work trip while pregnant - is business class a reasonable ask?

[Anonymous]

I will be flying 8 hours to Europe on an unavoidable and pretty important work trip that my firm values. Is it reasonable for me to request to fly business class from my manager (who is not going on the trip) and knows that I’m pregnant? I will be about 31 weeks pregnant by then and I’m concerned about mobility. That being said the tickets are super expensive (ie $6k versus $3k for premium economy). Is this a reasonable ask or will I be seen as a “diva”?

[Anonymous]

Diva.

[Anonymous]

What does your doctor say?

[Anonymous]

You should ask, but don't mention your pregnancy

Never hurts to ask.

[Anonymous]

I say diva.

[Anonymous]

Full-on diva, for sure.

[Anonymous]

I would check that the airline will let you fly internationally pregnant at 31 weeks. When will you be returning? The return flight will also be under question.

[Anonymous]

It’s a legitimate health matter and that’s a long flight. I’m sorry you even entertain the notion of being considered a “diva” for being concerned about your physical well-being on a long-haul flight at 31 weeks pregnant. I would ask.

[Anonymous]

I would check with your airline and your OB about flying at all that late tbh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should ask, but don't mention your pregnancy

Never hurts to ask.

I agree that it doesn't hurt to ask, but if she's 31 weeks, it's pretty obvious that's she pregnant.

I made these kinds of requests during my last pregnancy and first year with a baby I usually don't mind layovers or late hotel check-ins, but that's much more difficult when pregnant or pumping.

[Anonymous]

What’s the company culture like? Does anybody get to fly business class? I think that if some do it’s reasonable to just ask.

[Anonymous]

I would be worried about blood clots in the legs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be worried about blood clots in the legs.

Yes that is the real danger and flying business class won’t change that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a legitimate health matter and that’s a long flight. I’m sorry you even entertain the notion of being considered a “diva” for being concerned about your physical well-being on a long-haul flight at 31 weeks pregnant. I would ask.

How is it a legitimate health matter? What about business class is healthier?

[Anonymous]

That sounds miserable OP. Do you have to go? I'd ask my doctor to help me get out of it.