Hi,
I always hear how much consultants travel (whether its within the country or international). I was just curious whether consultants (including junior ones) always travel business class / stay at decent hotels (i.e 4/5 stars) or whether some firms (especially 2nd tier like Booz, Monitor, etc...) are more stingy with traveling standards.
Thanks,
Paul
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It used to be economy-class for flights under 4 hours, business class for flights over 4 hours, but that changed a while back.
Now it's economy class when on firm business and as default when on client business. Business class if travelling with a client who is travelling business class or if the client explicitly authorises business-class expenses (yeah, right).
Hotels are always pretty decent (4* or 5*) at corporate rates, except when in towns that don't have good hotels. Less attractive is the corporate accommodation at long-term client sites - good quality but shared with no choice over flatmates.
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Sounds like a very glamourous lifestyle for a master of the universe.
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Thanks McK London - useful insights.
I must admit I was quite surprised about flat sharing. Am I right in assuming that flat sharing is always done for same-level consultants (e.g. junior consultants with junior consultants; managers with managers).
Thanks
P
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When I worked on the Ministy of Defence in Bath many years ago, a few of the project partners there used to share accomodation with the female staff on a regular basis.
The worst offender even got an MBE for his services to the Crown, while the more junior female staff usually left quietly once they realised what was going on.
Brings a new meaning to the term "being scr**ed by the partners"
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Usually, you travel in business on client-billable flights of more than 5 hours in most top-tier firms (like Booz, BCG, Bain etc.).
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I work for a Big4 and have only ever stayed in 5* hotels. Air travel is Economy though.
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Interesting that the hotel comments are about the number of stars the place has. Personally I hate the poncy 5 star places where a beer costs a fortune. Th ebest places I've stayed in have not been the highest rated hotel in a town but are the best for me. Why? A good gym or swimming pool with a pub attached or just down the road so I can sit and relax eating reasonably normal food. Flash hotel restaurants are not relaxing when you are on your own, a pub is much better. Then if you are on a per diem you can actually get some monetary recompense for an evening away from home too.
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Most consultancies have moved to economy class travel for long haul flights, from what I can see.
The days of business class airfares for short haul are but a distant memory
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