per diem
Per diems are normally much lower than what you actually spend on a layover. If you do decide to have 3 meals at a restaurant with one non-alcoholic beverage, you will definitely go over the per diem that they give you. They also do not consider the fact that we always make atleast one phone call a layover to let our family know that we have arrived. They expect you to stay put in the hotel for 2-3 days without stepping out. Well, IMHO, per diems, should include one round trip to the city centre, a 5 minute phone call a day, non-discounted meal allowance as you might pay more for non-buffet meal (buffet is what they consider).
Other things which are not mandatory are free laundry for 1 set of your personal wear per day if you stop for more than one day. Entertainment allowance equal to 1 snack + a drink or 2 for the evening if you stay more than one day and other things which many other companies ( not necessarily airlines) give the senior staff in their stop overs away from home for work.
It is not possible for everyone to stay put in the hotel rooms and crew lounges for 24 hours on every layover. Many of us just go shopping or indulge in spas ( which the airline needn't pay for) only because we have nothing else to do in the hotel. So in case someone really wants a life i think staying in the hotel from checkin to check out isnt a real one.
Last edited by Maverick; 21st Jan 2008 at 19:29.