we definitely apply the same logic.

People actually think flying F on BA will spoil a 13 year old? Really? F on BA?

Perhaps you're joking, or maybe someone who's been very fortunate and spoiled? Maybe 5% of my colleagues/friends have ever flown long haul F. I was really excited to fly BA J in a middle seat for the first time at the age of 32 since I could finally afford to "spoil" myself for the extra 500 pounds on the flight to BLR. It wasn't as exciting the second or third or fourth time. I think that's what the wife's point is here.

I was kind of joking, mostly about BA's version of First. It's not La Premiere.
But doing something very few people have a chance to do isn't per se going to spoil a teenager, anymore than it would still spoil you.
Anecdote - when I was 17, I was flying transcon for the first time with my then gf. Flight was overbooked and they asked for volunteers, $200 to take a flight 3 hours later. We were on no schedule, so we jumped up to the desk. GA asked "Would you like the money, two seats in First just opened up, would you rather have those." Oh yeah! It was great. Our first flight in a premium seat of any kind and a freebie at that! My take at the time was "The airlines ought to give everyone one upgrade, so they know what it's like. It would drive premium business through the roof."
Did it spoil me? Not at all. For the next 15 years, I never flew premium again. But I always wanted to and aimed for it.
So, no, I'm not buying the one flight is spoiling anyone.

Life is short - you never know what tomorrow brings! So I say go for it and enjoy the quality time together. I have a 3 1/2 Granddaughter who has become a real foodie - slow cooked pigeon is her favourite, closely followed by bambi wellington... so I am so looking forward to my first trip with her alone which will definitely be up front on either Turkish or Aeroflot long haul. She will appreciate the service and the food - and as sleeping in her own space is important to her, the lie flat will be appreciated! My wife on the other hand does not really appreciate the added benefits of J - so will normally be in Y if travelling alone!

It seems your wife already considers the child to be spoiled. Why do you not see it?

I'm only here to say don't force other people to watch your kid. For the sake of other fliers, most kids should be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times, even at 13

Agree.

one never knows what is around the corner so enjoy life now

My son started flying F since being 1 y/o. Now he is 4 and he travelled in most F cabins (including BA "F"). The best one is actually EY Apartment, because of space, doors & the nanny.

Glad to spoil him!

Regards,

El Puerco Volante

Somehow your wife is fine with J but it's the F upgrade that really breaks the camel's back?

Most people travel in economy all their life... if they get to travel at all. Earning enough to afford long haul business class travel is quite rare, too. Maybe your kid won't ever get to do that, especially if other economical factors such as oil prices change.

My parents let me start flying in First Class at an early age (pictured age 4) and I grew up to become a Flyertalker!

Oh wait...

When I was a young lad probably around that age I had the opportunity to sit in first, there weren't enough seats available for the family and we had to book one of them in first and for some reason they let me sit there on my own. They made sure that I understood that it was a big deal though! I still remember that flight fondly, the FAs seemed to enjoy treating me well and my biggest memory was the welcome drink of orange juice. I don't remember much else about the service but I remember that welcome drink vividly! Also in the future if people asked if I had ever flown first class before I could say that I had, albeit at a young age.

It'll probably be an experience he'll never forget and as long as you explain that it is a real special thing then I'm sure he'll understand that it's not to be expected in the future.