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Original poster

Would you question why you are being flown Economy?

37 replies

wlipwlop · 22/08/2023 19:19

Work policy is that all flights over 4 hours are in Business Class. It’s a perk of working at the company.

I am flying to a conference for work. It’s in Buenos Aires so around 11-12 hours.

They have booked me in Premium Economy. My flight home lands back on a Monday morning because earlier flights were full in Premium Economy. This means my weekend is spent at the conference and then I go straight back to Canary Wharf.

OP posts:
Chewbecca · 22/08/2023 21:02

Yes, of course I would politely check. Could be a simple error.

Tracker1234 · 22/08/2023 21:07

Business definitely is a bed on most airlines! I have recently flown BA, Qatar and Emirates Biz Class and they all have flat beds. There is a huge difference in PE and BC especially British Airways.

itsmyp4rty · 22/08/2023 21:25

JaukiVexnoydi · 22/08/2023 20:44

If you don't return till Monday then Tuesday and Wednesday are Time Off in Lieu for your lost weekend, surely?

This. Honestly, companies really don't give a shit about their people do they? Work them till they completely burn out. No way would I be going in Monday or Tuesday, get some boundaries in early or they'll take the piss forever.

mast0650 · 22/08/2023 21:32

If that's the policy, then yes I'd definitely query it. Someone probably just made a mistake.

Don't envy you the Monday morning start. Back when I used to work in that kind of job I rememeber doing a full day in NY office, short overnight flight, then straight into the London office for another day without even going home!

Aprilx · 23/08/2023 01:39

ODFOx · 22/08/2023 20:51

Business isn't a bed with most airlines (only first) , so PE isn't significantly different.

If you are heading to the Far East I'd avoid BA and go with Emirates or Virgin if you can (at school molar price) for a better overall experience in whatever class you get.

For work I've flown PE virgin one way snd business the other on BA several times and the Virgin is better. (Plus you get upgraded fairly often).

And if you don't get back until the middle of the night OF COURSE stay in bed the next day. Message them when you hit the airport and let them know you can't travel safely.

These days long haul business is a flat bed with most airlines and it is massively different to PE. It is baffling that you think a Virgin PE seat that barely reclines and has 38in pitch, is better than a BA six foot flat bed! And no people do not get upgraded often, passengers with status will always be prioritised.

OP, I would definitely question it, although I a wondering if there is a nuance to the policy that wasn’t made clear, but anyway make them explain it if so.

ElthamLemur · 23/08/2023 23:39

Is it possibly because you are going to a conference- for networking or business development- rather than going to do paid work for a client? So the cost is charged to the firm not to the client and maybe the firm’s policy is dictated by business development budget?

But in any event absolutely challenge it, can’t think of any reason not to.

ElthamLemur · 23/08/2023 23:41

Aprilx · 23/08/2023 01:39

These days long haul business is a flat bed with most airlines and it is massively different to PE. It is baffling that you think a Virgin PE seat that barely reclines and has 38in pitch, is better than a BA six foot flat bed! And no people do not get upgraded often, passengers with status will always be prioritised.

OP, I would definitely question it, although I a wondering if there is a nuance to the policy that wasn’t made clear, but anyway make them explain it if so.

Show quote history

Perhaps that poster was not flying long haul with BA?

Business class is definitely a flat bed on the vast majority of long haul airlines.

Aprilx · 25/08/2023 07:38

ElthamLemur · 23/08/2023 23:41

Perhaps that poster was not flying long haul with BA?

Business class is definitely a flat bed on the vast majority of long haul airlines.

Show quote history

Well they said they flew out on Virgin PE and back with BA, so it must have been long haul. Because you don’t get PE class on short haul and I don’t believe Virgin operate any routes that would be called short haul either.

LlynTegid · 25/08/2023 07:45

I'd question why I could not attend a conference virtually, ask about how the company proposes keeping me safe from the not unusual behaviour of too many men at such events, rather than the size/space on a flight.

100% expect Monday off too.

ElthamLemur · 25/08/2023 21:02

LlynTegid · 25/08/2023 07:45

I'd question why I could not attend a conference virtually, ask about how the company proposes keeping me safe from the not unusual behaviour of too many men at such events, rather than the size/space on a flight.

100% expect Monday off too.

Wow. I hope that you can get some support, living with that level of anxiety can’t be easy.

PegasusReturns · 25/08/2023 21:20

“Hi bob

this flight should have been booked as business per policy, could you amend please”

is all you need to say.

there is zero chance I’d fly PE overnight that long AND then go into work .

ShirleyPhallus · 25/08/2023 21:28

I’m weirdly invested in this. What happened @wlipwlop

I travel a lot for work and will never fly less than BC. If they want me there then they’ll stick to policy!

But I’m also happy to check the flight times / prices myself so that I can get the cheapest options that work well. Same with train travel - I’m happy to book my own advance first class if it’s cheaper than standard open ticket

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