Work Trip Dilemma: AITA for Refusing Equal Split of Expenses with Unproductive Coworker?

A 28-year-old man refused to eat the cost of a coworker’s “sick day” during an overseas work trip, and Reddit is not letting it go. He and Sara, a 30-year-old coworker, agreed to split travel expenses 50/50 before they even boarded the plane.

Then the trip went sideways. Sara allegedly skipped crucial client meetings, saying she was tired or unwell, while OP handled the work solo and took the heat when the client got a less-than-ideal impression. By the time it was time to settle the bill, Sara still wanted an even split for meals and accommodation, even though she wasn’t there for the moments that mattered.

Now OP is stuck wondering if refusing the “equal no matter what” split makes him the problem.

Original Post

I (28M) recently went on a work trip with my coworker, Sara (30F), for an important client meeting overseas. We agreed to split all travel expenses 50/50 beforehand.

However, during the trip, Sara skipped some crucial meetings, claiming she felt unwell or tired, leaving me to handle them alone. This caused me stress and made a negative impression on the client.

When it came time to settle expenses, Sara insisted on splitting everything evenly, including meals and accommodation, despite her absence from key meetings. I felt it wasn't fair for me to bear the full cost of her share when she didn't fulfill her responsibilities.

I brought up the issue, but Sara argued that we agreed to split everything without exceptions. I'm torn between upholding our initial agreement and feeling resentful for covering expenses that were supposed to be shared equally.

So AITA?

Comment from u/sleepy_panda99

Comment from u/TheRealDebate

Comment from u/coffeeholic_23

Comment from u/redditlover88

Comment from u/Gamer_Guru21

This matches the AITA about refusing to split a catering bill evenly after missing the meeting.

Comment from u/plantmom_forever

Comment from u/music_mania

Comment from u/Pasta_Addict_45

Comment from u/sunset_seeker

Comment from u/bookworm_adventures

OP and Sara had a clean 50/50 deal locked in before the overseas trip, but the “unwell” meeting absences changed everything fast.

Every time Sara missed a key client meeting, OP ended up doing the work and carrying the stress, not just the spreadsheet.

When Sara demanded an even split for meals and accommodation anyway, OP felt like he was paying for her missing responsibilities.

Now OP is debating whether the original agreement means “no exceptions,” or whether fairness should kick in after Sara skipped the important parts.

What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.

If Sara’s not showing up for the client meetings, OP shouldn’t be the one footing the bill.

Wondering if your coworker can force a 50-50 split after skipping meetings? Read the senior manager arguing against equal payment for an extravagant coworker’s travel.