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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd & Sophie Foster

Wife livid as husband booked her economy flight with toddler - but he flew business

A mum discovered she'd have to slum it back in economy while her husband lived the high-life in business class.

The parent, who was seeking advice on Mumsnet, explained that her husband was going on a work trip for a week and had asked to take his wife and two-year-old son along for a holiday.

The dad had been lucky enough to have a business class seat bought for him for the 14 hour flight, the Daily Star reported.

His wife - who spends her days looking after the children full-time - was not so lucky.

On the parenting advice website the mum insisted she would only go if her other half booked a premium economy seat for both her and their son so they would be comfortable.

The seating decision caused a fair deal of tension (Getty Images)

“DH [Dearest Husband] said fine no problem, had lots of points to use," the irate parent wrote.

“Booked the flights. Told me had booked premium. Six weeks later I discover he'd lied & basically booked the cheapest economy tickets available (no seat reservation option/upgrade option). “

The mum explained how she had been left fuming by the move and had tried to ring the airline to adjust their seats, but was told that premium economy was fully booked – and that the upgrade would cost £2,000 one-way.

She added: “I said no. I didn't think much of it, just that at check in I would be able to choose seats. Anyway I've tried to check in three days before and I can only check in at airport.

“DS [Dearest son] and I have been allocated seats middle and aisle. We are next to each other which is great but not ideal, I would have wanted window/middle (got an inflatable foot rest with the hope DS can sleep as its a night flight but now can't use).”

She admitted that she’d gone “nuts” at her husband over the scenario, referring to him as a "selfish p***k that was too tight to book a seat reservation when making the booking.

“Meanwhile he laps it up in business class. Am I being unreasonable to drag him out of business class so he can do his share of parenting?

“I doubt we can swap half way through but did wonder if he could take DS to sleep with him as he will be able to lie down…”

The mums of Mumsnet rushed to offer their opinions on the drama, with most siding with the spurned parent.

"I'd be furious," one woman wrote, while another added: "What is his excuse for lying straight to your face? I wouldn't be going at all in these circumstances."

Another frothed: "Either cancel and don't go or you sit in first class and he has the joy of parenting in cattle class."

A fellow mother wrote: 'I wouldn’t be going and it would be the end of the relationship. This isn’t about travelling in business class.

"This is about him lying and doing the opposite of what you said, with no regards to you or your son."

Some questioned quite how big a deal being in economy with a child would be.

"The '14hr flight with one toddler will be hell' nonsense is just that. Nonsense," one mum wrote. "It's completely doable as long as YOU actually want to do it."

Whose side are you on? Tell us in the comments below.

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