[QUOTE]In these difficult economic times suggesting that you stay airborne longer than necessary just to allow cabin service to be completed is staggering. You save a lot more fuel by being on the ground with the engines off than by being airborne flying slowly. Please think more carefully before suggesting things like this./QUOTE]
Juan Tugoh...that is not actually correct (sorry for the thread creep). Most aircraft are flown at a speed which is most economical but can have that economy 'adjusted'. Generally the faster you fly the more fuel you burn, sometimes by slowing down and flying at a more economical speed despite being in the air longer we actually burn much less fuel over the entire journey length (on long haul often by many tons).
The decision as to which speed we fly is generally specified by the company on the flight plan with the proviso that arriving too early is not always the fastest way of getting the pax into the terminal or best for the overall operation!
Also keep in mind 'most economical' is not always JUST about fuel burn but may include other costs...for example being close to the cusp of crew box payments may see your flight planned at much higher speed and fuel burn but overall the costs to the airline are lower.
It's their trainset, unless safety is compromised they decide the rules...
Hope that help clear it up and again sorry for the creep...
Jazzy