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!

DC’s could afford it without our help but it’s a nice thing to be able to do.

He is 18, definitely would not pay business class whether step son or my own! Not unless it was very, very easily affordable to us.

I don't get why anyone would pay for business class if it is not "easily affordable" in the first place tbh. It's 1000s extra for essentially just a wider seat and better food for a few hours.

I think at 18 if he's getting an otherwise paid for holiday I would put him in economy class. He isn't a small child and I would personally never fly apart from my children when young. The 6k it would potentially cost can be used towards driving lessons, a first car, towards uni if he decides to go etc. Basically what I'm getting at is that there are lots of ways in which it could be better used.

He's at that transition from a child to an adult. It's an important lesson to learn over the next few years that he won't be able to have the standard of living as an adult unless he works hard.

If my 60+ partner can manage the flights to Australia each year in economy than an 18year old will be fine. He isn’t ready to book now and you are. All will be well.

I think there is a whole group of posters on here who need to check their privilege.
Flights to Australia from the UK are eye-watering expensive, even “just” economy, but the way people are bandying about how “immoral” it is not to put DC in business class?
Jesus. Most (well-brought-up) kids would bite your arm off to be given a trip to Oz, not be whingeing about the seat they get on the plane.

He’s 18 so it’s fuck off and support yourself as we won’t bother with any thing nice for you even if we are getting it for ourselves

are any of you actually loving parents ?

I'm not sure the posters who disagree with flying in a different class to their children fly business themselves.

You don’t “get” why anyone would fly business class so it’s natural that you wouldn’t believe other people do.

Typical of some of the well off I think. Hence boarding schools.

I normally take one of my private jets. I just didn’t want to sound boastful so haven’t mentioned it up to now ✈️ ✈️ 🥂 Quite frankly, BC sounds rather common 😜

I don’t send my DC to boarding schools (because it’s not right for us) but nearly all the people I know who do, actually do so because they went and absolutely loved the experience.

I take a private jet and make my DC walk and swim actually.

I didn't say I don't "get" why anyone sould fly business.

I'd tell him he had 24 hours to make a decision and if he didn't you'd be booking business class and you'll pay for an economy seat if he decides to come later on. I'd also make it clear that I would not be paying for a seat in any class for his girlfriend/friend so there were no misunderstandings further down the line.

I’d give him the option - does he want to fly business or would he prefer the money to spend in the UK?

@andtheworldrollson

ffs, adults - even parents - are allowed to treat themselves sometimes! Kids don’t have to have everything their parents get

What about his father? Why does only OP get slated, it being implied she's doing this because she's the step mother, whilst ignoring the boys actual parent, the dad?

He’s 18 so it’s fuck off and support yourself as we won’t bother with any thing nice for you even if we are getting it for ourselves

Totally this. A long-haul flight and a paid holiday in Australia is pretty mediocre, and he should probably go NC.

i agree he should be encouraged ti make a decision ptherwise he flies economy. But i disagree that it is normal for kids to travel in different class than their parents. Thats different.

it is shocking. Kids are no lesser than, i found that attitude pretty revolting actually

Selfish parents.

@Bubblesgun

Sometimes its ok for parents to have treats and luxury’s that the kids don’t

Well the way i look at it is. We re a family of 4. And it is the 4 of us in the same class or nobody. So if we use our miles we all go business and sometimes we have had to pay the difference.

if we dont have enough miles I do the sums. Then i decide if i want to soend that kind of money on flying comfortably or if i want to use That money during the holidays itself.

but it is 4 of us or none of us. I would feel pretty selfish i cant give my kid the best i can afford. Yep, thats my way. Like it or lump it.

but parents who fly different class to their kids in the same plane are selffish

That's how I see it too.

You’re right, a free holiday to Australia isn’t a nice thing, might as well give him a slap with a wet fish.