Travel debate: First class for mom, economy for the kids
Would you fly first class on a family trip while leaving your children in economy?
US singer Jessica Simpson has sparked a debate online after she recently flew to Hawaii in first class, while her three children sat in economy.
Ironically, it was not Simpson who made the family's seating arrangement public, but her ex-husband, singer Nick Lachey.
The former couple, who have not seen each other in 20 years, just happened to be flying on the same six-hour flight with their families.
Lachey was in first class with his wife, Vanessa, and their children: Camden, Brooklyn and Phoenix.
He was asked about the encounter during an episode of 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen'.
"It was strangely okay," Lachey said. "Everyone was very cordial, very respectful."
The 98 Degrees singer then confirms that Simpson was in first class with her mother, Tina Ann Drew, while her children, Maxwell, Birdie and Ace, were in a "separate class of service" with their father, Eric Johnson.
Simpson and Johnson confirmed their separation in January 2025 after 10 years of marriage.
Many social media users were shocked to learn that Simpson chose to sit in first class without her children.
"Wait, what? Jessica and her mom were in first class and her kids were in coach? I could never," one woman commented.
A man wrote: "I can’t believe she sticks her kids in coach while she sits in first class with her mother."
However, many came to Simpson's defence, saying they wouldn't want to sit with their estranged husband either.
Others pointed out that there might not be enough seats in first class, while many also said moms deserve a break, too.
"Kids should always be in coach. Leave first class for the adults."
Travelling first class without your kids
Simpson has since clarified that she didn't have a say in the seats because her mother booked the plane tickets.
"It was my mom’s treat for us to go to Hawaii," she said when photographers bumped into her at Los Angeles International Airport.
While some people aren't feeling the idea, it is not uncommon for parents to be seated in different classes on a plane.
Some people have even called for children to be banned from first class, as they pay extra for the ticket to comfort and peace.
Some spouses have also agreed to be seated separately if their budget does not accommodate two first-class tickets.
Most airlines have strict regulations regarding children sitting alone in economy. They need to be at least 12, but the age requirements vary by airline.
Simpsons kids are 7, 12 and 14.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Are they self-sufficient or will they seek assistance from strangers?
- Children under 10 might need some help putting on their seatbelts or taking them off when they need to go to the toilet.
- How long is the flight? Some children can manage shorter flights alone but might get agitated or bored on longer journeys.
- Are they comfortable speaking to flight attendants or taking instructions?
- How would they handle turbulence alone?
If you do decide to travel in first class while your children are in economy, make sure you prepare them for the flight to avoid anxiety or awkward encounters with grumpy strangers who don't want to be bothered by kids.
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