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

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.

Sounds like a very glamourous lifestyle for a master of the universe.

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).ThanksP

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"

Usually, you travel in business on client-billable flights of more than 5 hours in most top-tier firms (like Booz, BCG, Bain etc.).

I work for a Big4 and have only ever stayed in 5* hotels. Air travel is Economy though.

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.

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