In the wee small hours this morning, 5:55am to be exact ---and no, I don’t like that number as well as I like 11:11---my phone rang.
Phones ringing at odd hours always scare me just a bit, but in my foggy stupor of interrupted sleep I picked it up, only to find that it was a recorded message from United Airlines telling me they had bumped me up to first class on my flight from Dulles to Dallas on Friday!
WOOT!
((That's 2 days away, why couldn't they call during "business" hours, and not at 5:55am!))
This WOULD be a good thing, but I’m not traveling alone this trip! DH is flying with me….and now he is stuck back in coach, and I’ve got a first class seat!
So..what would YOU do?! I could offer it to HIM as a gift and leave ME back in coach. I could offer it to whoever is sitting next to him, and we could BOTH sit in coach.
We could flip a coin for it and whoever gets heads, gets first class?
This is a big dilemma folks! Because there is no way to afford to BUY him an upgrade. The upgrade is more than the price of the ticket I already paid for for him to come with me.
And Dang-it-all ---I really WANT first class! LOL!
So…tell me…if it were you…..and your DH….what would you DO!?
I’m sure this will be part of our big discussion on the way down to Charlotte this evening! And maybe on the way back too --- or maybe….we won’t be talking at ALL to each other after I bring this up to him!!
Yep - I would just lay it out to him exactly as you have said here and see his reaction - and then see what you can live with....I guess. But first class - well, first class IS first class!!! Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide make sure one of you take advantage of the seat. Don't give it away - you have the rest of your life to sit with your husband.
ReplyDeleteFirst I would let the airlines know that the two of you are traveling together so is there any way you could both get the upgrade. Hey, they can't help you if you don't ask. If they can't come up with two seats then I'd flip a coin to see which of you gets the coveted seat.
ReplyDeleteI would stay with my hubby and find a nice GI or old lady to give the seat to...
ReplyDeletegive it to him
ReplyDeleteand he would Love you even more forever :)
you could trade half way through the flight.
ReplyDeletebut I like the idea of seeing if the airlines could help.
Take the first class seat and split the time between the two of you.
ReplyDeletedon't they KNOW you're flying WITH someone? airlines are SOOO weird!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd tell the airline's your dilema and let them bump your dh up to first class too!!!
ReplyDeleteTake the first class seat and split the time between the two of you.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would contact the airlines and say you are travelling together and see if they can offer a 2nd seat. If not, then I would tell DH about it and say "here, it's my gift to you" all the while, hoping that he will say "thank you, but I insist that you take it" then everyone is feeling good!...AND you get to keep the seat!:) Of course, if he doesn't say that (and takes the seat) are you still going to be happy? Sally in SC
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marcella. When you check in ask them about an additional complimentary upgrade for DH. Otherwise, I would say you should take it. You work so hard and it's a nice little reward to have. We need to take our perks when we can get them! By what you've said about your DH in your blogs, I think he would be very understanding of this.
ReplyDeleteI'd sit in that First Class seat and tell him I'd see him on the other side :)
ReplyDeleteContact the airline. If he doesn't get an upgrade as well, I say offer it to DH, wasn't this trip with you part of a gift to him? That could be an additional part of the gift. If he refuses, I say give it to someone else ~ I like the idea of a soldier or an elderly person. If he insists that you take it....well, if he INSISTS!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I faced that dilemma more than once. He frequently got an upgrade and I didn't. We switched off. One time he'd sit up front and the next time I would. Occasionally if first wasn't full the attendant would let the other one of us move up front. Ask, all they can do is say no.
ReplyDeletei would contact the airlines and say your husband is traveling with you and it needs to be a pkg deal. if they can't take the two of you maybe they can hold it out for your next flight with them when you are traveling alone. your travel the most and i know you would really enjoy your flight in FC but now at his expense. lots of luck. call them as soon as you can! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis happened to me twice... the first time my kids (two teenage boys) were flying from Guam to Japan. I already had an upgrade on my ticket, and we were waiting to see if we'd get a companion upgrade. I told the boys that if we got the companion upgrade, I'd take the coach seat and they could have the two First Class seats. If we didn't get the companion upgrade, I'd take First Class and they would be together in coach... so I made that offer, and then prayed that the companion upgrade would NOT come through... it did -- and they had a great and memorable time in First Class.
