Business Travel Tips

International and domestic airfare have increased substantially to hit in June new highs since pre-recession levels, the North America Business Travel Monitor (BTM) study reports.

The study, released by National Business Travel Convention – American Express Business Travel shows business travel data and analysis for the first half of 2010, including details of trends in US domestic and international airfare and hotel rates paid this year.

It also reveals that, even with hotel rates decreased slightly compared to the first half of 2009, further increases in demand indicate that hotel price declines will likely cease and even begin to rise in the 2011 negotiating season.

Below the main findings from BTM.

Year-Over-Year Mid-Year International Airfare: Increased 8%
Mid-Year 2010 Average International Airfare Paid – $1,768
– Q1 2010 Average International Airfare Paid – $1,726
– Q2 2010 Average International Airfare Paid – $1,810
Mid-Year 2009 Average International Airfare Paid – $1,642
Mid-Year 2008 Average International Airfare Paid – $1,946

Year-Over-Year Mid-Year US Domestic Airfare: Increased 9%
Mid-Year 2010 Average Domestic Airfare Paid – $233
– Q1 2010 Average Domestic Airfare Paid – $225
– Q2 2010 Average Domestic Airfare Paid – $240
Mid-Year 2009 Average Domestic Airfare Paid – $213
Mid-Year 2008 Average Domestic Airfare Paid – $247

Use of Business Class for International Flights
Mid-Year 2010 International Business Class – 41%
Mid-Year 2009 International Business Class – 38%
Mid-Year 2008 International Business Class – 50%

Year-Over-Year Mid-Year International Booked Hotel Rates: Decreased 2%
Mid-Year Average International Booked Rates Paid – $230
– Q1 2010 Average International Booked Rates Paid – $228
– Q2 2010 Average International Booked Rates Paid – $232
Mid-Year 2009 Average International Booked Rates Paid – $235
Mid-Year 2008 Average International Booked Rates Paid – $267

Year-Over-Year Mid-Year Domestic Booked Hotel Rates: Decreased 2%
Mid-Year 2010 Average Domestic Booked Rates Paid – $149
– Q1 2010 Average Domestic Booked Rates Paid – $146
– Q2 2010 Average Domestic Booked Rates Paid – $151
Mid-Year 2009 Average Domestic Booked Rates Paid – $152
Mid-Year 2008 Average Domestic Booked Rates Paid – $151

(source)