The ALAC travel support has been always with economy class, not business class unless there were special reasosn approved. Previously, only NomCom appointed members were flying with business class, but that was a long time ago, before any ALSs were given travel support. Here are ALAC travel policy in several languages now. https://st.icann.org/alac/index.cgi?policies_and_procedures The one quoted was for general ICANN travel policy like for the Board, but not applied to ALAC and ALSes. I have asked for the economy ticket with upgradable price this time and used my miles to upgrade so this time. Last time even ICANN paid for the upgraded price (a few hundred dollars higher), I could not get upgrade seats until I paid the difference for LA meeting's return flight. Many of our colleagues are spending long hours in the packed coach seats. I agree that the travel cost be minimal, but I hope the debate be based on proven facts. izumi 2008/2/15, Danny Younger <dannyyounger@yahoo.com>:
Darlene,
1. As per the ICANN Policy VP "US$7,000 is the estimate ICANN uses for international travel and is based on business class purchased 45+ days in advance through ICANN's travel agents." -- see http://gnso.icann.org/mailing-lists/archives/council/msg04282.html
If the At-Large intends to provide travel funding for each of the 100+ ALSs, then the budgeted amount will exceed $700,000 (by standard calculations).