ReplyDeleteThe second time, I was with my husband (no longer)... and we did not get the companion upgrade... so I offered his seatmate my First Class seat... he was ecstatic!!
In your case, I'd check with the airlines to see if they'd offer a companion upgrade... if not, I'd offer the First Class seat to a young Mom travelling with an infant or toddler... or to a GI....
I don't think I'd offer it to my husband (since I'm no longer married, perhaps I'm not the best person to give advice on that though... ) because I'd be royally pissed if he didn't say, "no no.. YOU should have it!"... ;)
I'd keep the first class seat and tell him it's not transferrable.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely offer it to your hub..if he's anything like my guy he wouldn't take it. I wouldn't want to be away from my hub and I'm sure there would be an elder or GI. =) Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteYou could share it. After all the flight won't be that long. He can sit there for a while and you could swap.
ReplyDeleteOffer it to your husband...then he will turn around and say "no, you go honey..."...then you go! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteFlip a coin sounds like the fairest way (and he couldn't be mad at you if he lost, right?!! LOL).
ReplyDeleteWell Bonnie, as someone who has traveled extensively for business, I know the value of that first class seat! I would gently explain to your husband that you are going to take the upgrade as you have earned it with all your traveling. You are sorry you won't be sitting together, but he is going with you so you will have that to look forward.
ReplyDeleteRun, don't walk, to First Class!
I have flown first class many times and it is so worth it on a long flight. It was offered to you so you take it. If your DH doesn't fly a lot then he won't know the difference anyway. I don't feel guilty about doing the good stuff for me now that I'm getting older.
ReplyDeleteThat actually did happen to us once when we were travelling as a family. My husband got bumped to first class and left me in coach with the kids! On the next flight, all four of us were upgraded.
ReplyDeleteAfter your discussions with your DH, if you are not speaking...it will be perfect if you don't have to sit together:-) He can be in coach sulking while you stay in first class! Just kidding!
ReplyDeleteLynne in Hawaii
It's a two and a half hour flight, ask if you can reserve it for next time explaining that you are traveling with someone. If not, give it to a stranger traveling alone, and the two of you sit together.
ReplyDeleteNow, if you were flying to China... Well, let's just be glad you're not flying to China!
Paul
www.OutnumberedQuilter.com
My husband and I were travelling to Perth with our kids and her got upgraded - he was smart - he took the economy seat with the kids coz I always stay home and look after the kids when he travels for work - and he travels a lot - he was treated like a prince for the entire flight as the female hostesses were SO impressed with his chivalry - that doesn't really help you though - good luck! I guess it depends on who has to hit the ground running on arrival.....
ReplyDeleteTake it in turns.
ReplyDeleteOffer to split halfway through; if that's not an option, ask them to extend the upgrade to you on your next flights.....your DH is going to around a lot longer than you'll be flying all over the world...plus, I love to sit next to my hubby on the plane....he traveled solo for 25 years and we enjoy each other's company
ReplyDeletehiBonnie, I would go with Ronda, I would ask for the upgrade for DH as well..thats not unreasonable..but if that cant be done, I would just give DH a big kiss and tell him to enjoy his flight, because you sure will!!! hahah and see him in Dallas...Didnt happen to me on my flight to Dallas??? lol
ReplyDeleteI would ask United on Friday if they BOTH can be upgraded, if not well then I would look around and I would find some lovely older person, and offer it to them so I could fly side by side with my husband.
ReplyDeleteWhy not see if they will let you use it on your next trip? It would be great if they would upgrade him too! But if they don't and you don't have any other choice, I'd either take the seat myself (provided he is the understanding type and won't mind) or give it away to someone else. It's not fair for him to take it if you can't! Unless he insists on you taking it of course :*D
ReplyDeleteI would call United immediately and tell them the situation. If they can't help, then give it to a GI or elderly person.
ReplyDeleteI'd offer it to any man or woman traveling in uniform of the armed forces.
ReplyDeleteYes, call the airline and see what they can do. If they can't bump him up, too, then I would tell your DH that you really, really, really love him, but you really, really, really want to sit in first class! P.S. after all, they called you, not him!
