8 WAYS CORPORATE TRAVEL AGENTS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
Whether you regularly use a travel agent for all your travel bookings, or are trying out using an agent for the first time, working with an expert to get you the best fares and perks, as well as make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible can often mean significant cost savings. Here are 8 ways in which our agents regularly help clients get the most out of their travel:
STATUS MATCH UPGRADE
You have worked hard and flown thousands upon thousands of miles to earn you preferred status with your favorite airline. However, your favorite airline doesn’t fly to your next meeting destination. Not to worry – your agent can reach out to the representative at the airline that does fly to that city to get you the treatment you deserve, without paying extra for perks or upgrades.
FARE MATCH
Let’s say you are a loyal American Airlines customer, but you notice that Delta Air Lines has much lower fares on your next flight from Los Angeles to London. Your travel agent can reach out to American Airlines on your behalf to get you the same or similar fare on American so you can still enjoy all the benefits you are used to.
HOTEL PERKS
From major global hotel brands to exclusive retreats around the world, travel agents can get you free upgrades or other perks such as complimentary Wifi, meals in the hotel restaurant, spa treatments and more.
BOOKING A SOLD OUT HOTEL
Was your perfect honeymoon hotel sold out? Or maybe you didn’t get a room in the Four Seasons with your clients for your big meeting coming up? Travel agents can use their leverage with hotels to get you the room you wanted, saving you the time and money it would have taken to book another, more expensive hotel on the other side of town.
COMPLIMENTARY LOUNGE PASSES
As tokens of airlines’ appreciation for what travel agents do, we often find ourselves with a wealth of complimentary lounge passes from airlines around the world, and we are more than happy to pass these benefits on to travelers.
COMPLIMENTARY AIR UPGRADES
This tends to be a perennial favorite for travelers. Once again drawing on the relationship agents have with airlines, we can often arrange for a complimentary upgrade to a premium cabin on both domestic and international flights for no extra charge.
FARE TRACK AND EXCHANGE
Just like many online booking agents, travel agents also have the tools to track fares for certain routes and fare classes. Even if you have already booked your trip, travel agents can alert you of lower fares becoming available and exchange your ticket.
PLANNING YOUR “BLEISURE” TRIP
You travel agent can also help you plan your “bleisure” travel. Bleisure is a combination of “Business” and “Leisure” and refers to the trend of travelers adding some leisure travel on either end of their business trip. Heading to Warsaw or Kuala Lumpur for your next business meeting? Why not ask your travel agent what sights you should take in or which restaurants you should try.
