BRITAIN'S BUSINESS TRAVELLERS continue to take an ever-increasing number of trips, but they are seeking out cheaper flights.
According to the latest Barclaycard Business Travel Survey fears of an economic downturn have so far had little impact on corporate travel.
Out of 3,000-plus respondents, 44 per cent said they ended up travelling more in 2007 than in 2006, and 33 per cent indicated they plan to travel more this year than last. More than 36 per cent said business expansion in the UK is the prime reason for increased travel, with 31 per cent citing business expansion overseas. However, 55 per cent of those polled said they were "most likely" to travel Economy Class against 46 per cent last year.
Today, only 11 per cent said they usually travel in premium cabins, against 41 per cent in 2001.
Although BA remains the carrier of choice, the percentage of respondents who mostly use easyJet or Ryanair has more than doubled since last year.