Deserting your Partner for an Upgrade

Would you accept an upgrade to Business class if it meant you had to desert your partner in Economy?

This dilemma has divided our members. While some would gladly accept the upgrade, others believe that travelling together is more important. One member would prefer to sit with their partner in Economy than alone in the pointy end. Another member would refuse the upgrade, but would offer it to their partner.

Other members don’t mind whether or not they sit together. They see the benefit of one person enjoying the pointy end, rather than neither person.

There are a range of circumstances where travelling in separate cabins may be warranted. As well as situations where only one upgrade is offered, there may only be one Business class reward seat available. Budget considerations and the cost of a Business class ticket might also apply.

Some couples go to great lengths to ensure they can fly in the pointy end together. One member receives Business class tickets from their employer, but often travels with his wife. This member uses a combination of frequent flyer points and careful planning to ensure their wife is never stranded in Economy.

In the event of cabin separation, one member suggests taking turns to sit in the premium cabin seat. Although it’s not always permitted, the advice is to ask the cabin crew politely when boarding the plane if it’s okay to swap during the flight.

Would you fly in a different cabin to your travelling companion? Join the discussion HERE.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.