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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, the strategic way to handle this is to initially tell them that you don't want to go because you're worried about premature birth while overseas. Also, you'll need to talk to your doctor about whether you'll be able to travel, so you're not sure yet if you can even commit to it.

At this point, they will either assign someone else to go or they will encourage you to talk to the doctor because they REALLY NEED you to go to Europe.

If the latter option arises, that's when you ask for business class. You create a situation where you are doing them a favor (going on international travel in 3rd trimester against your initial wishes) and in return they feel obligated to do you a favor (pay for the business class roundtrip ticket).

This

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, the strategic way to handle this is to initially tell them that you don't want to go because you're worried about premature birth while overseas. Also, you'll need to talk to your doctor about whether you'll be able to travel, so you're not sure yet if you can even commit to it.

At this point, they will either assign someone else to go or they will encourage you to talk to the doctor because they REALLY NEED you to go to Europe.

If the latter option arises, that's when you ask for business class. You create a situation where you are doing them a favor (going on international travel in 3rd trimester against your initial wishes) and in return they feel obligated to do you a favor (pay for the business class roundtrip ticket).

This

I agree, although it only works if you don't really care about going on the trip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

[Anonymous]

Company policy is book the cheapest flight available

[Anonymous]

I’ve worked at two large companies and the rule is flights longer than 8 hours automatically get business class. Any company would be insane to send you on this trip without accodation. That said, are you sure you want/have to go? I would really not be up for this if it were me!

[Anonymous]

Also, a lot of people have pinched nerves from carrying a baby and was in physical therapy for my entire third trimester. I couldn’t sit comfortably for an hour near the end of my pregnancy much less an international flight. I can’t imagine doing this trip. I wish you luck.

[Anonymous]

Diva

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

No, I would argue my employer would as obligated to offer me the accommodation my MD recommended for international travel. You are really wrapped around the axel that pregnant women should suffer, maybe work on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

No, I would argue my employer would as obligated to offer me the accommodation my MD recommended for international travel. You are really wrapped around the axel that pregnant women should suffer, maybe work on that.

I am not.

To be clear, I think OP should not have to go on the trip and if she does have to go she should ask and her employer should grant the upgrade to business.

What I am saying is that there is no medical reason why an employer should be legally obligated to give it. Things that are "beneficial to avoid an outcome" are not required accommodations. OP could also avoid a blood clot by taking a blood thinner, wearing compression socks, getting up and walking, and moving her feet around in an economy class seat.

The fact that a doctor put in writing that business class is a good idea does not translate into any obligation on an employer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

No, I would argue my employer would as obligated to offer me the accommodation my MD recommended for international travel. You are really wrapped around the axel that pregnant women should suffer, maybe work on that.

Your reference to “suffer” here makes me think it really is about comfort. The suffering in question would presumably be from sitting in a cramped seat, not from experiencing a blood clot. ANYBODY suffers in economy under those circumstances- and the suffering can be exacerbated by a variety of physical attributes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

No, I would argue my employer would as obligated to offer me the accommodation my MD recommended for international travel. You are really wrapped around the axel that pregnant women should suffer, maybe work on that.

I am not.

To be clear, I think OP should not have to go on the trip and if she does have to go she should ask and her employer should grant the upgrade to business.

What I am saying is that there is no medical reason why an employer should be legally obligated to give it. Things that are "beneficial to avoid an outcome" are not required accommodations. OP could also avoid a blood clot by taking a blood thinner, wearing compression socks, getting up and walking, and moving her feet around in an economy class seat.

The fact that a doctor put in writing that business class is a good idea does not translate into any obligation on an employer.

Per the law, it absolutely does put that obligation on the employer if business class is granted an an accommodation for any other medical condition, which many do. Pregnant women don’t take blood thinners to accommodate an employers requirement for travel.

[Anonymous]

What is the company policy on business class? That determines a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Pregnancy is a tremendous change in the health and well-being of the woman. Business class is roomier. Are you dense?

+1. "How is it a legitimate health matter," WTAF. Let's guess, PP, you are one of those guys that thinks women should be denied access to abortion because "it's no harder than carrying a handbag around and she can just give the baby up for adoption when it's born." Pregnancy is a serious health condition, yes, dumb-dumb. And OP, you are not being a diva to ask about this. I have worked for companies that upgrade travelers at their request because they're "big men" and "need more room," or "sprained their ankle hiking" or whatever lame excuse. Plus if your company is already willing to pay $3K to send you overseas, they can suck up the extra.

Of course pregnancy is a legitimate health condition. But how will being in business class address that health condition? Of course it will be more comfortable, and I personally think the company should spring for it for that reason alone. But the PP said being in business class is necessary to address a health condition, yet no one seems able to explain how exactly it will do that.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of clots, and having your legs cramped up for 8hr vs stretched out for 8hr affects clotting risk tremendously.

No it really doesn't. The issue is being seated for that long, regardless of whether your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle or a 110 degree angle. In either circumstance, OP should get up and move.
Economy v. Business, is about comfort not medical risk.

Amazing how many MDs disagree with your assessment. Mine was happy to write a letter saying the increased space and the ability to lie flat was beneficial to avoid clots. Weird they didn’t ask you first…

So is coumadin and compression socks. Would you argue that your employer is obligated to provide them to you as an accommodation?

No, I would argue my employer would as obligated to offer me the accommodation my MD recommended for international travel. You are really wrapped around the axel that pregnant women should suffer, maybe work on that.

I am not.

To be clear, I think OP should not have to go on the trip and if she does have to go she should ask and her employer should grant the upgrade to business.

What I am saying is that there is no medical reason why an employer should be legally obligated to give it. Things that are "beneficial to avoid an outcome" are not required accommodations. OP could also avoid a blood clot by taking a blood thinner, wearing compression socks, getting up and walking, and moving her feet around in an economy class seat.

The fact that a doctor put in writing that business class is a good idea does not translate into any obligation on an employer.

Per the law, it absolutely does put that obligation on the employer if business class is granted an an accommodation for any other medical condition, which many do. Pregnant women don’t take blood thinners to accommodate an employers requirement for travel.

This simply isn’t true. There is a difference between the legal requirement for an employer to provide accommodations to enable a person to perform the job and a general best practice that a person take certain steps to mitigate risk. An OB would likely tell me that I should avoid certain foods to mitigate risk, for example. That does not translate into an obligation on my employer to provide the preferred food for me at a business dinner.

[Anonymous]

Why would any mid-sized or bigger company not put everyone in business class for flights this long? It’s nuts.