A mother, Ellis Cochlin, sparked a debate after choosing to fly business class from Paris to Los Angeles, leaving her baby and boyfriend in economy. Ellis faced mixed reactions from her family and online commenters, with some supporting her choice and others questioning it.
It’s widely acknowledged that traveling with a baby can be quite stressful at times. However, most people recognize that when they choose to start a family, their children become their primary responsibility.
For many parents, this entails caring for their kids while on the move. While it may not always be convenient, parenting is a full-time commitment that doesn’t take a break, even during travel.
Now, one mom, Ellis Cochlin decided to get a break from her daughter as her partner took care of the baby. The mom’s boyfriend, Rob, offered to fly economy with their daughter, allowing Ellis to fly business class as a present for her giving birth.
Ellis appreciated the gift and savored half a day of luxury in business class while her baby girl slept in a cot on the floor next to her boyfriend seated in economy class. As much as she readily accepted this gift, Ellis wondered if it was wrong for her to take it.
She asked, “Am I a horrible person for flying business class while my baby and boyfriend flew economy?” The mom clarified that Rob, who lacked prior experience flying with their daughter, eagerly embraced the chance to do so, expressing a keen interest in accompanying her on the flight.
She also divulged that she and Rob have divergent views on spending money. While she enjoyed indulging in luxurious flights and jewelry, he preferred fine dining experiences. Moreover, if they had purchased a business class seat for Rob, they would have needed to buy one for the baby as well, significantly increasing the overall cost of the trip.
Ellis was enticed by the prospect of being in business class because the flight from Paris to Los Angeles spanned just over 11 hours, and the idea of having a child-free flight was immensely appealing to her. She added, “I love Prim, and I love that girl with my whole heart, but let me tell you, flying long-haul on your own with a baby is not easy.”
Despite Ellis’s delight in obtaining some relaxation and arriving in Los Angeles feeling rejuvenated, she wasn’t overly satisfied with the meal served throughout the flight. Upon reuniting with Rob, she asked him how his flight was and he remarked that it was relaxed. Still, Ellis suspected that he wasn’t telling the truth.
When Ellis’s whole family learned that she had flown business class while her partner and child had been in economy, they teased her about being a horrible person. Ellis noted that her family was obviously joking. Still, she told them, “As if you wouldn’t do the same.”
Ellis’s post in TikTok ignited discussions on parenting and partnership roles during travel. Parents who didn’t agree with Ellis’s decision said they would never leave their baby. “Wow, I have raised six wonderful boys and this is something I would never do ever,” another parent agreed.
Another parent said that if something bad happened with the flight she would want to be with her kids. More parents shared their opinion., “No absolutely not, I’d have the worst mom guilt.”
“Defo odd, I could never,” a user weighed in. A parent who concurred, wrote, “Never in a million years.” Other parents were angered that the baby slept on the floor. “Don’t they have like those baskets for babies,” a user commented.
Ellis also got support from other moms. “No. Don’t feel guilty. I always leave my kids with my husband on our flights. We’re on the same role but I sleep and he watches them,” a mom shared. A user pointed out that Ellis had done a lot of work handling the baby and had definitely earned her alone time in business class.
“God that’s a dream I’d do the same,” gushed a user. “Honestly sounds great! You were both happy with it I see no issue,” an individual jotted.
A mother supported Ellis’s choice, adding that all the people annoyed by it had probably never flown solo with kids. “Glad you had some time to recharge,” the mother added. Users who loved what Ellis did commented, “I love this!! Good on you!!” and others said, “Love this for you.”
Ellis was not apologetic for her decision as she replied to the users’ comments saying that she loved having a relaxing flight and enjoyed every second of it. The mom wasn’t feeling guilty for taking time to recharge so that she could give her baby the best version of herself when they landed.
