Originally published Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Business travel to be pricier next year
American Express forecasts higher costs for business travel in 2009
Business travelers can expect to pay almost 3 percent more to get from "Point A" to "Point B" in the U.S. next year, according to a report from American Express Business Travel released Wednesday.
"Considering airfare, car rental and hotel stay, we expect the average domestic trip to increase 2.8 percent, or $31, to a total of approximately $1,139," said Herve Sedky, vice president and general manager global advisory services. "An increase of 4.3 percent, or approximately $147, is expected for international trips to bring the average cost to $3,556."
Sedky said lower fuel prices and the slowing economy could mean airlines will lower fares in 2009. But he cautioned that an array of fees for things like meals and baggage could keep the total cost of flights up. Sedky said fees can add as much as 15 percent to the cost of a trip.
The bad news for hotel owners — good news for business travelers — is that lower occupancy rates in most areas will keep 2009 room rate increases below this year's level, according to the report.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
How to save money, energy on Thanksgiving road trip
Southwest's "bags fly free" policy is landing new customers
Snow globes? TSA will likely just say 'no'
Finding youthful spirits on elder-filled cruise
Unions urge Obama to fix ailing airlines

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
631 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
205 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
177 - GOP clueless as families struggle with health care
166 - KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
135 - Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
121 - Prosecutor weighs death penalty in police slaying
103 - Wright State game thread
97 - Person of interest in custody in connection with Greenwood arsons
95 - Rang says Locker not ready for NFL
85
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15
- Boeing: 787 fix is complete on first plane
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks





