Originally Posted by
BoilerUP
At normal cruise mach (0.74-0.80M) and ISA, the difference in TAS between FL310 and FL410 is no more than 10-11kts.
The difference in fuel burn between those altitudes is probably 800-1000pph.
It would be unrealistic to choose altitudes in 10,000 ft intervals on regional routes.
The opportunity cost of flying a CRJ at FL410 is safety and time. The opportunity to save fuel on short routes following a long slooow climb is of little value.
AL