18 January, 2007: Looming ahead for US business travelers: higher costs for air, hotel and car rentals.
American Express estimates that the average domestic business trip will cost $46 more this year; the average international trip will increase by $180.
Domestic airfares for business travel are up by 13% over the past year, says American Express.
Airlines have imposed fuel surcharges of anywhere from $10 to $98 per one way ticket, according to BCD Travel.
Hotel rates also jumped 3% according to American Express, and hotel prices are forecast to rise again in the coming year from 5% up to as much as 18% depending on factors such as location.
Rental car rates increased by 4% in 2006 and American Express is projecting a 4% to 6% rise in the cost of renting a car this year.