5 Business Travel Trends to Watch in 2020

Be aware of this travel forecast to help you get the most out of your travels.

The year 2019 saw some expected travel trends but was also full of surprises. From government shutdowns causing travel delays to more awareness of flight shaming, many business travelers encountered disruptions during their travels. As you start planning your business travels for the rest of 2020, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. 

For one, you may notice an increase in bleisure (business plus leisure) trips being taken, as well as longer trips as more Millennials fill the workplace. It might also help to be aware of some of the rankings of airlines in 2019. Knowing which ones rank best and worst can help you make better travel decisions. 

Here are a few other trends to look out for in 2020.

1. Digital integration

Expect to see more airlines and travel-related services to add capabilities or upgrade their websites and apps, making it easier for users to do everything digitally. For instance, Google recently made finding accommodations more convenient by combining searches for hotels and home shares in one place, as well as providing research on when to get the lowest fares. Implementing tech into everyday tasks with less reliance on people is a trend in many industries, including travel. 

More hotels and other accommodations are using technology to enhance their customer experiences. Keyless entry, robots, digital check-ins, and appliances you can control through apps or virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri is something you might encounter. You might even be given a smartphone to use while you are a guest. 

You'll also see more digital check-in kiosks when leaving and arriving in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to develop and implement a biometric entry-exit data system with a deadline of 2021.  

2. Varied and unique accommodations

More business travelers are skipping traditional hotels and embracing home share or apartment-style options. This correlates with extended bleisure stays, since using an Airbnb or similar accommodation can help keep costs down thanks to discounts and being able to cook rather than having to go out to eat for each meal. Plus, they can help you get a feel for daily life in the place you're visiting, and can even reduce your carbon footprint.

3. More flight routes

Many of the legacy carriers have announced more flight routes and expansions to new destinations. For instance, Royal Air Maroc is now a oneworld alliance partner, the first full African airline partner. Meanwhile, American Airlines will begin offering flights to Casablanca this summer. Delta will offer daily flights from Boston to London Gatwick, while Southwest Airlines will start flying out of Newark. 

If you or your company is loyal to one airline (or its alliance), knowing the new routes and destinations can save you money. Note that some airlines are offering higher signup bonuses or perks. Some of the best credit card offers include airline bonuses for up to 100,000 points/miles.

4. Sustainability

Expect to see more airlines commit to making changes that support sustainability. Many have committed to lowering their carbon footprint. JetBlue is the latest airline to commit to offsetting its carbon emissions by purchasing offsets for all domestic flights. Beginning this summer, JetBlue is expanding its partnership to include EcoAct and South Pole as well as its current partner, Carbonfund.org (which also partners with other major airlines to provide funds to programs that work to cancel out emissions).

As more travelers aim to reduce their carbon footprint, expect to see a rise in alternative forms of transportation like trains and boats. While this might not always be viable for business travelers who are on a specific schedule, having more options for travel isn't a bad thing. You can also expect to see more vegetarian and vegan options in airports and hotels, diets shown to be beneficial for the environment.

Hotels are offering rewards, such as more points, for reusing towels and for not needing sheets changed. They are also reducing toiletry waste by installing dispensers for shampoo and soaps. Single-use plastics are being eliminated, while products that are not biodegradable, such as plastic bags and plastic bottles, are being banned around the globe. Sunscreen that contains chemicals known to harm coral is also being banned from some places.

5. Self-booking

It's easier than ever to book your travels online, and more business travelers are booking and planning their own travels rather than hiring a travel agent. The rise in self-booked business trips may also be because many business travelers grow frustrated with their employer's booking tools, according to a survey from Expedia Partner Solutions. With more travel-related sites and apps becoming available, it's easy to plan your travels to fit your specific personality and needs.