Originally Posted by roberino

My company actually has an interesting take on this. We do a detailed travel plan each quarter including all trips we need to make plus a contingency for one or two unexpected trips and work out a budget which then gets approved by management. We can then fly in whatever class we like and stay in whatever hotel we like, but if we go over the cap then that's a misconduct offence. It gives the employees the flexibility to give and take depending on the circumstances and everyone seems to be happier with this system. Two years ago the company was tightening its belt and offered a 20% increase on bonus for anyone who was 30% below their cap in all four quarters. Most travelling employees managed this, were ecstatic with the bonus increase and the company saved money overall.