Almost 9 in 10 (89%) global business travelers, 87% in the US, had a trip not go according to plan in the past 12 months, and the cost is adding up, according to the annual travel disruption report from TravelPerk, a TMC.

TravelPerk estimates US businesses alone are spending more than $17 billion annually on mitigating the fallout from travel disruption, which represents roughly 4% of the country’s total business travel budget, projected at $395.4 billion by the GBTA.

The report is based on a survey of 2,000 business travelers from the US, as well as 5,000 from Europe. For the US, the research finds that weather-related events caused setbacks to 50% of business travelers, up from 30% the prior year. Cancellations are also on the increase, with 42% of US professionals affected during business trips in 2025, compared with 25% in 2023. At a global level the increase is also clear, with cancellations disrupting 36% in the past 12 months, up from 24% in 2023.

On average, US business travelers had to cancel or postpone two business trips in the past 12 months due to travel disruption. 

For the 87% of US business travelers impacted by travel disruption, 43% reported incurring unexpected costs paid by their companies. The estimated annual surcharge per US business traveler disrupted was $502 for unplanned accommodation, $371 for local transportation, $356 for meals and food allowance and $497 for overtime costs. 

Additionally, 77% of those affected had to rebook their trip, and they did so at an average of 27% higher cost to their companies, which was not always covered by their insurance or transport provider.

Crucially, 28% said a travel disruption led to a missed business or sales opportunity in the past year, rising to 40% among C-level executives. 

Roy Hefer, CFO at TravelPerk, said, “Travel is not just a line item in the P&L, it is an investment in the company’s future success.” As such, he said, it warrants the same thoughtful approach that should be applied to other investment decisions. A delay or cancellation doesn’t have to derail an entire trip or drive up costs, said Hefer. “Companies that include flexible fares, cancellation cover, and buffer time in their travel policies are far better positioned to boost productivity and ensure return on investment,” he said.

Companies and professionals in the US are adapting to reduce the impact of disruptions, according to the report:

• Anticipating disruption: 41% of business travelers book flexible fares, 25% add extra time into trips and 49% now check travel updates more frequently.
• Digital tools: 33% rely more on apps to stay informed.
• Stricter company policies: One-third (36%) of employers have introduced policies to control the effects of disruption, such as buying flexible tickets, requiring specific travel insurance and using only approved booking platforms.