Mum sparks heated debate over leaving kids in economy
Securing an annual family holiday can be one of the most exciting events of the year.
From soaking up some much-needed sun to relaxing family dinners, it can help both parents and kids to recharge their batteries.
But one mum, who had saved up air miles to afford the luxury of business class flights, suddenly had a huge dilemma when her parents-in-law decided to join them on the long-haul trip.
While she was delighted they would be joining herself, her husband and two children aged 10 and 11, but they could only afford economy tickets. Being in their 70s, she was worried about being away from them on the family flight.
Taking to Mumsnet she asked the holy grail of all questions; should she swap her kids down to economy while her parents-in-law fly first class?
Sharing her problem she wrote, ‘I feel terrible that my in-laws who are in their 70s and will be in the back of the plane while my dear husband, children and I will have big seats to ourselves.’
‘My husband thinks that both DC (dear children) should take the economy seats and that they will be okay alone for 8 hours given we aren’t too far away if they need us. But I think one of us parents should be with one child in economy instead, as I don’t want them alone on the flight.’
She also notes that her husband thinks it’s no problem whatsoever for both children to sit by themselves for the duration of the journey.
‘He thinks I’d be unreasonable to not let them and that I should enjoy my seat and not sit in economy.’
While she says her children have done a few long hauls in the past, she also admits that she has her own personal preference.
‘I don’t mind either (seats) although business will be a nice start to the holidays. Am I being overprotective?’
Other readers weren’t so sympathetic stating: ‘Your in-laws have invited themselves along. If they wanted to sit in business class with you, they should have booked that.’
Another said: ‘I wouldn’t bump my kids to give my in-laws their seats. If it was a problem for them they could have chosen to spend the money.’
One commenter cheekily said: ‘Suggest your husband sits with one of the kids in economy and see what he says.’
While another believed she shouldn’t be leaving her children alone at any time stating: ‘Should there be heavy turbulence or any sort of emergency, then it would be better to be together with the children in case they were frightened.’
Celebs have previously revealed how they sit in first or business class while their kids are in the cheaper seats.
When Kirstie Allsopp’s children were 12 and 10, she told The Sun: ‘Club Class should be a huge treat you’ve worked hard for.
‘If kids get used to it, what do they have to work towards? It seems like an absurd waste of money and very spoiling. I suspect Gordon Ramsay and I can’t be the only ones to think this.’
Gordon had previously said: ‘[The kids] get entertainment on their iPads. I don’t want them sat there with a 10-course f***ing menu with champagne. It is my wife and I’s choice to keep them real.’
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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