BBC spends £3million a year on luxury air travel

Under the broadcaster's travel guidelines, employees are told they should use the lowest cost means of transport and use audio or video conferences instead of face to face meetings where possible.

Travelling any class other economy is only allowed under "exceptional circumstances" for journeys over four hours long, but the figures show the BBC spent £2,999,861 on business class flights and £85,362 on first class in the most recent financial year.