ReplyDeleteMy husband & I traveled to the Dominican Republic on a trip and first class had only one seat...I gave it to him as he is much taller than I and appreciated the leg room. I must say though, it was a little tough as I was immediately behind him and could see what he was offered that I wasn't.!! orange juice/champagne, warmed towels before the meal etc...on the way back we both took first class!
ReplyDeleteI must say that it was my choice, we weren't offered it free, but we had decided to go to that class of seating for the extra leg room which he really needed, where I didn't.:0)
I guess I would ask them to upgrade you both!
Elaine in Fairview, AB
call them up and see if they can do both of you, otherwise, you'd know who to give it to, when you see the person... :-)
ReplyDeleteuhmmm... I guess it would depend on why the airline bumped you up - is coach full? But explain the situation to them, maybe they can upgrade him at a reduced rate. If not, I'd take the FC seat - you already gave him the flight as a gift, plus a book to read on his Kindle during the flight. He might not even notice you aren't there ;o)
ReplyDeleteNot even a close call. I'd take first class and leave him in coach. He'll survive.
ReplyDeleteEasy, I would offer it the mother of the screaming baby,she gets a break and leaves the baby with the hubby! OR, if dearest mom and kid are traveling alone, I would offer it to them. No way would I ever fly without sitting by my hubby!
ReplyDeleteI travel a lot - been there. Keep the seat - you earned it every time you were delayed, or the flight was bumpy, or, or. And then treat him to a great dinner when you arrive.
ReplyDeleteIf he loves you as much as he *should* then you know he wants you to have the 1st class ticket. This does not hold if (a) he is really, really tall/big and gets squished in coach; (b) he has a really bad back and can't walk after being squished in coach; or (c) is claustrophobic. If none of the above and he thinks he should get the 1st class seat, he doesn't deserve it. Problem solved!
ReplyDeleteNo question about it, take the comfy seat and
ReplyDeletedon´t think about it further. As someone said, he will survive ;-}
Just think how bad DH would feel sitting up there in first class without you - you really ought to sit there yourself to spare him from that!
ReplyDeleteI'd see if there was a soldier traveling and give it to him.
ReplyDeleteWell Bonnie, I had a first class ticket and I gave mine to someone else as we were traveling with Foster kids, so DH was with one kid and I was with the other and we were about 5 rows apart...so not much choice....however, in this case, I would say, you know I will be working during the flight and it would be nice to have the extra room, and I am sure he will agree....unless he wants to do your work from First Class......!!!!But I would check with the airlines first.
ReplyDeleteNot even close -- take the seat. Not like you guys are newlyweds and want to spend every moment cooing at each other on the plane. Also is this a working trip for you? That would clinch it for me, but even if it isn't, how did you score the upgrade? Because you are one of their best customers?
ReplyDeleteHubby is a grownup, I assume. Besides, it'll give him something he can tease you about for a long time. Take the upgrade and enjoy it.
Melinda Ebelhar
Shoot -- I'll take the seat off your hands -- problem solved! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. -- I'd even trade you a few old plaid shirts for it...
I would enjoy first class going there. If it is a two way first class let him have the return. Let him enjoy the gift you gave him and read his kindle. Happy New Year. Sonia
ReplyDeleteI would give it to my Hubby because I try to sleep on planes and I am 5'2" and he is taller and larger. I have only flown first class once and the only thing I did was sleep. It also was a flight to Dallas. Everyone in the party said I was a waste of a first class ticket.
ReplyDeleteCan you respectfully decline it at the ticket counter and give it to someone else??? I don't know how it works really.. haven't flown in nearly 30 years (I can't believe I actually said 30)
ReplyDeleteIf you can't get the upgrade, give it to a Service Person.
ReplyDeleteYour husband will understand, it is your ticket you get first class. My husband would be happy that I got first class and so would your husband.
ReplyDeleteI'd see if you can get hubby an upgrade, otherwise offer to someone else... although not a gushy newlywed, i want to be with my husband... whatever you do, wnjoy your trip :o)
ReplyDeleteUpgrade his flight using "miles"...is this an option?
ReplyDeleteThose first class seats look soooo comfy.
ReplyDeleteYOU get to sit in first class. It's because of YOU and YOUR business that you are going to Dallas to begin with, so YOU get the perks!! Sue K, Valpo IN
ReplyDeleteIt is easy for me to know what I'd do, I chose dh out of a room full of men because of his big broad shoulders! LOL! My dh NEEDS firstclass, but never gets it, and drives teensy cars squishing his handsome shoulders in to save $$$! I'd sacrifice, but still be glad for the reason...ooo, baby!
