In an ever-evolving landscape of business travel, a recent survey conducted by BCD in August 2024 sheds light on what truly matters to corporate travelers when booking flights. The survey, which captured responses from over 1,300 frequent flyers, highlights that departure and arrival times, flight duration, and flexibility are crucial in decision-making. While factors such as cost, convenience, and comfort are essential, the overall travel experience hinges on these key priorities.
Convenience and Flexibility Take the Lead
Convenience is undeniably a top priority for business travelers. From securing a preferred seat to ensuring smooth baggage handling, many are willing to invest in added comfort and flexibility. Nearly half of the respondents revealed that they favor refundable or partially refundable tickets, giving them the freedom to manage unforeseen travel changes with ease. In addition, premium services such as priority boarding, fast-track security, and extra legroom are highly valued, with many business travelers happy to pay extra for these perks. For businesses, negotiating for these conveniences in contracts with airlines can enhance the travel experience for employees.
Flight Timing and Cost: The Balancing Act
As expected, price remains a significant factor in flight selection, with more than half of the travelers acknowledging its influence on their decisions. Interestingly, 40% of travelers prioritize finding the cheapest available flights, even if it means sacrificing flexibility or comfort. This reveals an ongoing balancing act between cost and convenience, presenting a challenge for businesses when developing travel policies that cater to both budget constraints and employee satisfaction.
However, what truly stands out from the survey is the emphasis on flight timing and duration. A striking 71% of respondents identified scheduling as the most crucial element in their flight choices. This underlines the importance for companies to align travel policies with employees’ preferences to ensure both operational efficiency and personal well-being. Flexible policies that prioritize work-life balance can enhance overall satisfaction, making travel less stressful for employees.
“A well-structured travel policy not only affects the logistics of business trips but also influences employee happiness and productivity,” explained Teri Miller, Executive Vice President at BCD. “By incorporating additional services like priority boarding or access to lounges, employers can turn work trips into more comfortable and less taxing experiences for their teams.”
Class and Duration: Tailoring Travel for Comfort and Cost
When it comes to travel class, the majority of business trips are relatively short, typically lasting between two to six days. For these trips, 88% of travelers prefer economy class, especially on shorter flights under six hours. Business class, however, is often reserved for longer, international journeys, with 30% of respondents opting for the more luxurious option for extended trips. For businesses looking to optimize both comfort and cost, understanding these preferences can help tailor travel policies accordingly.
Sustainability: A Work in Progress
Sustainability continues to gain traction within the travel sector, but it appears that business travelers are not yet fully prioritizing it. While 66% of respondents favor direct flights both more convenient and more eco-friendly only 16% make conscious efforts to fly less in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Despite a growing recognition of environmental concerns, only a small fraction of business travelers actively choose flights based on their environmental impact, especially if it comes with a higher price tag.
Olivia Ruggles-Brise, Vice President of Sustainability at BCD, pointed out that while many businesses are keen to implement more sustainable travel policies, travelers themselves are still hesitant to prioritize eco-friendly options if it means higher costs. “Travel managers have a role to play in guiding travelers toward more sustainable choices. For example, direct flights, although sometimes pricier, are better for both the traveler’s well-being and the environment. Finding a balance between sustainability and comfort is key.”
Improving Traveler Experience and Wellbeing
The survey also revealed that nearly 70% of travelers are satisfied with their company’s travel policies and preferred suppliers. However, challenges remain. Some travelers face frustrations with booking tools that aren’t user-friendly, or low-cost airlines that compromise comfort. Additionally, long-haul flights and tight schedules can cause physical discomfort, which can affect productivity and morale. Employers who invest in policies offering added benefits, like priority boarding and flexible post-trip schedules, can go a long way in improving the overall experience for their employees.
By gaining a deeper understanding of traveler needs, businesses can refine their travel programs to strike a balance between cost management, employee satisfaction, and sustainability. BCD’s consulting division, Advito, offers expertise in reviewing and refining travel policies, ensuring that organizations meet both their financial goals and the evolving needs of their workforce. Furthermore, developing an effective communication strategy can help businesses engage and educate travelers on the importance of policy changes, ensuring smooth adoption of new practices.
