subject: Corporate Agents Get Far Better Discount Business Class Airfare [print this page] Employing a corporate travel agency has several benefits. Some of them might include price discounts, hotel reservations, emergency, and customer service to name a few. It might seem practical and cheaper to use the web, but it has many limitations compared to using a professional travel management firm.
Reality Check
Let's get to the point - airlines are businesses. They need to make as much money as they can and will search for every opportunity to so. Do you really believe those items for sale in the plane are for your benefit? If you feel the web or newspaper contains the best prices you couldn't be further from the truth.
Why do airline ticket prices vary? During peak seasons such as Christmas, more people need travel tickets. The number of airplanes and seats are basically the supply and it is limited. More and more people will buy tickets with departure dates near December 24 and return dates after January 2.
There aren't enough plane seats to accommodate every single person who would like to travel on that date - thus airlines demand higher prices. How will you beat it? Book at least 3 months prior. The problem is most people don't know their schedule since their work could affect their plans. Airlines know this and most importantly, will take advantage by charging higher prices.
A corporate travel agency gets tickets in bulk and well ahead of time. These are charged wholesale discount business class airfare unavailable to you on the web or elsewhere. It is their incentive from airlines so that they too can generate income.
Travel Management Companies
Corporate travel agencies aren't dinosaurs. They also use computers and get internet. In a similar manner you probably search the internet for prices, these businesses have special software which can view dozens of websites all at once.
Agents know where to search for better airfares. Some agencies have special deals with certain airlines so they have access to the ticketing system. If you're looking for discount business class airfare, or special prices for a group package it is better to go to these businesses. You possibly can negotiate prices with them whereas you can't when booking online.
Customer Service
When you reserve on the net it is difficult to change plans, but agents can be offered a tentative date and may hold on for you till a specific time. The longer your company's relationship with them, the better your benefits will be because of your credibility.
Bad weather happens anywhere resulting in cancelled flights. When this happens what do you think anyone would do? They'll call the airline at the same time. Often it will take you ages to contact them or they won't be of much help.
A corporate travel agency is going to be there for you and figure out what emergency actions to take. They already know your first question - how quickly can I leave? Good agencies are knowledgeable and will act right away for you. They are going to either rebook you in another airline quickly or find you an affordable hotel near the airport if the weather becomes very bad.
Hotels & Meeting Management
Corporate travel management isn't tied to plane tickets. They also know where to shop for hotel rooms in an emergency at good prices too. In fact some even have meeting management services.
A corporate travel firm has a lot more advantages over carrying out reservations yourself. The rewards are discounts, customer service and also other services all leading to peace of mind.
