6 October, 2015

Business travellers unwind in the clouds

For all the big thinking and hard work they do, a new survey has shown business travellers prefer to switch off when in transit mode.

A Corporate Travel Management (CTM) client survey of some of the largest companies down under found that while they might be some of the biggest frequent flyers, they’re also the ones who enjoy some time away from technology.

More than 20% of business travellers carry three or more mobile devices, the survey showed, but most take the opportunity to switch off from work when in the sky.

The results showed mobile device usage among business travellers is higher than the general public, with research from the Australian Communication and Media Authority finding 48% of Australians have a smart phone.

CTM chief marketing and technology officer Tom Clark said the survey provided valuable information for the company by revealing how customers choose to spend their travel time.

“We found corporate travellers are using their devices in flight, but rather than catching up on work, technology is being used to help de-stress and chill out (25.35% vs 64.04%),” Clark said.

“This supports previous feedback that business people, who increasingly are expected to be constantly connected and contactable, use flights as one of the only opportunities they have to unplug.”

Confirming pre-departure travel information (87.02%) and connecting with family and friends while away from home (84.03%) were the top reasons for using mobile phones, laptops and tablets during business travel, with work duties at the destination coming in a close third (81.69%).

“This survey provides support for airlines in selecting their in-flight services, and it reinforces our investment in putting travel information at our customers’ fingertips,” Clark added.

“When the use of technology is so widespread across our customer base, we know we need to continually innovate to provide the information and the solutions clients are looking for, wherever they are, and whatever they are doing.”

Check out the results below:

How many mobile devices (including tablets, mobile phones and laptops) do you typically travel with?

Answer Choices Response Rate

0 2.4

1 15.63

2 60.62

3 18.75

4 2.5

What do you most commonly use your mobile devices for when travelling?

Answer Choices Pre-departure At Airport In-flight At Destination

Connecting with family/friends 74.31% 70.83% 9.72% 84.03%

Work 71.13% 70.42% 25.35% 81.69%

Social Networking 72.55% 66.67% 13.73% 77.45%

Entertainment 42.98% 53.51% 64.04% 57.89%

Destination info 66.67% 49.12% 11.4% 61.4%

Itinerary info 87.02% 66.41% 8.4% 41.98%

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

business traveller Corporate Travel Management CTM frequent flyer technology