Flying Annoys Business Travelers — But They’re Still Traveling

A recent U.S. Travel Association survey delivers what ought to be sobering news for the corporate travel industry: In 2013, travelers avoided 38 million domestic trips by air. Why the aversion to air travel? Survey respondents cited hassles such as cancelations and delays, as well as unexpected ancillary fees for services like checked baggage, carry-on luggage, seat assignments, and flight changes. Those 38 million avoided flights equate to an average of 2.41 flights per person and a loss of $35.7 billion for the business travel industry.

Yet, even though business travelers are avoiding some trips because of air-travel annoyances, they are still traveling. Hotels are reporting continued increases in occupancy, and a recent report by PKF Hospitality Research suggests occupancy rates will continue to grow this year for the fifth year in a row. Driving the rebound in occupancy rates is the business travel and corporate lodging sector, particularly business group requirements such as conferences and company meetings.

Travel trends and your business

What do these travel trends mean for your business? With no immediate growth anticipated in the number of new rooms and facilities through the remainder of 2014 and likely the next several years, companies can expect to see occupancy levels and lodging costs continue to increase.

In response to increasing costs and decreasing availability of lodging, as well as air travel issues, companies are seeking out more creative business travel solutions to offset the hassles of commercial air travel and minimize employees’ time away. For example, some companies are offering employees alternative forms of transportation that are more convenient than air travel and also reduce overall travel cost. Holding meetings at airport hotels and conference centers is another solution that businesses are using to mitigate the hassles of conventional air travel for their employees.

As travel trends fluctuate, having the right lodging partner helps you keep your travel budget in check. By negotiating rates with our network of hotel and lodging providers, Creative Lodging Solutions helps you deal with cost increases and ensure lodging is available when you need it — regardless of whether your employees are traveling by plane, train, or automobile.