Business travelers divided over whether to allow GPS tracking during work trips

GPS tracking is a tool companies can use to know the location of their employees traveling for business, for example to reach them in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

But business travelers are divided on whether to allow this type of tracking. According to Travelport’s “U.S. Business Traveler & Travel Policy 2018” survey, 55% of respondents say they would agree to the tracking, but 45% say they would not.

Travelport says the “willingness of business travelers to trade personal privacy for enhanced corporate security reflects their readiness to make sacrifices in return for other benefits.”

There's more consensus about sharing personal data in exchange for receiving customized ads while booking. 

Seventy percent of respondents say they would like to be shown ads based on their previous online booking history, personal interests or previous travel purchases.

Another finding: A majority of business travelers in the United States are willing to spend their own money to pay for upgrades that are not part of their company’s travel policy, such as a better hotel, faster hotel Wi-Fi or better seats on an airplane.

When choosing an airline, convenience is the top factor business travelers consider. Forty-eight percent of respondents say they prioritize flight departure and arrival times and direct flights.

Business travelers also want more flexibility: 80% say they would like to work for a company that allows them to book travel directly and that allows automated, digital expense reporting.

“The survey suggests standard corporate travel practices may be falling short of business travelers’ expectations while on the road,” says Erika Moore, Travelport’s vice president and general manager of U.S. sales.

“Convenience and a familiar consumer experience are important to business travelers when planning and managing their journeys.”