I think part of the problem is that most people have little comprehension of business travel. Twenty years ago I used to travel a lot. My expenses were typically $10,000 to $12,000 per month (all air travel was coach -- unless I got a frequent flyer upgrade). So, when I look at the numbers being tossed around in this case my reaction is, seriously? This is much ado about absolutely nothing. In my entire career, I have never been pinged about expenses. You do what you have to to get the job done and it is your boss who worries about the budget. BTW, the only time I ever stopped to top off the gas tank in a rental car was if I had plenty of time and happened to drive by a gas station.