Originally Posted by
Eclipsepearl
I should mention that I did clear the upgrade with the ground staff before they closed the door. So the pp is right. No inflight, whim upgrades allowed. I took the guy's credit card, the information was radioed ahead and he was charged upon landing. Not sure if this is even possible today or not.
No, economy cabin passengers can't come up to business. If you saw this on any U.S. company, it was a violation.
Violation of what; U.S. Law, U.S. airline reg or airline. As I see it more of an issue for the airline to maintain it business class brand than any other issue/violation.
I have been upgraded in flight by the FA and known freinds which have been upgraded inflight as well, based on their elite status. But this was on non-US airlines and this was the exception and not the norm.
If the kids are old enough to fly alone per the airline/country regulation then there is not anything wrong with parents flying in Business and kids in econ. From what I have seen most airlines will not allow childern under 5 to travel alone which I think is about right. Kids under 5 may still have issues communicating or need assitance in the bathroom. For kids over 5 they usually understand right from wrong, can communcate what they need and can keep themselves entertained. Of course the exception are kids with displine problems. This did not seem to be the issue in the OP's case.
If the OP was upset that someone got a free ride when the OP paid full price then do write a letter to the airline. However, I wouldn't expect much of a response as we don't know the situation behind the kids moving to Business and the OP should not mention anything in regards to nationality as that is petty.