14 Travel Hacks and Airfare Saving Tips
By Nora Dunn
Traveling for business can be a costly proposition; you are often on the road at peak times (and paying peak prices for it), and if a few people from the office are on the trip, the company’s travel expenses can go through the roof. Following are some travel hacks and airfare saving tips to keep your business travel expenses low.
1. Ask for Corporate Discounts.
No matter how large or small your traveling entourage is, it behooves you to ask what corporate discounts are in place. Many hotel chains, car rental services, travel agents, and even some airlines have discount programs for companies. All you have to do is ask!
2. Consider the train.
It’s less expensive, better for the environment, and more comfortable than air travel. Business class and first class tickets don’t involve quite the markup that first class plane tickets do, and you’ll get heaps of legroom, power outlets, and great service.
If it’s a long ride, you can book a sleeping berth for less than you think. With showers and dining facilities on-board, you can step off the train just as fresh as you were when you boarded. Not only will it most likely beat the cost of airfare (plus transportation to and from the airports), but you can also save money on that first (or last) night of accommodation, and arrive to that business meeting ready to make waves.
3. Join a frequent flyer program and use a rewards credit card for business expenses.
You’ll rack up lots of points, and you can reward yourself — or your employees — with an upgraded flight when the time comes. It’s also a great employee perk if you give them the option of accumulating their own frequent flyer miles for their business flights (even if the company pays for the flights).
4. Use car-sharing services instead of renting a car.
If you are a member of a car sharing program in your home town, you may be able to use their services in the city you are visiting as well. This will save you on costly rentals, since you can have a car suited specifically to your needs and schedule — not just the blanket duration of your trip as with a rental.
5. Don’t Go.
Admittedly it isn’t always possible, but the truth is if you can avoid it, you stand to save a lot of money by simply not taking that business trip. Instead, have that “face-to-face” meeting by taking advantage of video conferencing services and other telecommunications technology.
6. Pre-print your boarding pass.
Most airlines allow you to check in and allocate your seat 24 hours prior to your departure. This strategy is especially beneficial if you are traveling with carry-on luggage only, but even with checked bags you can proceed to the designated drop-off zone and save waiting in long check-in lines.
7. Know where you’re sitting.
While you are checking in early, make sure you reserve the good seats with SeatGuru. This site shows you the exact layout of the plane you’ll fly by searching the carrier and route. They color code the seats to show you the best ones so you can ensure you’re sitting in one of them. Generally speaking, you want ...
