Travel policy discussion

[George Sadowsky <george.sadowsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The airlines have been very successful in imposing the outline of a 
class structure on those of us who travel far and often.  Business 
class not only means more comfort, but it often imbues the traveler 
with status that generates a feeling of greater importance than his 
or her colleagues who travel economy class.  I find this unfortunate.
On the other hand, I was pleased that the rules have changed for at 
least some ICANN staff, at least for those who were on my flight back 
to North American from India, and who shared economy accommodations 
with me.  I didn't wish them discomfort, but I felt that the 
distinction between treatment of volunteers (economy) and treatment 
of staff (business) was not only inequitable, but was causing 
substantial antagonism and wasted energy complaining about it.
I believe that an almost all-economy travel policy is not offensive 
and does not degrade anyone subject to it.  If the differences in 
fares were considerably smaller, I might feel differently, but I 
cannot justify paying so much more for so little time.  I would make 
exceptions on the basis of health reasons (including size), and 
possibly others.
Whether the Board travels business class is not so important to me as 
how the overall policy is executed.  If it is subject to the 
arbitrary whims of a travel agent who does not respect certain 
preferences of travelers, then the implementation will raise at least 
as much discontent as has existed in the past.  If there is 
sufficient flexibility to accommodate individual preferences, 
including the possibility of deviations at the traveler's expense, 
and if the service is prompt, efficient and the contact is 
cooperative and timely (which according to some reports I have heard 
it has not been), then perhaps almost all of us can forget about 
previous inequities an get on with our work.
Just for the record, having been Chair of the the three NomComs 
previous to this one, I do not support preferential treatment for 
NomCom appointments, or for members of the NomCom or for its Chair. 
They should be governed by the rules of their supporting 
organization, committee, or Board.
George Sadowsky