If you’ve ever wondered whether you can claim for business class flights or suites in five-star hotels on your company, here’s some good news: HMRC doesn’t actually cap how luxurious your business travel can be. The key is making sure it’s genuinely for business and that you’ve got a solid, justifiable reason for your choices. Here’s everything you need to know to stay both compliant and comfortable.
1. Travel in Style: Flights
- Flights: No Class Limits
- HMRC does not specify what class you can fly.
- Want to book business class or first class? Go for it, as long as you have a justifiable business reason, like arriving at your meeting rested, or needing space to work en route.
- The key is being able to show why it made business sense, not just personal preference.
2. Hotels: No Restrictions on Accommodation Level
- There’s also no rule about what standard of hotel you can stay in for business.
- If you want to book a suite at a five-star hotel, that’s fine. Provided it’s in line with your business activities and you have a good business reason (e.g., client meetings, need for workspace, or security).
- Just be reasonable and document your reasons if asked.
3. Extras: Not All Add-Ons Are Deductible
- Room service meals and the basic accommodation? Generally fine if it’s for business.
- Personal extras like massages, spa treatments, or in-room movies? Those are not allowable business expenses. You’ll need to pay for those separately. They can’t be claimed against your company tax.
Maximise Your Lifestyle - Stay Compliant
So, yes, you can enjoy a bit of luxury when you travel for business, as long as it’s genuinely for work and you can justify it. The main thing is to keep it professional and keep your records clear.
Final Thoughts
Luxury business travel is absolutely claimable, provided it’s for genuine business reasons and you keep good records. HMRC doesn’t want you slumming it for work, but they do want to see that expenses are justified and not simply personal perks in disguise. So maximise your lifestyle, travel in comfort, and stay fully compliant.