ReplyDeleteI think the comments above (not mine which is based solely on my own silliness) show SUCH wisdom! Quilters are wonderful.
HAVE FUN either way and let us know what you decide.
Lucy~
I think that if it's something you wont afford usually that hubby would love you to go first class Bonnie...I know my hubby would...he has flown first class with work and I would never fly first class usually....so take advantage of it and enjoy...I am sure hubby would agree.
ReplyDeleteHugs Khris
Those first class seats look soooo comfy.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy for me to know what I'd do, I chose dh out of a room full of men because of his big broad shoulders! LOL! My dh NEEDS firstclass, but never gets it, and drives teensy cars squishing his handsome shoulders in to save $$$! I'd sacrifice, but still be glad for the reason...ooo, baby!
ReplyDeleteI think the comments above (not mine which is based solely on my own silliness) show SUCH wisdom! Quilters are wonderful.
HAVE FUN either way and let us know what you decide.
Lucy~
I wouldn't take the flight I believe in omens.
ReplyDeleteI think the plane might crash both should take another fight and sit together in coach. But if you go with orginal flight please for the love of god give us all the remaining clues. I am sure everything will be fine what ever you chose.
there are no coindences in life. Just a simple thought for a simple mind. Now where are the clues??????????????
You've said before that you're a loyal United customer, so I agree w. the others who've said call them to see what they can do.
ReplyDeleteIf they can't upgrade you both on this flight, ask them to try to upgrade you on some other, future flight instead. You probably have several others booked already, right?
I would definitely stay with my dh.
ReplyDeleteTake turns, half the trip it's your and half the trip it's his.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteBoy, that sure is a dilemma. Hopefully when you tell the airlines that your husband is with you, they'll put you both in 1st class. My husband and I got to sit in 1st class twice and boy, it was great!!! Have a nice flight!!!
Call United and tell them you are traveling with your husband and you would like to remain seated with him, and to please save the upgrade for a future flight. The airlines "bump" to reduce your frequent flyer miles - you have a choice to accept or decline the bump (and keep your miles). This happened to me when I was traveling with a friend. I didn't know you could decline until we were on the plane and I was chatting with the flight attendant.
ReplyDeleteYou'll excuse me, please, if I copy some of your blog text from December 27th... of this year...
ReplyDelete"So I treated DH this Christmas with tickets to Dallas to come with me over New Years.
I’ll be teaching classes, he and his brother can pal about and spend time together, even for 2 days. It’s worth it. How can you put a price on that?"
I think you have your answer, there. *s*
Rosa Robichaud
Giving pratical advice since 1999.
(just joking about this last line... LOL)
It all depends on Why they bumped you to 1st Class. They should have noticed you bought two tickets and bumped both of you, I think. Tell DH and ask him what he would want you to do? I haven't flown enough to have frequent flyer miles.
ReplyDeleteI've just finished reading everyone's replies. I was surprised that the most of your replies suggested that YOU keep the upgrade.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I've always believed that charity starts at home... "giving" that is. I, personally, would give my seat up to my hubby. But hey, that's just me. And I'd probably give it up for either of my boys and my parents. But then, it would stop there. *s*
Good luck with the outcome - please keep us posted, Bonnie!
Rosa Robichaud
robich@rogers.com
I would offer it to my husband and he would refuse and then I would want to sit with him so would offer it to someone else.
ReplyDeleteyou take it for half the flight then switch with him!
ReplyDeleteI'm probably not much help...my husband is a nervous flyer, so I would definitely stay with him. If the airline can't upgrade both of you, I'd give my first class seat to the person sitting next to him. It would be great if that were a soldier or elderly person, but I would have to sit next to CH!
ReplyDeleteOh, if this is the biggest problem we face, life is good, right?!?!?
Well, you'll probably never get down to reading this but, I would call the airline and remind them that you bought TWO tickets and could they also accomadate your HUSBAND so that you are not separated? Slide in the ungodly hour they called about a flight 48 hours (or so) away and how it unnerved you for fear something was wrong in your family. I'll bet they bump him up too! Let us know. Love you Bonnie.
