To spend £400 of my own money to upgrade a work flight?

[Hungarian]

I have a daytime flight to Toronto for a work trip soon. It’s on a weekend so technically it’s “me time”. Work will only pay for premium economy.

I got an offer through on my phone that I could upgrade the day flight to business class for £400. So effectively £400 for lounge access, fast track security, a nicer seat on the plane, better food, and quicker bags.

I’ve always wanted to try this airline’s business class product but would never spend my own money for a biz ticket. So £400 is probably the cheapest way for me to try it. DH thinks I’m mad to spend my own money to upgrade a work trip.

I recently did this, worth every penny and reduced jet lag. Mine was £440 for an 11 hour flight. a bit cross with myself that I slept through all the yummy food but felt really well on arrival. Do you have any expenses that don’t need receipts? I intend to recoup a bit via that.

Totally this. I used to fly a lot with work. If it the trip changes and you don't actually go you've lost a whole load of money and potentially in a whole pile of poo with work. Lounges aren't that great anyway and who wants to get on a plane extra early?

Can you afford it?
Will it bring you joy?
Will your employer be OK with it?

If 'yes' to all the above, do it.

If you can afford it do it! I sometimes upgrade to 1st class train travel for the same reasons. Whether it’s work or holiday, it’s still YOU travelling. Go in comfort if you can afford to, life is short, treat yourself.

Im never convinced that BC is that much better than PE. However that’s usually as it costs £2k more, £400 is worth it. Go for it… just remember the hangover isn’t upgraded too

I've done this before, when I was quite junior, was totally worth it. There was a sale on business class seats and the difference between PE and business was about that. I really enjoyed myself on the flight. I think I cleared it with work.

Having done what must be 300+ long haul BC flights in the last 20 or so years, I can honestly say I've never noticed anyone to be on a call on a flight, other than while on the ground.

That comment puzzelled me as well.

I know WiFi onboard is commonplace now but whilst I'm sure there will be the odd exception on most airlines I'm aware of there's a stipulation that in flight phones should be used for data services/messaging only..not voice calls.

Yes, thats true, they specifically say that calls are not permitted.

I have never noticed rules about no voice calls (possibly because I don’t always read the rules 😬), but I’m also one who has never seen or heard anyone make a call in BC.

You only live once! If you can afford it go for it!

Go for it, its the cheapest way to experience it. Which airline?

I've done it. It was worth it.

I flew out to Asia economy, then got a similar upgrade text and flew back in ABSOLUTE LUXURY - it turned a trial to be endured into basically a weekend away. Pyjamas, gift bag, wine, massage seat on the plane with an actual quilt. No waiting to check in or get my luggage, lounge access - it was such a night and day difference that I did it for each work flight I had after that.

I’ve done this. I’ve travelled BC with a fair few different airlines. only worth it for longer flights and night flights for sleep.

I only regretted upgrading in the new Virgin Atlantic planes. They put you in a diagonal staggered configuration with next to no room (more room in PE, simply able to lie down). Nowhere to store anything and you face directly the people infront of you and next to to you is so close with a low barrier. It’s really a bit awkward and uncomfortable and zero privacy. Not worth the money and I would defo choose PE over BC on their newer aircrafts.

If it’s air Canada do not bother it’s rubbish

I did it recently and accidentally did a voice call - my partner called me haha, I spoke really quietly and through the hum of the aircraft and people watching stuff no one heard me!