October 29, 2024
A recent BCD survey found that business travelers prioritize flight departure time, arrival time, and length when it comes to booking air travel. Convenience, flexibility and price also rank as top priorities. The survey, from August 2024, gathered insights from over 1,300 business travelers who took to the skies in the past 12 months.
Convenience is key
When it comes to air travel, convenience is a top priority. From seat selection to checked baggage, many travelers are willing to pay for extra comfort and flexibility. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed are opting for fully or partially refundable tickets, allowing them to manage unpredictable travel plans without stress. Priority boarding, fast-tracked security, and extra legroom also rank high among add-ons that business travelers are happy to splurge on. Negotiate for these amenities in your supplier conversations.
What influences flight choices?
No surprise here. Price is a major influence on flight selection, with 51% of travelers agreeing it affects their decisions. Four out of 10 travelers prioritize finding the cheapest flight available, even if it comes at the cost of fewer flexible options. The balancing act between comfort and cost continues to challenge corporate travelers, something to keep in mind when shaping travel policies.
But what stands out even more is how the time of departure, flight duration, and employer policy impact decisions. In fact, 71% of respondents cite scheduling as the most important factor, highlighting the need for policies that align with both traveler preferences and corporate goals. While some situations are unavoidable or out of anyone’s control, employers can improve the employee experience by making adjustments to their travel policy.
“A travel policy has the potential to drastically influence employee wellbeing and satisfaction,” said Teri Miller, executive vice president, Global Client Team at BCD. “Adding ancillaries covered by the company like priority boarding or lounge access can make traveling for work more enjoyable and less stressful for employees. Allowing a flexible schedule, work from home or time off after a business trip can also help your employees adjust after returning home.”
Class and duration: A snapshot of business travel
The majority of travelers use air travel for trips between two and six days. For short-haul flights under six hours, 88% of travelers opt for economy class. Business class, while more luxurious, is typically reserved for long-haul flights, with three out of 10 travelers choosing this option for extended trips. The survey’s data around service classes can offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize both traveler comfort and cost-efficiency.
A sustainable approach?
Sustainability is a growing concern in the travel industry, but may not always be top-of-mind for business travelers. While 66% of respondents opt for direct flights (which are both convenient and eco-friendly), few actively choose flights based on carbon emissions, and only 16% are trying to fly less. With two-thirds of respondents admitting they rarely or never consider sustainability if it raises costs, there’s clearly room for improvement.
“From our last buyer survey on travel policy, we saw that nearly a quarter of buyers rank making their policy more sustainable as a top priority,” said Olivia Ruggles-Brise, vice president of Sustainability at BCD. “However, this research shows that travelers themselves are not prioritizing sustainability in the same way. Travel managers can influence their travelers’ behavior through encouraging or mandating sustainable measures, which often go hand in hand with traveler wellness. Direct flights, for instance, are more sustainable and less stressful for travelers. Though they may come at a higher cost, direct flights result in less emissions than indirect or stopover flights. On the other hand, while business class is better for traveler comfort, it may not be the most sustainable option. Prioritizing only trips that are vital and choosing business class for those trips can strike a balance, benefiting both traveler wellness and sustainability.”
Addressing traveler challenges and wellbeing
Nearly 70% of travelers report being satisfied with their company’s travel policy and preferred suppliers. However, challenges remain. From booking user-unfriendly tools to low-cost airlines that impact comfort, corporate travelers face frustrations that can hinder productivity. Travelers also experience physical discomfort, especially with overnight flights and long-haul drives immediately after landing. Employers have an opportunity to enhance traveler wellbeing by addressing these pain points.
Offering benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and flexible post-trip schedules can improve the overall travel experience, boosting morale and productivity.
By understanding travelers’ needs and preferences, businesses can adapt their travel programs, ensuring a balance between cost control, traveler care and sustainable practices for the future. BCD’s Program Managers can help customers review their current travel policy, and our consulting division Advito also specializes in assessing, benchmarking and rewriting policies. Once updates are in place, it’s crucial to have a communications strategy that engages and educates travelers. Advito’s Engage experts can help craft a communication strategy that uses cutting-edge marketing tactics to ensure travelers are getting the message.
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