Travel disruptions now the norm for Canadian business travel
New study reveals 70% of businesses affected
Business travel in Canada is hitting turbulent skies. An overwhelming 70% of travellers have experienced disruptions, according to a recent Corporate Traveller study conducted by YouGov. The Canadian business travel sector is braced for an 11% increase in demand in 2024—mirroring the Global Business Travel Association’s 15% growth projection—meaning it’s critical to address these disruptions now.
The findings illuminate the extent of these challenges. Regular disruptions affect 1 in 10 travellers, while another 27% encounter occasional issues and 33% rarely face problems. The data reveals gender and age disparities, with men (74%) and younger travellers such as Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (74%) experiencing more frequent disruptions than women (62%), Baby Boomer/Silent Gen (64%) and Gen Xers (63%).
But how are they managing it? 58% of Canadian business travellers are choosing to tackle disruptions head-on, independently. This lone-wolf approach might seem intriguing, but it comes with a hefty price tag for both travellers and businesses: time and stress.
Time is money, especially in the corporate world. The findings paint a stark picture of time spent resolving travel disruptions.
Frequent travellers (5+ times a year) are more likely than less frequent travellers to say it took 5 hours or more for their last travel disruption to be resolved (36% compared to 1-2 times a year: 17%, 3-4 times a year: 23%).
The clear winners? Travel Management users. Nearly half (49%) resolved issues within 2-4 hours, while only 37% of those who went solo managed to do the same.
Stress levels in resolving travel disruption
Overall, two in three (67%) found the experience in resolving their last travel disruption to be stressful, including almost one in five (18%) who say it was very stressful. Three in ten (31%) say it wasn’t stressful.
Looking ahead: The future of business travel in Canada
Chris Lynes, Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada—including global travel brands Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel—believes that it’s critical to remember that the true cost of travel disruptions extends beyond inconvenience. Disruptions pose a tangible threat to business productivity. The study shows that among business travellers who experienced such disruptions, a staggering 91% report an adverse impact on their business plans. Specifically, 12% state that the disruption had a significant adverse impact, while over 42% say it had some adverse impact.
Surging business travel demand and reduced airline seating capacity compounds these challenges," says Lynes. "Together, these findings underscore the critical importance of proactive measures in managing travel disruptions. Prioritizing strategies to mitigate these risks can yield up to 15% savings through our negotiated rates and an additional 7% through our customized travel policies.
-Chris Lynes | Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada
Long hours and lost dollars: How airline holds are costing Canadian companies millions
While travel delays and disruptions have become the norm unfortunately, just how much of a wait time should travellers expect?
- 59% of business travellers report spending over an hour on hold when contacting airlines.
- 32% have endured waits of at least 2 hours.
- 14% have experienced the exasperating wait times of 4+ hours.
These extended hold times not only disrupt travel plans but also add significant stress to an already challenging process. For frequent travellers—those who take 5 or more business trips per year—these long waits are more than a recurring annoyance, they are a:
- Productivity Drain
- Financial Toll
- Stress Factor
This year alone, Corporate Traveller assisted with over 40,000 emergency calls, handling everything from last-minute travel changes to cancellations and other urgent travel needs. Their around-the-clock support services have also saved Canadian businesses a combined total of 24,000 hours and $18 million, through negotiated rates, cost avoidance, and optimized travel plans.
Our goal is to help businesses create comprehensive travel programs, and with our 24/7 support, combined with AI tools and predictive analytics, we can assess delays and disruptions in real-time and act quickly. This proactive approach is essential, providing peace of mind and ensuring the safety of all travellers.
-Chris Lynes | Managing Director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada
Methodology:
Figures from the study conducted by YouGov Plc reached a total sample size of 1,049 adults from Canada who are likely to travel for business in the next 12 months. Fieldwork was undertaken between July 3–11, 2024. The survey was carried out online and commissioned by Corporate Traveller. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Canadian business travellers (aged 18 and older).
Unless stated otherwise, all other data is based on Corporate Traveller insights.
Media contact:
For hi-res images, b-roll or media enquiries, please contact: media@corporatetraveller.ca