LeBron James' wife declines to upgrade best friend's flight, kicking off hot debate

An airplane seating arrangement between two friends has travelers debating whether having a bigger budget means picking up the tab for someone else's upgrade — or not.

Savannah James, entrepreneur and wife of NBA superstar LeBron James , recently discussed how she and her friend April McDaniel handle the difference in their travel budgets when they travel.

Speaking on the "Mental Wealth" podcast, McDaniel said she does not expect to sit in first class simply because Savannah James does.

OUTRAGED PASSENGERS SAY PARENTS DITCHED ROWDY KIDS IN COACH WHILE THEY UPGRADED TO FIRST CLASS "If we're going on the same trip, I don't feel the need to be in first [class] because that's not in my budget ," McDaniel said.

Savannah James said her friends understand that traveling with her does not mean she will automatically cover their expenses.

"My friends are very respectful of my situation," Savannah James said.

"There's no expectation of, like, taking care of something or, you know, just having me be responsible for them.

It has never, ever been that." This approach to traveling together has created debate online — with some people questioning whether the wealthier friend should pay the difference so that the group can sit together.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, told Fox News Digital there's nothing inherently wrong with friends choosing different cabins as long as everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.

"If you have a group of friends, and they are flying coach while you want to fly first class, there's really nothing wrong with it as long as everyone is understanding and agreeable," Gottsman said.

The situation changes, however, if someone feels excluded or uncomfortable, she said.

Even when one traveler has considerably more money to spend, Gottsman said that doesn't make that person responsible for paying to upgrade everyone else.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "It's not an obligation of the person who makes more money to upgrade everyone else," she said.

"Just take your seat up front and say you'll see everyone when you land." The arrangement shared by Savannah James and her friend April McDaniel drew sharply different reactions from travelers online .