Why 90% of Business Travelers Say Premium Enhances Productivity

In today’s fast-paced business world, business travel is a necessity. Executives and professionals are constantly on the move, and while travel was once viewed as a necessary burden, today’s landscape is shifting. Companies are realizing that how their employees travel directly impacts overall productivity. According to Blacklane’s Travel Trends Report, a staggering 90% of business travelers agree that premium travel experiences, such as first-class flights, luxury hotel stays, and chauffeur-driven transfers, significantly enhance their productivity on the road.

The Value of Premium Travel in the Corporate World

Corporate leaders are increasingly focused on improving the quality of travel for their employees. The data from the report reveals that 96% of C-level executives believe that premium services boost their work performance. This shift isn’t just about treating employees well—it’s about ensuring that time spent traveling turns into valuable, productive hours.

As business travel becomes more common, the value of premium travel services is becoming clear. Better travel experiences reduce the stress of long-haul flights, uncomfortable seating, and unreliable transport. For instance, 45% of C-level executives report losing between four to eight hours of productivity on poorly planned or stressful trips. This represents a significant opportunity cost, one that companies can avoid by investing in superior travel options.

The ROI of Premium Travel

The return on investment for premium travel services is clear: less downtime and more productive hours. Business travelers are increasingly prioritizing comfort, privacy, and punctuality over cost, with only 22% listing cost as their top concern. This shows a shift in priorities—companies are focusing on long-term gains by enabling their employees to work efficiently while traveling.

How Seamless Travel Unlocks Productivity

Travel, especially frequent trips, can disrupt even the most organized schedules. Delays, distractions, and logistical challenges often lead to lost hours, impacting performance once the traveler arrives at their destination. With premium travel services, professionals can arrive refreshed and ready, rather than stressed and unfocused.

For C-level executives, where every decision counts, the stakes are even higher. The report shows that 39% of business travelers say that WiFi access throughout their journey would allow them to work without interruption. Seamless connectivity, combined with comfortable and reliable transportation, can turn travel time into productive work hours.

Conclusion:

The data points to a clear conclusion: premium travel is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to maximize their employees’ productivity. By investing in premium services, companies ensure that their most valuable assets—people—are operating at their best, even on the move. As corporate travel evolves, the focus must shift from cost-cutting to creating better, more productive travel experiences.

To elevate your corporate travel program, explore Blacklane's solutions here.