fly_ebos As Pilots we have been told by the company that these Flight Plans (FPLs) are "tactically" filed at these levels to avoid known delays and slots, and that this was done on the advice of Eurocontrol themselves. However we are instructed to request higher levels en route as over a 2 hour flight the difference in fuel usage is substantial.
Can I also just say, if it needs to be said, that those of us in the driving seat are just as mortified with embarrassment and angered about these daft press releases, court cases, banners painted on our aircraft (Arrivederci Alitalia etc.) as the people they are aimed at.