This survey explores corporate travel policies and looks at the changes happening to policies and traveler satisfaction with current regulations.
The results are based on an online survey of 1,201 business travelers worldwide. The survey was conducted from April 10-19, 2024.
Table of contents
- Respondent profile
- Introduction
- Enforcing travel policy
- Satisfaction with travel policy
- Communication
RESPONDENT PROFILE
INTRODUCTION
Travel Policy
96% of travelers report having a published travel policy in their company. The policy is cost-focused, according to half of respondents.
Using travel policy when planning a trip
When planning business travel, nine in 10 consult travel policy, a quarter doing so frequently.
Last policy check
Eight in 10 consulted their company’s travel policy in the past 12 months.
Where to find the policy
95% of traveling employees know where to find the travel policy, when needed.
Travel policy and employment
While 8% cite travel policy influencing their decision to join their company, for most this factor wasn’t decisive.
Impact of policy on willingness to stay with the company
A quarter acknowledge the influence of travel policy on their willingness to stay with the company.
ENFORCING TRAVEL POLICY AND OUT-OF-POLICY BEHAVIOR
Enforcing policy
Pre-trip approvals, encouraging in-policy choices when booking and expense audits are among the top three ways to enforce travel policy.
Out-of-policy deviations
Two-thirds of business travelers do not comply with their travel policy from time to time.
Reasons for out-of-policy behavior
Travelers tend to deviate from the travel rules due to requirements of client meetings or conferences and events.
Consequences of out-of-policybehavior
Traveling employees may need additional approvals for non-compliant bookings. Also, reimbursement of out-of-policy expenses may be challenging.
SATISFACTION WITH TRAVEL POLICY
Issues with travel policy
Over one in five say their policy isn’t responsive to traveler needs or is too restrictive. A third don’t have issues with their company’s travel policy.
Cost-control measures
Three in five are encouraged to book through an online booking tool,
which helps control travel costs.
Airline ancillaries
Class upgrades and lounge access are rarely allowed by travel policies, yet most sought after by travelers.
Frequency of traveling business class
Less than half travel business class, and 9% do so often.
Hotel ancillaries
Two-thirds would like their policy to allow hotel room upgrades. Almost half are interested in early check-in and late check-outs.
Policy changes wanted by travelers
Over three in 10 look for more flexibility when booking transportation and accommodation.
Traveler profiles to be addressed
Two in five prefer an equal travel policy for all travelers, while a third are interested in special rules for road warriors.
TRAVEL POLICY COMMUNICATION
Frequency of policy communication
Over nine in 10 receive communication around travel policy, but with varying frequency.
Communication channels
Most communication is received through emails and the company’s intranet.
Satisfaction with support around policy
Over half are satisfied with the policy-related support provided by their travel team.
