Business Travel News reports that U.S. News & World Report has, for the first time, published dedicated league tables for the best U.S. airlines and hotel brands for business travellers—and United Airlines and Marriott International took the crowns. The ranking, released July 22, used data-driven metrics such as network breadth, elite-status benefits and flight reliability. United scored highest for flight availability and traveller experience, edging out Delta, American, Alaska and Southwest. Marriott topped nine hotel chains owing to its extensive footprint in corporate hubs and strong co-branded credit-card perks. The magazine said it created the new categories after surveying travel-budget managers who complained that leisure-centric awards did little to guide policy-preferred supplier lists. Why it matters: Procurement teams often cite third-party rankings when negotiating volume deals. Expect airlines ranked lower to highlight bespoke benefits—carbon-offset programmes or guaranteed Wi-Fi speeds—to stay on preferred lists. Travel managers should also watch for employee preference drift if travellers perceive alignment between policy and well-publicised awards.
Source: Business Travel News
