DATE: June 17, 2008
ATTN: Travel Manager/Arranger/Travelers
Due to the many changes in the Travel Industry and the rising costs for Travel & Entertainment (T&E) expenses, Travel One has compiled this list of cost saving ideas.
GENERAL:
- Consider implementing a pre-trip approval process to eliminate unnecessary travel
- Use preferred vendors nationwide for air, hotel and ground transportation - the more volume the greater the discounts
- Take advantage of Travel One's discounted rates at preferred vendors
- Focus on total "cost of stay" - taking a more expensive flight might save you a hotel night, or taking a cheaper flight plus an added hotel room night could save you money over an expensive fare
- Mandate the use of Travel One for all travel requests to assure travel policy compliance
- Consider corporate meetings in lower cost destinations
AIRFARES:
- Flexibility with times and dates will mean more options for lower fares
- Travel on Tuesday/Wednesday and "off peak" times
- Maximize the airlines "soft dollar" programs (i.e., NWA BizPerks, Delta SkyBonus, etc.)
- Increase advance purchase time for all reservations
- Limit the number of changes to an existing airline ticket
- If it's likely that a trip will change, avoid booking too far in advance - change fees can add significant cost to the bottom line
- Balance cost of non-stop flights vs. extra time for a connecting flight and lower fares
- Limit checked luggage to one per person
- Be aware of minimum stay / Saturday night stay requirements to lower the cost of airfares
- For international travel use Travel One's deeply discounted consolidator fares
- Consider alternate airports
- Shift travel stay pattens to include Sunday or Monday arrivals, and Saturday departures
- Consider having employees turn in their frequent flyer miles earned on business travel for future business travel use
HOTEL:
- Stay at hotels with shuttle service from the airport, free internet connection, free breakfast, etc.
- Consider more value-oriented hotel brands
CAR RENTAL:
- Return rental car full of fuel - car companies may charge to re-fill an entire tank of gas even if a few gallons were used
- Consider picking up rental cars off-site, to eliminate extra airport fees and taxes
- Share cars with other travelers
- Avoid using navigation systems
- Before accepting rental car insurance, be familiar with personal and/or company car insurance policies
- If offered an upgrade, ask if the price is the same - if not decline the upgrade!
Travel One will continue to keep our clients informed of news and information that may affect their corporate travel program. Please contact your Travel One reservationist at 952-854-2555 or 1-800-245-1111 for the most current travel information.
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For vacation travel, call Travel One at 952-854-2551 or 800-247-1311 and ask for a Leisure Agent.
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