- Gen Z is more optimistic about AI’s future impact on business travel than older generations
- Gen Z most likely to avoid filing expenses, four in ten find the process difficult
New York – March 5, 2026 – Business travelers believe travel for work will get easier over the next five years with optimists (44%) outnumbering naysayers (17%) by more than two to one. They expect AI to play a key role in improving the business travel experience and trust AI to streamline expense management, according to new research from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) (NYSE: GBTG) and Ipsos.
The research reveals a generational divide, with Gen Z business travelers (aged 30 and under) leading the optimism charge. More than half (54%) of Gen Z believes travel for work will get easier – compared to 45% of Millennials and just 20% of Gen X. This is significant because many Gen Z travelers report friction in their current business travel experiences; for example, four in ten (41%) say they find arranging work trips difficult.
Gen Z: AI will mean better business travel experiences
Travelers of all ages expect AI-enabled tools to improve key parts of business travel experience in the next five years – from shopping through to accessing on-trip support. Gen Z travelers are especially confident compared to older peers that AI will mean better business travel experiences,
| Gen Z business travelers | All business travelers | |
| Offering personalized travel options | 80% | 78% |
| Making sure traveler has the right documentation | 80% | 76% |
| Helping traveler access support during on-trip disruption | 79% | 76% |
| Checking a trip complies with company travel policy | 78% | 73% |
| Providing personalized pre-trip advice | 77% | 75% |
Evan Konwiser, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Amex GBT, said: “Gen Z’s confidence in AI-powered solutions reflects a broader truth that the next generation of travelers don’t want to choose between convenience and control. We’re architecting an intelligent travel ecosystem that anticipates needs, streamlines processes and lets the traveler choose when and where they want human support.”
Expenses hassles impact all generations, affect Gen Z business travelers more
The research identifies expense management – an integral part of the business travel experience – as a pain point that particularly impacts younger travelers: Half of Gen Z business travelers (46%) claim waiting for business expenses puts significant strain on their personal finances compared to 37% of Millennials and only 22% of Gen X.
Filing expenses is another pain point for Gen Z business travelers: four in ten (41%) who submit expenses say they find the process difficult. These hassles impact behavior: 43% of Gen Z business travelers say they usually avoid volunteering for travel or paying for work expenses so they can sidestep expense management systems. Three in ten (31%) Gen Z travelers say they frequently avoid submitting larger claims (worth more than up to $200/£100) because it’s too much effort, versus 21% of Millennials and 7% of Gen X.
Business travelers trust AI to streamline expense management
Across all generations, the research reveals a strong desire for AI-powered solutions with 68% of business travelers trusting AI tools to simplify expense reporting – rising to 74% among Gen Z. Similarly, 69% of travelers trust AI to accurately predict and pre-authorize expenses pre-trip, rising to 77% of Gen Z respondents. AI-powered expense solutions are now a business necessity for organizations seeking to attract and retain talent while streamlining travel operations.
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About American Express Global Business Travel
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events. We have built the most valuable marketplace in travel with the most comprehensive and competitive content. A choice of solutions brought to you through a strong combination of technology and people, delivering the best experiences. With travel professionals and business partners in more than 140 countries, our solutions deliver savings, flexibility, and service from a brand you can trust – Amex GBT.
Visit amexglobalbusinesstravel.com for more information about Amex GBT, and follow @amexgbt on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Methodology
Ipsos UK carried out online interviews with 1,259 US adults and 1,411 UK employees and non-sole trader/gig worker self-employed. Of this number, 941 were business travelers (537 US adults and 404 UK adults) who had flown for work in the past two years or intend to do so in the next year.
The interviews took place between 9 and 14 January 2026. The online sample from which the business traveler sample was recruited is representative of the wider UK aged 16-75 and the US population aged 18-75, using quotas on age, gender, region and working status.
As the make-up of the business traveler universe is unknown in both countries, the data is presented unweighted. Comparisons between groups should be considered as an indicative read on the views of the wider population.
