Last week, I wrote about the Benefits of Flying Kids in Business Class. I was a bit surprised to see so many negative responses on social media. Here are a few comments:
“Ruins the experience for the other passengers.”
“I wouldn’t want to meet, associate, or have anything to do with someone whose childhood consisted of flying business class. I can’t even begin to imagine the level of entitlement that would engender…”
“Kids don’t deserve biz class. There. I said it.”
Grab your popcorn and read more comments here.
My kids don’t fly in business class on all of our long-haul international flights. In fact, on our trip to Japan next year, we’re flying in Premium Economy and Economy. There are many reasons why flying kids in business class isn’t always a good idea.
Cost Concerns
Business class tickets are significantly more expensive than economy regardless if you’re paying with cash or miles. To afford business class for the whole family, parents may need to cut down on the number of vacations or forego other expenses.
Behavior and Etiquette Challenges
Most kids are not immune to meltdowns, especially when they are tired or their ears hurt from altitude changes. Most business class passengers expect a quieter, more relaxed experience and would be annoyed at these potential disruptions.
Additional Stress on Parents
Parents may feel additional pressure and stress to monitor their kids and keep them happy so they do not create any unwanted disturbances. Disapproving glances from fellow passengers may also cause anxiety.
Limited Value for Kids
While the meals and service in business class are enhanced, kids may not like or need these enhancements to enjoy the flight. The lie-flat seats are great for sleeping, but some children can curl up in economy seats and sleep just fine.
Lack of Parental Proximity for Takeoff and Landing
The pod-style seating that is typical in many business class layouts can be difficult on younger children who need reassurance during takeoff and landing. In many seats, you can’t see the faces or hold the hands of nearby passengers.
Sense of Entitlement
Kids who experience business class on long-haul international flights may feel entitled to repeat that experience on future vacations and complain about the “regular” seats. The luxury of business class may not align with a family’s usual lifestyle. Furthermore, traveling in business class doesn’t reinforce the values of patience and adaptability. I plan to tackle entitlement in a future post.
Lack of Flight Choices
While booking business class for the whole family using miles and points is possible, it’s often difficult to find award availability for the most desirable airlines and flight times. Booking economy seats usually opens up more choices that may better align with your timing and destination.
Final Thoughts
For me, the issue of flying kids in business class vs. economy class on long-haul international flights is not cut and dry. There are many factors that go into my decision. My kids view business class as a special treat, and I hope to sprinkle in business class award seats on some future trips when the schedule and cost is favorable.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I spent most of my 20’s as a full time professional travel agent. As with any job you do for a long time I learned a lot, often by just listening. Our agency in Miami had an extended family of extremely well-to-do Latin Americans. When one husband and wife in their 50’s were in the office one time they were making plans for themselves and their daughter and while they always flew first class the 20-ish year old daughter always flew coach. So on one occasion my boss gently asked why that was since it was obviously not a financial consideration. The husband responded with “If she flies first class now, what will her husband be able to offer that she doesn’t already have?” While the sentiment is paternalistic and arguably one or two other -istics as well the response does have some merit. My wife had never flown anything but economy before we dated and I’m proud to have introduced her to business and first class, even if I paid with miles rather than cash. If your kid is used to driving a Porche then what will it take to achieve a notable upgrade in their car since they’re already starting with such high expectations of what constitutes normal.
Separately, while I don’t believe that babies or infants belong in business class, I do think that if a child is able to communicate on a reasonable level, will act in a fairly quiet fashion, eat pretty much without assistance, and use the facilities on their own then it should be up to the parents.
@Christian Thanks for sharing your perspective! I think for anyone to truly appreciate business class, they have to first fly in long-haul economy. On my last 2 business class flights, there were babies in the cabin. I was a bit nervous about potential screaming, but they were so good!
I was a flight attendant for many years and in my experience, most kids flying in business class behave better than the adults. For that matter, kids flying in coach also behave better than adults.
@Mary Elizabeth Ha! I have no doubt!