- Lay the groundwork β Small changes in travel habits can mean big savings throughout the yearβespecially when it comes to how far in advance business travelers book. In their recent annual report about the state of the air travel industry, Expedia and Airlines Reporting Corp., found the biggest deals on average air ticket prices can be found 21 days or more in advance.
- Prioritize perks β According to °ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλβs air shopping and merchandising data, the most commonly purchased ancillaries across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are fast-track passes and pre-reserved seat fees. When negotiating with suppliers, companies should include fast-track and seat upgrade fees in their contracts. High-performing road warriors will appreciate the flexibility and convenience these incentives provide.
- Minimize disruptions – According to °ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλβs flight and airport data, Chicago OβHare International Airport (ORD), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Sao Paulo Congonhas International Airport (CGH), and London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) are some of the most heavily traveled airports by business travelers. They also tend to have more delays. Companies can help business travelers minimize the downside of delays by underwriting a global lounge program membership.
- Simplify the booking and travel management process – About 80 percent of global business travelers prefer to self-book travel, including road warriors who want to use self-service technology to manage their trips. There is an opportunity for travel managers to incorporate travel apps into their policies and encourage travelers to download apps from their travel management company and preferred providers.
Press Release
°ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλ and Egencia make 2017 βThe Year of the Business Travelerβ
Four data-driven tips to increase business traveler satisfaction without breaking the budget
SOUTHLAKE, Texas, and BELLEVUE, Wash.Β β February 22, 2017 β (NASDAQ: SABR), the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, and , the business travel company of Expedia, Inc., today released analysis and recommendations on ways companies can support their road warrior employees with a focus on the most valued perks and travel policies, captured in a joint whitepaper titled, .
Based on analysis of °ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλβs global air, hotel and ancillary booking data, companies have the opportunity to increase traveler satisfaction in several areas, especially for road warriors. Life as a business traveler isnβt always easy. By heeding some of the tips from Egencia and °ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλ, collected from data insights in traveler booking behavior and suppliersβ service, businesses can simplify the experience for all frequent travelers with fairly minor updates to their program.
βData is defining a new era of travel management today. Smart businesses can leverage travel insights in more creative ways to strengthen corporate programs, while making trips more productive and travelers more satisfied. Companies used to focus on compliance. With the data we have today, the strategic approach is simplifying the travel experience by putting the business traveler first,β said Wade Jones, interim president of °ΔΓΕΘύΠ€ΘύΒλ Travel Network.
βBusiness travel is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 20201. Historically, as spend increases, companies increase their travel policy constraints. Egencia helps clients drive compliance without mandates, without constraints.Β We do this by focusing on the business traveler, by offering solutions that guide efficient decisions without sacrificing choice,β said Rob Greyber, president of Egencia.
With an increased emphasis on ensuring business traveler satisfaction, on balancing this need with an eye on driving costs down and compliance up.
Tips to Keep Business Travelers Satisfied