'Luxury doesn’t build character': YesMadam CEO explains why he'll never fly business class with kids again

According to Mayank Arya, the business class configuration meant the family was physically separated during the flight.

Mayank Arya, founder and CEO of Noida-based startup YesMadam, sparked conversation online after he shared a personal reflection on family travel—specifically, his decision to stop flying business class with his children despite the apparent luxuries it offers.

Taking to LinkedIn, Arya recounted his recent travel experience with his children seated in business class for the first time. While the seats were more spacious, meals elevated, and boarding smooth, Arya said the experience lacked one essential element: connection.

“Spacious seats, priority boarding, better meals — sab kuch tha. Bas ek cheez nahi thi — warmth and Apna pan,” he wrote.“Everything was there. But only one thing was absent — warmth and togetherness.”

According to Arya, the business class configuration meant the family was physically separated during the flight. “Seats were far away. We couldn't sit together. No games, no silly riddles, no asking ‘Papa, how much longer?’ every 5 minutes. No chance to just be a family.”

He contrasted the experience with previous travels in economy class, recalling the intimacy and shared moments that came with tighter seating arrangements. “In economy, we've always sat together — thoda adjust kar ke, thoda hass ke. We've played games, shared food, passed headphones, and created real memories,” he shared.

It was this comparison that triggered a shift in Arya’s perspective. “That’s when it hit me, as a father, it’s not just about giving your kids comfort. It’s about giving them the right values,” he wrote.

He elaborated that parenting, for him, meant showing both ends of the spectrum—comfort and struggle. “Struggle bhi dikhani hai, aspiration bhi jagani hai. Business class tabhi jab woh khud afford karein. Not just because Papa could,” Arya stated.

He concluded the post with a firm resolution: “Next trip, they’ll be flying economy. Because luxury doesn’t build character. Discomfort sometimes does. Mostly does!”

The post quickly went viral, striking a chord with social media users who praised Arya’s perspective on parenting and values.

“Luxury impresses. Simplicity connects. Loved this insight!” wrote one commenter.

Another remarked, “Beautifully put — ‘discomfort mostly builds character’.”

“Couldn’t agree more! Been there, done that — and honestly, the real fun (and bonding) is in economy. Leg space kam hota hai, par heart space zyada,” added a third.

Others lauded the sentiment as a powerful parenting lesson, with one user writing, “Such a powerful parenting insight — not everything expensive adds value.”