ReplyDeleteSplit the time.......half the time you'll be in first class half the time he'll be in first class :0)......it work for my DH and I :0)
ReplyDeletegood luck.......let us know :0)
Happy sewing and safe travels
well haven't read all the comments but I like Pauline's idea...and well if that doesn't work, I would stay with DH...dang it, we have been together 32 years this month and I kind of like him, and we don't get near enough time together just the two of us doing nothing....I would want to sit with him...
ReplyDeleteI think this trip for him was part of his Christmas present. Right? So is that's the case I would offer the bump to him. Happy New Year you two.
ReplyDeleteMaryella
I'd tell the airline I can't accept for this trip unless they upgrade my companion, and sweetly ask for a voucher or something. (Im not clear on how you scored the upgrade, so don't know if voucher is appropriate. Unless your hubby would get a big kick out of it, and I'd give it to him. We have a rule that we stick together when we travel, just because things like this used to come up.
ReplyDeleteI think those are big seat and you don't look that big why not sit on his lap. Or sell the seat back to another passanger and use the money to buy more fabric. I keep the overhead compartment in first class for the stash of fabric they are bigger. Also won't you be listening to books on tape kindle or have some headsets in your ears so it's not likely you'll two be doing much chatting. Go 1st and drink it's the New Year start early. Bye the way where are those clues. Just because you get upgraded doesn't mean you can forget us. We still have to sew.
ReplyDeleteHe could say, Bonnie darlin, you deserve that better seat, because are such a perfect wife.
ReplyDeletewould not be an issue as DH would be happy for me to travel first class
ReplyDeleteI'd tell him he is going to really enjoy sitting in coach because since you will be in first class he will have more room with your empty seat. :) Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kim, split the time. Or if you really want to make someone's day, pay it forward & give it to someone else. It could make all the difference in the world to that person. We are all faces that you never really know what the person behind that face's life is really like.
ReplyDeleteThis happened several years ago when we went to Hawaii. DH sat in coach and dd and ds and I sat in first class from LA to Hawaii. He's traveled all over the world first/business class when he was in the "working" world so it wasn't an issue. Of course, we had fun teasing him about the accommodations "up front"! GL with your decision..
ReplyDeleteI wish my dear hubby were still here on earth so I could offer a first class seat to him! I'd be inclined to share the seat, if the airline couldn't work something out where we both could be upgraded. I also liked the ideas that several people had of offering the seat to an elderly person or a GI. I'm sure you will figure out what's right for your situation!
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe Thursday morning at 5:55 a.m. HE will get a phone call bumping him to first class!!! That is the happy ever after version...
ReplyDeleteIf you really don't mind staying coach with hubby why not offer it to a serviceman or woman who is on the flight either going to or coming from overseas/
ReplyDeleteOk reading thru alot of the posts, boy this was a hot topic!! My first instinct says check with the airline and see if he can be upgraded too. If not then give it to someone who looks like they maybe having a rough day or a soldier. Pay it forward, make someones day. We never really know what someone else is going thru.
ReplyDeleteI would find some military person to take the First Class seat and then see about working it out in "steerage" for my DH and I to sit together. Semper fi!
ReplyDeleteIf it were me I would give my hubby first class because I always have something in my hand to work with and can sit just anywhere doing my 'thing'. My hubby would just sit/rest and need to be comfortable for the ride. Another thought would be call the airlines and see if they have another seat that could be bumped up....give the sob story you would like to sit near your husband for this trip.
ReplyDeleteI really have a question. Did they up grade you round trip? If so you could go first class on the way back and give him the first class on the way.
ReplyDeleteCall the airline and ask if they'll upgrade your husband too at no charge, like they did for you. The worst they can say is "no" and then you and your husband can take turns sitting in the good seat!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't enjoy travelling on my own, it would be lonely whether up front or down the back.
ReplyDeleteI'd check to see if they could extend the upgrade to both of you otherwise just decline the offer this time.
You're probably tired of reading comments on this but it happens to us all the time. Keith and I both fly extensively ... He's a diamond with Delta and I'm gold so he usually gets bumped up before me. We always take the upgrade but he usually gives me the seat :). In the past we have both given up first class seats to service men. There's no wrong choice here!
ReplyDelete