The National Business Travelers Association, or NBTA, reports that business travel has dropped 10% since 2008 and is being scrutinized by the press and by politicians as an unnecessary expenditure. Actually, it's easiest to persuade your prospect when you meet them in person, and business travel creates jobs. What's needed is an effort to streamline the waste rather than attempt to eliminate business travel altogether.
So if you travel by air, here are a few ways to find a less-expensive airline ticket:
Enduring a little discomfort, such as flying red eye, flying stand by, or flying with one or more stops can lead to big savings for you or your company. Plan in advance by booking early, or use frequent flier miles. In the end, a little thrift improves the public's perception of business travel altogether. And in a climate where people are hesitant to invest, this could really make your company stand out from the crowd.
So if you travel by air, here are a few ways to find a less-expensive airline ticket:
- Be flexible and vague when you request dates to travel. If you're willing to catch a red eye or even a flight during the off-season, you'll end up with a much better deal.
- Sign up to receive deals and alerts by email from your preferred airline or from a number of airlines.
- Use a frequent flier mile program.
- Double check for any hidden fees before deciding on an airline.
- Think about flying stand-by, especially if you're flying during the offseason.
- Fly economy or coach class.
- Use credit cards with rewards that are related to travel.
- Ask about senior or student discounts.
- Avoid booking fees by checking the airline's website directly.
- Use the same airline in both directions.
- Check out airports other than your destination's main airport.
- Explore the option of renting a car through your airline-many offer discounts on packages.
- Fly smaller discount airlines.
- Accumulate knowledge. Ask about airline restrictions so that you'll know how to get a cheaper ticket from your favorite airline.
- Check out a consolidator's website like lowestfare.com, cheapseats.com, or cheaptickets.com.
- Book in advance. Generally, the earlier you book the better your deal will be.
- Pay for your bag online when you confirm your flight the night before and pay less.
Enduring a little discomfort, such as flying red eye, flying stand by, or flying with one or more stops can lead to big savings for you or your company. Plan in advance by booking early, or use frequent flier miles. In the end, a little thrift improves the public's perception of business travel altogether. And in a climate where people are hesitant to invest, this could really make your company stand out from the crowd.