To not pay for DSS to travel Business Class?

[Donewithitt]

Looking at booking flights UK to Australia for DH and I. We weren’t sure if DSS (18) would want to come as it’s to see family. Mentioned it to DSS and he’s keen to come, and might stay for longer. We are only going for 2 weeks due to work commitments. We are ready to book now, DSS hasn’t worked out what he wants to do yet. AIBU to book DH and I business class flights now while they are still reasonably priced then DSS can travel in economy once he knows what he wants to do. Also we won’t be paying for his travel forever so want him to realise that!

I mean you need to book now to get the best price and he won’t commit.

So yes book your business class and no doubt his economy by the time he pulls his finger out won’t be much cheaper anyway but you don’t want to waste tickets.

Jesus. Mumsnet doesn't disappoint, as ever.

When I worked as a travel agent to uhnw individuals the kids and nanny were always in economy. He is an adult though so I would probably pay for him to travel in the same cabin tbh

No I’m sorry but I just couldn’t do that .
Its all of you business class or none of you!
it just wouldn’t sit right with me

An 18 year old can’t expect to fly business class for free! Economy is fine!

My god. I feel so sorry for decent stepparents when people like this uphold the wicked stepmother stereotype.

The way I see it, DSS doesn’t even know if he’s coming and you’re ready to book. I’d give him another 72 hours to make his final decision and, if he’s still undecided, then just book your seats.

As to whether he gets a BC or economy seat, that’s going to depend on funds or availability I guess. If he waits too long then all the BC seats may be gone and this all becomes a bit of a moot point 🤷‍♀️

@FlighterWhat a horrible post

I think it’s reasonable to give him the choice to commit now and go business with you or to leave it open but be going economy.

But if he doesn’t want to book yet and prices are going to go up what else can she do

I think it's reasonable for the 18 year old to fly economy - he'll be fed and entertained well enough, and probably happy enough to not have to sit together for such a long flight.

The cost difference is considerable .

I agree with this.

Getting an adult step son flights tickets to Australia when they are not even travelling together for at least one leg of the trip is hardly wicked behaviour.
you can’t expect someone to hold of booking tickets for ages whilst you decide your own plans , things get booked up and prices go up.

This.

We've done this on previous holidays when we didn't have enough airmiles for everyone to travel business so DH & I travelled business and DC travelled in economy (longhaul only). The cabin crew approved 😁stating that plenty of families did this on principle - the kids need to earn it themselves. These were pre COVID days - we no longer have the airmiles to do anything other than economy now.

We are pretty well off and sometimes travel in different classes than the children. Sometimes we are all in business, sometimes all in economy. One child doesn’t care. One child occasionally complains (and gets a gentle reminder of how lucky they are to be going somewhere on holiday however they get there!)

You lecture your child on how they must be grateful to be seated in economy whilst you're in business class?

Stories like this form the basis for future tales of 'why we went nc' from the dc.

I agree with this. At 18 I’d just be grateful to have the ticket paid for such a big trip, no matter what class it was in!

DH & I travelled business and DC travelled in economy (longhaul only). The cabin crew approved 😁stating that plenty of families did this on principle - the kids need to earn it themselves

Cabin crew are there to provide service. They're hardly going to front up to you and say they think it's awful the dc are shoved in economy whilst you upgrade yourselves, are they? The ones that are good at their jobs slap a smile on and smile and nod at any old shit their customers come out with.

Difference in cost is more than double. DH is firmly on the economy side of the fence. He might take a friend / GF and then what? We have to pay for that too. Didn’t realise this was such wicked step parenting behaviour, or this made me vile.
That’s enough mumsnet for today.

It’s fine OP. He’s 18 and getting free flights.

When you get to your destination do you stay in a luxury villa and book the kids in a seedy motel?

Your proposal is fine!

You sound like a delightful stepmother...

Absolutely this. He’s an adult, and having travel paid for at all is a bit of a bonus. I would have no qualms putting my own 18yo children in economy / economy plus while we travelled business. At some point they need to understand the perks are an extra, not a right.

Business class is a massive privilege to be earned. I was in my forties when I first flew business and it’s a rare luxury.

Children and young adults don’t deserve it!

They have to earn it themselves.

of course your DSS should go in economy and very lucky and privileged he is to be getting a free holiday to Australia. Hope he’s grateful.

some of the people on this thread seem on a different planet!