A mum has sparked a parenting debate after revealing her hair left her boyfriend and 10-month-old daughter in economy while flying business class on an 11-hour flight.
Ellis Cochlin, a British resident based in California, took to TikTok to share her blissful child-free international flight from Paris to Los Angeles, where she has nearly 25,000 followers.
The content creator, who uses the handle @ellcochlinexplained that her boyfriend, Rob, had offered to watch their daughter for the entire flight as part of her “push gift.”
However, the mother of one admitted she felt guilty about being treated like a queen in business class, where she was given a warm washcloth, wine and food as she reclined in a flat bed.
Ellis Cochlin, a British resident based in California, went viral on TikTok after revealing that she left her boyfriend and 10-month-old daughter in economy while she was in business class on a flight
The content creator, who goes by @ellcochlin, explained that her boyfriend Rob had offered to watch their daughter Prim for the entire flight as part of her ‘push present’
“The flight from Paris to LA was about just over 11 hours, and the thought of a baby-free flight was music to my ears,” she said
“Am I a terrible person if I fly business class while my baby and boyfriend fly economy?” she asked at the beginning of the video.
Ellis noted that she and Rob spend their money differently. Although she likes to treat herself to jewelry and business class flights, he prefers to spend his money on restaurants.
She remembered how she used to have to fly alone with Prim and said she loved how Rob helped her before they went to their separate seats.
“The flight from Paris to LA was about a little over 11 hours, and the thought of a baby-free flight was music to my ears,” she said.
“I love Prim, and I love that girl with all my heart, but let me tell you, flying long distances alone with a baby isn’t easy.”
Ellis explained that Rob wanted to fly with Prim because he had never done it before, and she was happy that he allowed it.
“I said, ‘You know what? That’s fine with me. I’ll see you in 11 hours, honey,'” she said.
The mother added that she tried to buy one of the available business class seats for her boyfriend, but she abandoned the idea after finding out she would also have to pay for a separate seat for her 10-month-old daughter, which would cost thousands.
Ellis’ video has been viewed more than 425,000 times and sparked discussions about parenting in the comments, with some parents admitting they could never leave their child on a flight
“My whole family told me I was a terrible person, in jest of course, because I was in business while Prim and Rob were in economics,” she admitted. “But I said, ‘As if you wouldn’t do the same.’
“Rob said my Business Class seat would be the last piece of my push gift, so of course I was going to take that with me. I didn’t want to just leave it behind.’
Ellis noted that she could have done without the fancy food, which included a risotto and fish dish followed by macarons, but she was able to have a “great nap.”
She ended the video with footage of her daughter in her stroller as they waited for their luggage.
“Rob said the flight was really easy, and I know he was lying,” she joked.
Ellis’ video has been viewed more than 425,000 times and received hundreds of comments since it was posted last week.
However, others fully supported Ellis’ decision, insisting that she has earned the right to relax for a few hours
People were divided over her decision, with some insisting they could never leave their children on a flight.
“I think you both should (should) have been there for each other and shared the responsibility,” one person wrote.
“Nothing to do with duties, just traveling with the family,” another agreed.
‘I couldn’t do this to my partner. I wouldn’t like the flight at all,” someone else added. ‘Happy for you anyway. I really wish I could do it and not feel guilty.”
Others insisted that Ellis deserved a break and shouldn’t feel guilty for taking one, pointing out that she had flown alone with her daughter several times.
“You spent SO MUCH time dealing with babies alone, I think you definitely deserve this!” one viewer responded.
‘Do not feel guilty!!!!!! Us mamas sometimes just want to (breathe) alone,” wrote another.
“God, that’s a dream. I would do the same,” someone else insisted.