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ABC stars flown to London for royal wedding

THE ABC’s Annabel Crabb has denied flying business class to London to cover the royal wedding, insisting she was stuck in row 52G “spooned against a very large stranger”.

Because I respect tax payers - it's their money - Morrison

THE ABC’s Annabel Crabb has denied flying business class to London to cover the royal wedding, insisting she was stuck in row 52G “spooned against a very large stranger”.

While ABC travel guidelines allow for journalists to fly business class on long-haul flights, Crabb and Sydney-based offsider Jeremy Fernandez flew cattle class instead.

Yesterday an ABC spokesman said the pair had travelled within the broadcaster’s guidelines, which allow for business class unless the employee agrees otherwise.

Image posted on Instagram showing Annabelle Crabb and Jez Fernandez
Image posted on Instagram showing Annabelle Crabb and Jez Fernandez

An indignant Crabb said they “went straight into a full day’s work” and were “happy and honoured to be here”.

But Crabb’s heroic revelation appears to breach the ABC travel guidelines which state ABC staff are not required to “commence duty within 11 hours after arriving at their destination”.

Aunty’s highly paid Paul Barry and Barrie Cassidy both jumped in to defend Crabb and Fernandez.

Flying the two presenters to London created a stir within the ABC with staff reportedly angered Australian presenters had been flown to a city where a large bureau already existed.

It comes just days after ABC boss Michelle Guthrie announced plans to fight a budget freeze by Treasurer Scott Morrison.

Twitter image by Anna Whitelock saying 'Great fun to hang out with the legend that is Australia’s @annabelcrabb talking all things royal past and present in a London cab! #RoyalWedding'.
Twitter image by Anna Whitelock saying 'Great fun to hang out with the legend that is Australia’s @annabelcrabb talking all things royal past and present in a London cab! #RoyalWedding'.
The couple of the moment appear to be everywhere in London.
The couple of the moment appear to be everywhere in London.
Lots of tourists are picking up trashy merchandise. Picture: AFP
Lots of tourists are picking up trashy merchandise. Picture: AFP

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/abc-stars-flown-to-london-for-royal-wedding/news-story/28ac389b2ff6627b4a0c554db2e73dfc