same as the lounge) It's so exciting and I'm delighted we are able to do this as a family. It 'might' be our last flight to Europe as a family all on the same flights as next time we travel he'll be 18 / at uni so might not want to come etc
That being said we are already looking at B/C to Thailand next year.....

This is so exciting! My 6 year old flew business class with my husband (his dad) when he went away with him for work (only in Europe). He knew what a big deal it was and that it isn't something that doesn't come at a cost! He was so appreciative and loved it. The whole family got upgraded to premium economy coming back from our summer holiday and that was also extra special for me and the children. We couldn't go business as a family of 5 as its too much money and also we have two fussy eaters so it would be a complete waste of money!

Have an amazing trip. Your SS will be so excited.

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 18/08/2024 09:18

Great thread! I’ve also upgraded us to upper class flying home later in the year and my adult sibling doesn’t know.
also torn whether to tell them now or wait.

please let us know his reaction.

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 18/08/2024 09:21

Digitaldedado · 17/08/2024 23:32

We don't want to pack heavy, we are travelling around and only want to worry about the logistics of 2 bag each (one carry one checked)
Plus every time we've flown he's been way under anyway, he isn't a heavy packer anyway. Getting 2 32kg bags wouldn't be important to him. We don't think he'll twig at the desk as we often check in at the business desk if it's the same as the priority member one (same as the lounge) It's so exciting and I'm delighted we are able to do this as a family. It 'might' be our last flight to Europe as a family all on the same flights as next time we travel he'll be 18 / at uni so might not want to come etc
That being said we are already looking at B/C to Thailand next year.....

It’s not just about the extra allowance though but what you take on for the actual flight. That might be different for economy versus business class.

Alli88 · 18/08/2024 09:22

I would just tell them. I flew business class last year and it's really not all it's cracked up to be and a bit of a waste of money. It looks much better than it is in reality.

There's no point in getting them hyped up about something that won't live up to the expectations and they'll inevitably be disappointed in.

SoupDragon · 18/08/2024 09:45

Alli88 · 18/08/2024 09:22

I would just tell them. I flew business class last year and it's really not all it's cracked up to be and a bit of a waste of money. It looks much better than it is in reality.

There's no point in getting them hyped up about something that won't live up to the expectations and they'll inevitably be disappointed in.

Then by your logic it's better not to tell them.

personally I think it's well worth it.

Calliopespa · 18/08/2024 14:59

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 18/08/2024 09:21

It’s not just about the extra allowance though but what you take on for the actual flight. That might be different for economy versus business class.

Show quote history

Yes, and generally just looking forward to it. I can’t see why there would be a reason to shorten the anticipation of all the things you’ve bothered to pay extra for. If there aren’t any, why do it🤷🏻‍♀️ The best part of it for me is not dreading the economy crush for weeks in advance. By the time you get there it’s literally only 24 hours of enjoyment. I even wear different clothes for business class as I know they won’t be crushed, sweaty, hitched up under my armpits etc

Trebol · 18/08/2024 16:40

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at the poster's request

ajandjjmum · 18/08/2024 18:14

My DC (now in their 30's) flew BC with us several times over the past 15 years or so. It was always a massive treat - and I do still remind them regularly that I never flew BC until I was in my 50's!

DS now lives in Australia, and prefers to travel Economy (or PE if for work), so that he can travel more frequently. I suppose when you're young, the squash isn't so awful?!!

Hope you have a fabulous trip!

Original poster
Digitaldedado · 08/09/2024 09:51

We are 2 days out .. still not told him !

OP posts:
Pearl97 · 08/09/2024 09:54

good! I love a surprise and people thinking of me!

Amx · 08/09/2024 15:58

How exciting!

ajandjjmum · 08/09/2024 17:11

Have a fabulous trip!

Calliopespa · 08/09/2024 19:58

Still think it’s a shame he’s not enjoying the lead-in imho.

SoupDragon · 08/09/2024 23:01

Calliopespa · 08/09/2024 19:58

Still think it’s a shame he’s not enjoying the lead-in imho.

What lead in? There is no lead in. The run up to a holiday is very dull no matter what class you are flying. Being surprised when your seat is in business is far better.

forgotmypassagain · 08/09/2024 23:04

This is very exciting OP!

Calliopespa · 08/09/2024 23:12

SoupDragon · 08/09/2024 23:01

What lead in? There is no lead in. The run up to a holiday is very dull no matter what class you are flying. Being surprised when your seat is in business is far better.

Show quote history

I look forward to upgraded travel for weeks. I dread cattle class for weeks.

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