Paul, I have boys ages 13 & 16. I have NO qualms about them in Coach and my husband and me in First. Why would I want to spend the miles to upgrade them? They are comfortable in Coach, we parents are not on a long haul flight. This means I can do more with miles and take them to see more of the world and that is my main reason. Who has quality time with their family on a long flight anyway? We have plenty of togetherness when we arrive.

Incidentally, my boys know not to come to First cabin. We check on them ocassionally and receive nothing but compliments on their manners from passengers and crew. It works for us and does not disturb anyone. Of course it's different if you have little children (we never separated til the last couple of years).