Qantas passenger’s extraordinary reaction as his first-ever flight in business class is ruined when he’s suddenly booted back to economy for a strange reason

An Australian sales manager was praised for his unusually calm reaction to being upgraded from business class to economy class in the first minutes of a 10-hour flight.

Jamil Rehman, from Melbourne, was given a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a job bonus, but was forced to move after engineers discovered a fault with his seat.

Mr Rehman recorded his reaction after receiving the news and said the staff were very apologetic but did not take the time to convince him to save money.

His mom, who was his plus one, remained in her seat and happily waved towards the camera as her son finished his glass of champagne before humbly walking away.

“How the mighty have fallen,” Mr. Rehman said as he entered his new cabin to the sound of children screaming.

Jamil Rehman, from Melbourne, was given a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a job bonus, but was forced to move after engineers discovered a fault with his seat.

Mr Rehman had just donned his complimentary business class pajamas with the famous Qantas kangaroo on the front when, 10 minutes into the flight, he was told he needed to move for his own safety.

“I was just informed that I have to leave this business class seat because it’s broken,” he said.

“But God, at least I was able to enjoy it for a quick second (with) my champagne, which was wonderful.”

The dainty passenger quickly put on his headphones and praised the Qantas staff, who were “very apologetic (and) very helpful.”

He could keep his pajamas on and still enjoy the benefits of business class, “but not the space.”

“What can you do,” he mused casually as the staff offered to carry his bags to the entire empty row waiting for him at the back of the plane.

“It’s actually impossible to shoot them down,” he added.

Social media users appreciated Mr. Rehman’s optimistic response to the unfortunate situation he found himself in.

“You’re a cool guy. Congratulations on your achievements and sharing them with your mom,” one person said.

“Please note that the child greets you warmly,” wrote another.

“No matter how good they were or what other benefits you received, be sure to ask for compensation and don’t settle for anything,” advised a third.

Mr Rehman was quick to clarify that his employer had received a “refund for the downgrade” and that he had personally been given a $500 travel voucher for the trouble.

“It’s a happy ending guys – thanks for all the kind words,” he wrote in response to the support he received.

In a later update, Mr Rehman confirmed that he was able to fully enjoy the business class experience with his mother on the return flight as they drank champagne together.

Mr Rehman’s plus point on the trip was his mother, with whom he was finally able to enjoy business class on the return flight.

A Qantas spokesman said the carrier had personally apologized to Mr Rehman for the inconvenience and that he had been given a $500 travel voucher for the inconvenience.

It is understood that during pre-flight checks in Sydney, engineers discovered a fault in Mr Rehman’s original seat, which required urgent repair.

The problem was resolved by staff in Hawaii before their return flight.

A Qantas spokesman said the carrier had personally apologized to Rehman for the inconvenience he experienced and that his safety was their top priority.

“Safety is always our top priority and unfortunately due to a minor technical issue this location had to be left vacant,” they said.

“Two days after the flight, Mr Rehman was refunded for the downgrade along with a $500 travel voucher.”