In response to tough economic times, large corporations have ordered severe cuts to travel spending over the last two years or so, a move that has staggered the hotel and airline industries. To cut costs, 67% of the business travel managers responding to a survey said they changed corporate policies to restrict business-class air travel. Only 9% said they allow travelers to upgrade to first or business class on flights within North America. On international flights, the survey shows, travel managers are more likely to allow for upgrades.
The survey of more than 600 business travel managers for large corporation conducted by the National Business Travel Association and travel management agency Egencia, shows that such managers rely on several policies to control travel expenses. U.S. businesses spent nearly $50 billion on air travel in 2009.
Source; LA Times
