As airlines invest in premium cabins, business travellers continue to face travel-related stress. New research from Dragonpass suggests that better travel benefits could help employers improve staff performance and retention while managing costs.
British Airways is redesigning its premium cabins, Emirates is introducing electrically powered Premium Economy seating with adjustable privacy screens, and Cathay Pacific is upgrading seating and connectivity as part of a $19 billion programme.
However, the focus on improving the onboard experience raises questions about the wider business travel journey. Research from Dragonpass, a travel and lifestyle benefits platform with more than 45 million members worldwide, suggests that companies could be overlooking the impact of travel conditions on employee performance and retention.
Business Travel Faces Pressure as Companies Cut Costs
The findings come as UK businesses face mounting pressure to control expenditure. Reuters reported on 13 October that 68% of UK chief financial officers now consider cutting costs a strong priority, up from 53% in the previous quarter.
At the same time, Dragonpass’ Work Travel Index highlights the potential effects of travel-related stress on employees. The research found that 27% of business travellers had underperformed at work because of travel-related stress. Meanwhile, 33% had accepted poor travel experiences as an unavoidable part of their jobs.
Employee retention is another consideration. Almost half (48%) of respondents said better business travel benefits would encourage them to remain with their employer longer.
Business Travel Spending Forecast to Reach $1.71 Trillion
Global business travel spending is forecast to reach $1.71 trillion in 2026. As expenditure grows, companies face the challenge of managing costs while supporting employees who travel to collaborate and deliver results.
Airlines continue to invest in premium cabins, but the findings suggest that the employee experience extends beyond the flight itself. Airport services, travel benefits and other parts of the journey may also influence how employees experience business travel.
Dragonpass argues that the next stage of corporate travel development could focus more heavily on these elements outside the aircraft. While airlines upgrade their onboard products, employers have opportunities to improve the wider travel experience without relying solely on premium cabin investments.
The findings highlight a broader consideration for corporate travel programmes: balancing expenditure with employee wellbeing, workplace performance and retention.
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