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CAR-SHARING ENCOURAGED TO SAVE US BUSINESS TRAVEL COSTS

SOARING COSTS are forcing US companies to cancel and curtail business trips, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) says.

Travel managers are particularly concerned about supplemental charges being levied by airlines. Threequarters of those polled by the association say the additional fees, such as fuel surcharges and baggage charges, are "misleading".

According to NBTA number-crunchers, the cost of the average domestic business trip rose by up to US$175 (£114) during 2008, while the average international trip was up to US$400 (£260) more expensive.

Travel managers are urging employees to use cars instead of flying, and promoting car-sharing schemes. Exactly half the poll respondents say they have banned all but essential trips.