Business travel is experiencing a resurgence, but global pricing challenges due to a combination of factors such as high fuel costs, inflation and supply shortages are putting a damper on travel.
In 2024, travellers are likely to want to travel smarter. Travel News delved into some of the ways travel agents can steer their business travellers towards cost-effective or complimentary perks, ensuring maximum benefit in times of economic constraints.
A corporate client and frequent flyer said even that the smallest perks could make big impact on those who travel often.
“There are so many reward schemes around these days, particularly in the world of travel. By being mindful of which schemes offer more and what I am most likely to utilise, I can see that loyalty programmes can pack big value and save me money when I travel.”
Airline loyalty schemes were the most obvious starting point, said the traveller.
“Many programmes allow travellers to pre-seat themselves, and allow some free changes, with lounge access at no additional cost – even through a basic membership.
“I am mindful not to dilute my rewards. It’s worthwhile sticking to airline alliances to earn the most points possible. Airline apps too, can offer rewards. Apart from being convenient from a logistical point of view, some airline travel apps offer rewards like free WiFi only to app-users, which can be accessed via the app on board.”
Credit cards also offer many travel perks that would ordinarily cost extra.
Lounge passes and lounge membership discounts were huge cost-savers for business travellers, added the frequent flyer.
“Hotel chains, too, offer very generous membership benefits, free WiFi, early check-in, hotel parking, and discounted rates on room nights. These are benefits I use frequently. Again, I’m mindful not to dilute my rewards and I stick to one or two hotel chains,” said the traveller.
Some loyalty programme perks apply only to direct bookings – agents making direct bookings on behalf of clients will obviously levy a booking fee.
Some tips to help corporate travellers maximise savings:
- Join loyalty programmes: Enrol your clients in loyalty programmes offered by airlines, hotels, and car-rental companies. These often provide exclusive perks, discounts, priority waitlisting and access to priority services.
- Choose (and stick to) a preferred airline and hotel chain: Sticking to a particular airline and hotel chain means your clients can accumulate points faster. Focusing on one or a few providers allows travellers to concentrate their loyalty and reap more significant rewards.
- Co-brand credit cards: Clients may acquire a co-branded credit card affiliated to a preferred airline or hotel chain. This is a means to accelerate point earnings, sign-up bonuses, and additional perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
- Book direct: Direct bookings often provide additional loyalty points and may come with exclusive members’ discounts.
- Utilise travel portals: Some loyalty programmes have dedicated portals specifically for business travellers, which provide them with additional benefits, such as discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals exclusively for business travellers.
- Status matching: If a client has elite status with one loyalty programme, check if other programmes offer status matching. This can grant similar benefits in a different programme without having to start from scratch.
- Savvy selection: Sometimes, using points for upgrades or premium services can offer better value than using them solely for free flights or hotel stays.
- Leverage promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions and bonus point opportunities. Loyalty programmes often run special offers or promotions that can significantly boost the client’s points balance.
- Blend points and cash: Some loyalty programmes allow travellers the option to combine points and cash for bookings when there aren’t enough points available for a full redemption.
- Keep the account active: Even small activities, like participating in surveys or promotions can help keep the client’s accounts active and earn them extra points.
